The content of the article:
- general information
- Types of blockers
- Rules for choosing mechanical anti-theft devices for a car
In Moscow alone, more than 50 cars are stolen every day. These statistics make you think about the safety of your own car, because not a single driver wants to be in the place of a victim of car thieves.
A large number of anti-theft devices can be found on the market, each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages. It should be noted that the use of any security device does not give a 100% guarantee that the car will not be stolen. However, anti-theft devices significantly complicate the work of the car thieves, reducing their chances of committing a crime.
Depending on the principle of exposure, the following protective structures are distinguished:
- car alarms;
- immobilizers;
- mechanical type devices;
- satellite tracking.
In our article we will talk about mechanical anti-theft devices, consider each of their types, and also talk about whether it is worth installing these protective equipment on a car at all.
General information
Mechanical anti-theft structures, or blockers, are devices that prevent illegal entry into a car and block certain parts of the car, preventing it from starting to move.
Properties of anti-theft mechanical structures:
- Ergonomic qualities or ease of use.
- Security.
- Reliability. It is characterized by two indicators: cryptographic resistance and structural strength. Crypto resistance is the ability to open the anti-theft bollard by selecting a suitable key or master key, as well as by shock using bumping, without violating the integrity of the lock. Mechanical strength is the resistance to destruction of a structure by rough physical impact.
Types of blockers
Depending on the purpose, the following types of blockers are distinguished:
- adapted - created taking into account the characteristics of the parts of a particular car model;
- universal - suitable for various car models.
Adapted anti-theft systems are more reliable, since they take into account all the features of a particular type of car.
Correct installation of mechanical interlocks is the most important condition for the implementation of their protective properties.
According to the principle of installation, blockers are divided into:
- Removable. These mechanical devices have a rather low degree of security and are often used to supplement basic anti-theft systems. The daily installation and removal of equipment is time consuming. The advantage is their low cost and no need to make adjustments to the design of the machine. These devices include a pedal lock and a steering lock.
- Stationary. In most cases, the installation of these devices is a rather complicated procedure; for this, a one-time shear fastener is used, after which its head breaks off. For the driver, this type of mechanical anti-theft is the most convenient, since it does not require daily installation. Stationary anti-theft devices are: additional protective door and hood locks, structures for blocking the gearbox or steering shaft.
Consider each type of anti-theft device in more detail.
Pedal lock
The pedal lock is a compact, discreet device made from durable stainless steel. When the anti-theft blocker is operating, the pedals of the cars are completely immobilized, while the engine starts without problems. Most often, such devices block all the operating pedals of the car.
The equipment also protects against accidental pedaling when not needed.
Locks for gas, brake and clutch control instruments have several advantages:
- modest appearance allows the device to remain unnoticed;
- the anti-theft blockers do not depend on electricity.
- strong steel does not allow an intruder to saw or break the lock;
Disadvantages of Mechanical Pedal Locks:
- the need to remove and put on the lock each time;
- direct contact with the pedals of the vehicle. In wet or cold weather, the driver will have to spend extra time installing the bollard as the car's pedals are dirty.
Steering lock
It is an anti-theft device that is installed on the steering wheel rim or on its spoke. The essence of the bollard is to prevent the steering wheel from rotating and to prevent the vehicle from starting to move.
Steering wheel lock benefits:
- The device is visible from the street. This reduces the chances that the car thief will choose your car to steal.
- Low cost.
Unfortunately, this anti-theft design has more disadvantages, the main ones are:
- Universal steering wheel locks are often not adapted to the ergonomics of some car models.
- When dismantled, the rigid structure can scratch the windshield or the interior plastic.
- Inability to install the bollard in a convenient position.
- The structure can be easily broken.
Additional door locks
They are rods that go through the end of the car door.
Such mechanical anti-theft devices prevent an intruder from entering the vehicle interior.
There are more modern door locks that can be controlled remotely. When they are closed, the electric drive extends the protective additional pins and blocks the car. Most often, additional door locks are installed only on the driver's side, in order to save money. However, this increases the risk of theft by thieves who may try to enter the passenger door.
Hood locks
They are necessary in order to close the intruder's access to the engine compartment. Hood lockers will protect your car from theft and theft of the battery.
There are separate, additional bonnet bolts and pin structures to protect the main lock. A plastic cap must be put on each pin of the bollard. If the attacker decides to cut the rod, the cap will begin to rotate, making the task difficult for the criminal. Additional bonnet locks are unreliable, since an experienced thief can easily pick such a lock with a special lock pick.
Gearbox locking device
Anti-theft devices for blocking gearboxes can be either model, that is, suitable only for a specific car, or universal. According to the principle of operation, there are three types of mechanical anti-theft devices for blocking the gearbox:
- Arc blockers. They have the simplest design. The lock covers the gearshift lever and locks the rocker. Arc blockers are easy to install and versatile. Of the minuses - massiveness and lack of reliability.
- Pin devices. More modern gearbox blocker. Thanks to the installation under the console, the anti-theft agent remains invisible and does not spoil the appearance of the passenger compartment. The principle of operation is to use a protective pin, which is installed in a special hole. You can remove the pin only by opening the bollard lock.
- Pinless blocker. Very handy anti-theft device.The design is installed in such a way that only the lock remains outside, all the system parts are hidden under the console. The installation of a pinless blocker should be carried out in a specialized car service.
Using a gearbox blocker as a mechanical anti-theft device, you cannot be completely sure of the safety of your iron friend, since there are other ways to shift gears in an automatic transmission, and a car with a manual gearbox can be easily hijacked by towing.
Steering shaft lock
This device consists of a clutch that is attached to the steering shaft near the pedals. A blocking metal rod with a lock is inserted into it. It is not easy to dismantle such an anti-theft structure; this is done with the help of a certain tool, the work with which is accompanied by a loud noise.
Steering shaft locks are already built-in on many cars. However, the quality of some of them is poor. For example, if the steering wheel is turned sharply, the anti-theft device may break. High-quality bollards are more reliable and are installed using shear fasteners.
Cardan shaft blocker
This anti-theft device prevents the propeller shaft from rotating. Only used for rear wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicles. The main locking mechanism is located on the cardan, and the lock is located in the car in the area of the gear lever. The propeller shaft lock is a good protection against theft of a car.
Rules for choosing mechanical anti-theft devices for a car
A few simple rules will help you choose a reliable anti-theft bollard:
- Before purchasing, study the design features of your vehicle.
- Whichever anti-theft remedy you choose, you must give preference to only quality products. Saving in this case means throwing money down the drain.
- In case of an unsuccessful attempt to steal, the mechanism of many blockers is jammed. Therefore, it is worth asking the seller about the methods of transporting the car to the place of repair. And also clarify about the availability of warranty and maintenance of the device.
If your car is on the list of the most stolen cars, then you need to take good care of its safety. Will mechanical means help prevent theft and do you need to install them on your car? It all depends on the specific type of blocker and the experience of the attacker.
No mechanical device can guarantee the safety of your car, but the risk of theft is greatly reduced. A thief, even with vast experience, will probably not want to contact a "problem" object, because even the simplest protective device takes time to remove.
To maximize the safety of the car, it is recommended to mount several different stationary anti-theft devices. In this case, you will not have to waste precious time on the daily installation of structures, and your car will be reliably protected.
