Engine Immobiliser in Cars: A Detailed Guide to Enhanced Vehicle Security

It is an advanced electronic gadget designed specifically for protecting your car from thefts. Since the number of car thefts has increased by 2.5 times in the past year, resulting in significant financial losses and increased burden, anti-theft devices are becoming more important.

To protect your cars from such unexpected incidents, people prefer incorporating car engine immobiliser in their vehicles. The immobilisers are embedded with a small chip that sends a signal to the car, without which the engine does not start.

This is generally present in the car key or present as a smart key fob. Thus, if anyone tries to turn on the engine in an unauthorised way without the smart key, it will halt the fuel supply, failing to ignite the engine.

Car engine immobilisers are available in two types. Both target different systems of the car’s engine management system. These are the two types:

Mechanical Immobilisers

These target different systems than the electronic ones and use less hi-tech gadgets. Once these immobilisers are activated, they stop the car’s mobility by halting the mechanical devices such as steering, gearbox, and tyres.

Electronic Immobilisers

The electronic immobilisers do not target the mechanical mobilising system. It relies on the electrical signals sent to the engine control unit and halts the fuel system or the starter motor, which prevents the engine from igniting.

The car key immobiliser system is considered one of the reliable engine immobiliser anti-theft systems. This is due to its efficient functioning. To explain this in detail, let us first understand how the system works:

• The engine immobilisation system consists of three main components: a transmitter, a transponder, and a different system. Based on the signals communicated by the transmitter and received and identified by the transponder, the theft detection system either activates or immobilises the engine.

• The transmitter in this system is the smart key. This is the core element of the working of an engine immobiliser. The device is intricately designed and programmed with codes that communicate with the Engine Control Unit (ECU).

• Once the key is inserted into the keyhole, it sends signals to the ECU (different system), which are identified by the transponder. If the codes match, the engine ignites, and the car can be driven around.

• This immobiliser anti-theft system works on a two-tier security system, which means that the key transmits two types of codes: one is permanent, and the other keeps changing. The key stores the second signal until it is used again for ignition.

• The ECU unit first reads the permanent code and then the changing code. If the second code does not match, the engine fails to start.

The primary purpose of this device is to protect cars from thefts. But, since the immobiliser anti-theft system works in such an intricate way, it offers multiple benefits to car owners. Some of the benefits are listed below:

Enhanced car security: This device works in a reliable way and has a two-tier security system. The intricate functioning between the smart key and the ECU makes it impossible for a breach, scaring away potential thieves.

Protection from significant financial loss: A car is brought by hard-earned money, and its theft results in a huge financial burden. With these devices in place, the risk of theft is reduced significantly, saving our valuable assets and money.

Minimised theft risks: Since thieves usually target easy prey with minimum security, the engine immobiliser systems greatly reduce the risk of theft.

Earning discounts on insurance premiums: Many insurers take your enhanced car security features into consideration and offer you a discount on insurance for four-wheelers.

Gives you peace of mind: Once you know your valuable assets are protected with reliable systems, you can wave goodbye to all the worries and make the best use of your car with peace of mind.

You can ensure your car engine immobilisers remain reliable and protect your vehicle from thefts by following these easy maintenance tips:

Regular Battery Checks: Since the key fob works on a battery, ensure that you change it regularly to avoid any malfunctions.

Keep Keys Safe: Protect your smart key as it is the most important element of your immobiliser anti-theft system. Avoid exposing your keys to water or extreme temperatures. Additionally, avoid losing your key as it risks your anti-theft system.

Professional Inspections: Get your vehicle and engine immobiliser anti-theft system inspected by a professional regularly to avoid malfunctions and risking the safety of your car.

Avoid Interference: Avoid bringing the key near strong magnetic items, such as audio systems and televisions, and other vehicle immobilisation keys.

Software Updates: Keep your system’s software updated so that the communication between the transponder chip and the ECU is not interrupted.

Car insurers calculate premiums based on your choice of insurance for a four-wheeler, the make of your car, its age, condition, and other potential risks. So, if the risks are high, the premium costs will also be higher.

However, when you have such anti-theft devices in place, there are fewer chances of you claiming your insurance in case of a theft, putting your car in the low-risk category. Therefore, if you have installed ARAI-approved anti-theft devices in your car, you are eligible for anti-theft discounts on car insurance premiums.

With Tata AIG car insurance, you can further invest in other value-added services that come with our comprehensive car insurance policy. These include zero dep, no claim bonus, daily allowance, roadside assistance, etc. Moreover, you can enjoy the seamless process of car insurance renewal online and claim your anti-theft discounts during the renewal process.

Car theft is among the most commonly occurring crimes in India. The rate of car thefts has been increasing with each passing year, and the thieves are finding new ways to steal your beloved car.

So, to protect your car from unpleasant damages, look for verified anti-theft devices and invest in a good car insurance policy. Additionally, to ensure that you have chosen the best plan, compare car insurance online to get the maximum protection and convenient services.

What can I do if my car immobiliser malfunctions?

These devices are battery-operated, so if you see the signs of malfunctioning, try replacing them. However, if the issue persists, take your car and the device to an expert and get it rectified at the earliest.

Do new cars come with built-in car engine immobilisers?

Yes, most new cars come with the built-in anti-theft technology. However, if your car does not have one, you can always get one installed from your dealer.