What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
A Ghost immobiliser is a discreet car security system that safeguards your vehicle from hacking and key cloning. It is extremely difficult to get around and is a great addition to any security device in your vehicle such as an alarm system or tracking device.
It makes use of the buttons integrated into your steering wheel or center console to allow you to create a PIN code sequence. The sequence is stored to the device and used every time you need to disarm your vehicle to enter valet mode.
What is a Ghost Immobiliser?
The term 'ghost immobiliser' might sound scary and spooky, but it's actually a powerful, state-of-the-art anti-theft device that helps to keep thieves from stealing your car, even if they have cloned or taken your key fob. It is completely hidden and works silently and so thieves don't get any prior warning that it's there. It is also undetectable to thieves since it doesn't emit radio signals, and it doesn't use additional hardware that would be visible inside the vehicle or require any wire cutting.
It works by connecting directly to the vehicle's CAN bus system, and prevents the engine from starting in the event that a particular PIN code sequence is first entered. It's usually used through existing buttons on the steering wheel or centre console, and there's no new keypad fitted to the vehicle. It's an inscrutable and discrete method to add an additional layer of security that will not only help to deter theft but to ensure that your car is protected in the event that you do happen to lose your keys.
Traditional immobilisers worked extremely well to stop hotwiring which was a typical method of car theft in the 80s and 90s but as technology has progressed and thieves have become more and more tech-savvy, new types of theft have been discovered like relay car theft. Ghost immobilisers can protect your vehicle from these more sophisticated thefts.
Ghost car immobilisers can be used as a stand-alone device or in conjunction with other security devices such as Thatcham Approved Vehicle Trackers or Dash Cams with full HD, which can reduce the cost of insurance. They can be fitted to a wide range of cars and are a cost-effective and efficient way to increase the security of your vehicle.
The Ghost 2 is the latest Ghost immobiliser from Autowatch. It safeguards your car against key cloning and hacking. This system stops thieves from stealing your vehicle unless they physically tow it away.
How do Ghost Immobilisers work?
The Ghost Immobiliser is a revolutionary device that protects your vehicle from hacking, key cloning and even theft of keys. Autowatch is a pioneering South African company, designed the system to protect against car thefts.
A ghost immobiliser is connected directly to the CAN data bus of your vehicle and intercepts signals from ECUs, which are electronic control units that begin your engine. It prevents your engine from running until you enter a unique pin code or a sequence of buttons, in addition to your regular key fob. This is intended to prevent thieves from using a smartphone application to collect the signal and then copy your key fob in order to steal your car.
It is a silent and undetectable device, which does not make any noise or emit lights. It isn't detectable by radar scanners or radio detectors. Also, it does not have circuit wires that thieves can cut. It is a great addition to any security package and can be added to other systems, such as alarm and tracking device. It's also a great alternative for those who need to let someone else drive their car temporarily such as valet parking or when the vehicle is being serviced.
There are autowatch ghost immobiliser on the market today, CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost. Both work in a similar manner by connecting to the CAN data bus. They prevent your vehicle from starting when a particular sequence of buttons are entered on your dashboard or steering wheel. The sequence is unique to you, only you know it, and you can change it if you want to.
Both CAN Phantom and Autowatch Ghost are TASSA verified by a third party group of experts from security and police testing backgrounds. This confirms that the system has a high reliability and quality.
Installers who have been approved are able to install your Ghost immobiliser. You can find an installer near you by using our online search tool or talk to your local dealer.
How does a ghost-immobiliser prevent thefts?
The ghost immobiliser is connected to the CAN system in your vehicle and prevents it from starting until a code sequence has been entered. This can be done by pressing buttons on your vehicle, for example the steering wheels, centre consoles, or door panels. The code can have up to 20 characters. This means that if someone were to successfully enter your vehicle and drive it away, they won't be in a position to drive away without the correct pin code sequence entered, making it near impossible for them to steal your joy and pride.
Contrary to alarms and key fob signalling that can be intercepted and compromised A ghost immobiliser is unnoticeable by external scanners and works silently and independently. This makes it one of the most effective ways to protect your car against modern theft techniques like hacking and signal relay.
It is also a much simpler installation process and is compatible with all automobiles, making it simple to use. If you require to temporarily disable the ghost immobiliser, it is simple to do this via the user interface. This allows your car to be serviced or valet parked without compromising security. After a short time, the system will automatically switch back to secure mode. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is always secure.
Ghost immobilisers can reduce your insurance premium. This is especially relevant if your car is a prestige model such as a Mercedes-Benz, BMW or Jaguar. It is best to check with your insurance company to confirm this, and also to discuss other options for additional security measures that may help lower your insurance cost.
Both the Autowatch Ghost and CAN Phantom systems are Thatcham accredited and recognized by the Tracking and Aftermarket Security System Association. Both of these are recognised as having the highest levels of security making them an investment worth it for anyone who wants to secure their vehicle from thieves. This could help keep the value of your vehicle in the event that you decide to sell it, as potential buyers will be aware that it is a secured vehicle.
How much will it cost to install a ghost immobiliser?
Ghost immobilisers offer an extra layer of protection for your car. They are indetectable and impossible to bypass making them one of the most effective anti-theft measures available. The peace of head that ghost immobilisers provide is worth the initial investment.
The cost of a ghost immobiliser varies according to the model you select and the rates charged by your installer. However, the majority of users are extremely satisfied with their investment, since they value the added protection. Many also appreciate that the device is discreet and does not alter the look of their vehicle.
Ghost immobilisers like key fobs or wheel locks, are invisible and operate silently without radio signals. They are a quiet and effective alternative to security measures, such as trackers or engine management systems (EMS) immobilisers, trackers and other.
A Ghost immobiliser works by connecting directly to the CAN data network of your vehicle. It generates a pin code that must be entered in order to start the car. The PIN code is entered using the buttons on your dashboard or the steering wheel, which makes it virtually unnoticeable. It is also approved by TASSA for insurance, which makes it an excellent choice for modern vehicles that don't have factory immobilisers.
It is highly recommended that if you are thinking about the purchase of a Ghost vehicle immobiliser, you get it fitted by a professional. Incorrect installation could cause various issues such as electrical malfunctions and damage to your vehicle. Additionally, improper installation could cause warranty cancellation on both the Ghost immobiliser as well as your vehicle.
Other security measures, such as the GPS tracker or an engine immobiliser, may be more affordable than an Ghost immobiliser. However, they are more susceptible to tampering and may not provide enough protection against a determined thief. In addition, they are more difficult to install in older vehicles. Therefore an Ghost immobiliser is generally regarded as the best option for most drivers.