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The benefits of aftermarket parking sensors

One of the main benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that they offer additional assistance to drivers when parking or manoeuvring their vehicle in a restricted space.

No matter what car you drive, your line of sight can be hampered or limited by the physical structure of the vehicle.

A lack of visibility or insufficient coverage by mirrors and windows can create blind spots, making it difficult to pick out obstructions when they are not directly in your line of sight.

It is worth noting that although the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors are numerous, it is also important to remember that they are in-car helpers for drivers and not a substitute for driving carefully and paying attention to your surroundings.

However, they can provide invaluable information to make your driving safer for you, your passengers and other road users when manoeuvring into tight spaces.

At AJT Installs, we are specialists in the installation of aftermarket in-vehicle technology:

We care about the safety and security of our customers, their passengers, and their vehicles, which is why we provide a number of options for Steelmate parking sensors and reversing cameras to suit individual requirements and budgets.

Why not contact our expert team of technicians today to discuss your parking concerns and discover how aftermarket parking assistance technology can improve your line of sight for those difficult manoeuvres?

The benefits of aftermarket parking sensors explained

Parking sensors use ultrasonic or electromagnetic technology to detect obstacles around the vehicle, assisting drivers when parking in small or tight spaces.

You can read about how these different types of technology work in our article ‘aftermarket parking sensors’ on the AJT Installs website.

Of course, one of the main benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that they help drivers to avoid collisions, thus minimising the chance of damage to their vehicle:

  • Installed in the front and/or rear bumpers, parking sensors will detect nearby obstacles when the driver puts the car into reverse, obstacles that may not always be visible to the driver.
  • Once an obstacle has been detected, the sensors will alert the driver through an audible beep, which will increase in frequency (and sometimes volume), as the vehicle gets closer to the object. This enables the driver to assess the distance between the object and the vehicle, so they can adjust their manoeuvring as necessary.
  • As well as audible alerts, some sensors have visual indicators, for example, a screen fitted into the dashboard or camera feed, that clearly displays the obstacle, enabling the driver to see exactly where it is and again, adjust their driving behaviour to suit.
  • If you have both front and rear parking sensors installed, you will be alerted to obstructions whether going forwards or backwards.
  • We have all been there haven’t we? Trying to reverse park into a tight space and a pedestrian or cyclist decides to cross the road from the same space, right behind the vehicle where they are not easily seen? The audible and visual feedback provided by parking sensors allows drivers to make adjustments or brake to avoid hitting moving objects as well as stationary ones. But more than warning drivers of obstructions they may not be able to see, parking sensors can also warn those in the vicinity that the vehicle is reversing.
  • Parking sensors provide information about the physical location that may be difficult to see through mirrors or windows, or that may be situated in a blind spot not covered by these driving aids, such as low walls or even children. The increased awareness of their surrounding contributes to the knowledge of the driver, leading to safer parking manoeuvres.
  • Having additional information about their surroundings from parking sensors is especially beneficial to drivers when parking or manoeuvring in dimly lit areas, at night or during bad weather, when visibility is reduced.
  • This increased awareness for their surroundings can prevent minor bumper damage caused through low speed collisions with low walls, poles, other vehicles, pedestrians or obstructions that are out of the line of sight.
  • Parking sensors can provide invaluable assistance for drivers who may not possess the spatial awareness or ability to park in small spaces or judge distances accurately. This can reduce the stress they normally feel when parking in tight spaces or assessing the distance between their vehicle and an obstruction.

Other benefits of aftermarket parking sensors

Having an in-car helper for parking assistance can help to boost the confidence of those drivers who may find reverse parking especially difficult, such as newly qualified drivers, those who drive infrequently or those lacking spatial awareness.

They help to reduce the stress, driver fatigue, and embarrassment associated with these difficult manoeuvres by enhancing driver capabilities and improving overall driver confidence.

When compared to in-built parking sensors installed in high-end, expensive, or higher spec models, aftermarket parking sensors are more affordable and can be customised to suit individual driver preferences, rather than only having one available option.

For example, some people may want audible alerts only, or to adjust the volume or sound of the alerts because they are hard of hearing, while others may prefer to have both visual and audible alerts.

Aftermarket parking sensors, therefore, provide more options to choose from depending on personal preferences and budget.

In addition, installing parking sensors may enhance the value of your vehicle when you come to sell it.

Buyers could consider the sensors as a desirable safety feature or driving aid when deciding to purchase a used vehicle and having them already installed saves them the cost of installation.

Of course, you should notify your insurance company of all aftermarket modifications made to your vehicle.

One of the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors is that installation could actually bring premiums down because of the reduced risk of minor collisions.

Hopefully, this article has convinced you about the benefits of aftermarket parking sensors. Talk to the expert team of installers at AJT Installs to discuss the right solution for fitting parking sensors to your vehicle or any aftermarket in-car technology to enhance the safety and security of you, your passenger and your vehicle. Alternatively, click here to see the options for Steelmate parking sensors on the AJT Installs website.

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A guide to immobilisers

A guide to immobilisers

Here at AJT Installs, we realise that not everyone understands what immobilisers are and how they work. So, we thought we would put together a guide to immobilisers, to explain a bit more about them, how they work, how they can affect car insurance premiums, and how to make sure your car has that extra level of security they provide.

For even more expert advice on keeping your vehicle safe, as well as checking whether your car is one of the most stolen in the UK, you can download our FREE guide from the AJT Installs homepage.

What are immobilisers?

In a nutshell, they protect your car from being hot-wired or driven away without the proper key and are activated as soon as the ignition is turned off.

In the UK, it has been mandatory to install a factory-fitted immobiliser in every car manufactured since 1998.

So, what is it?

An immobiliser is a two-part electronic device.

The first part is a transponder located inside the ignition key fob, while the second part is a receiver in the Engine Control Unit (ECU), of your car.

If someone tries to start your car, a signal is transmitted to the key, and the engine will only start if the key returns the correct encrypted code to the ECU.

However, if the code is not the right one, the immobiliser will not send the engine the signal to start.

Therefore, if thieves try to steal your car without using the correct key, the immobiliser will prevent them from stealing it, unless they winch it on to a transporter.

Early immobilisers sometimes used a second fob rather than the ignition key, a button inside the car, or even a keypad with a four-digit code.

Today, most cars use keyless technology to open the doors (and start the engine in some cases), but the immobiliser still requires the key to be close.

However, in some cases, a smartphone is preferred to transmit the signal to the ECU instead of a key.

Another major change with modern day technology is that immobilisers use different codes each time, compared to twenty years ago when they used just one code for the whole life of the vehicle.

How do immobilisers work?

The device controls three things in the engine of your car through the ECU:

  • The starter motor
  • The fuel system
  • The ignition system

The correct code is required before all three of these engines systems can be engaged.

If the immobiliser does not receive the correct signal from the key, or one of these three systems is bypassed in some way (like the ignition system in a case of hot-wiring), the car will not receive the signal to start from the ECU.

A guide to immobilisers: Does my car have an immobiliser?

You can find out whether your car has a factory-fitted immobiliser by checking the vehicle handbook.

However, if you bought a second-hand car, the immobiliser could be out of action for several reasons:

  • The car could have been repaired or had replacement parts fitted that affect the starter motor, fuel system or ignition system. These replacements may have different data or affect the coding sequence.
  • Key information has been lost through a battery replacement in the fob.
  • The key has been incorrectly programmed – this can happen with replacement keys.
  • An electrical fault has caused a malfunction or blow-out inside the ECU.
  • Faulty coding in either the key or the device.

Even in cases where there isn’t a factory-fitted immobiliser, previous owners could still have fitted a replacement.

If you did not receive any information about the immobiliser from the previous owner, it is worth getting a qualified mechanic to check your car to make sure it has a working device fitted.

Can immobilisers malfunction?

Well, yes, of course they can.

Although it is a rare occurrence, you have to remember that it is an electrical device, so on occasion, it may fail.

The first tell-tale sign is that you experience problems locking and unlocking your car.

Secondly, the alarm may go off repeatedly and for no reason.

And the final clue is that your car just won’t start!

The most probable cause of a malfunction is a dead battery in the key fob, which is very easily fixed.

In the more unusual case of an electrical fault, you will need to get your vehicle checked over by a qualified mechanic, or the dealership where you bought your car.

Types of immobiliser

As we have already mentioned earlier in this guide, a factory-fitted immobiliser has been installed in new cars during manufacture since 1998, which has enabled the device to be incorporated into every vehicle’s electrical system.

If your car:

  • Does not have a factory-fitted immobiliser
  • You are worried that the immobiliser in your car has old technology and may easily be hacked
  • You want to upgrade your car security system because of new threats…

talk to the experts at AJT Installs to discuss the options for after-market immobilisers or visit our website.

Today’s technology means immobilisers can use blue-tooth connectivity, and the latest Ghost CAN bus immobiliser protects your vehicle via a PIN code.

This means that even if thieves clone the key to your car, they will be unable to drive it away.

A word about Thatcham Research

Founded in 1969, Thatcham Research provides an assessment and certification of car security systems, both factory-fitted and after-market.

It does this through research, tests, and the evaluation of the safety and security of new vehicles.

Because it is so widely trusted by both manufacturers and insurers, its certification for vehicle security systems have become a benchmark in the motor industry.

This is why you will see ‘Thatcham approved’ on many vehicle security devices.

It gives you, the consumer, that extra peace of mind when buying a car security system, that it has been thoroughly tested and rated by Thatcham Research.

There are seven different categories covering:

  • Alarms with immobilisers
  • Immobilisers
  • Upgrades or after-market alarms
  • Mechanical deterrents and devices such as steering wheel locks and gear clamps
  • Wheel locks
  • Tracking devices
  • Location devices

You can read more about Thatcham Research and their security assessments on their website.

Insurance premiums

Immobilisers make cars more secure and harder for thieves to steal, resulting in a reduced risk to insurance companies.

In fact, factory-fitted immobilisers are often listed as options when taking out a policy, but you should always bear in mind that different insurers may evaluate risk differently.

If you have installed an after-market security system in your car, or you use other mechanical deterrents like a steering lock, it is always worth having a conversation with your insurer to see whether you can bring the premium down further.

An immobiliser can be an effective device against theft, but even more so when combined with other precautions:

  • Electronic security devices such as car alarms, tracking devices and dashcams
  • Parking your car in a garage or safe driveway with parking posts, locked gates, and CCTV
  • Using physical deterrents such as wheel locks, steering locks and gear clamps – you can read more in our blog about steering wheel locks
  • Don’t leave valuables or your vehicle documents in your car

We hope that you have found our guide to immobilisers interesting and informative. However, if you are worried about vehicle security, talk to the AJT Installs team of fully qualified and insured vehicle installation specialists about our range of Thatcham approved alarms, immobilisers and tracking systems, along with dashcams and parking posts.  We pride ourselves on providing a professional installation with a friendly touch, to make sure your car has the best level of protection and security for your needs. Alternatively, you can find out more about our range of after-market immobilisers on our website.

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Asset trackers for plant  

tractor - asset trackers for plant

Security has become a major headache for agricultural machinery and heavy plant, especially on construction sites, where protecting the whole perimeter 24/7 may not be possible.

Large assets like earth movers and trailers are expensive investments and as some reports state that as little as 10% of stolen assets like these are ever found, more companies are looking for a better solution to protect their investment.

Asset trackers for plant provide site managers with the means to monitor and track the movement of plant equipment.

Asset tracking equipment pinpoints the location of heavy plant machinery via GPS tracking, providing an invaluable tool for the successful recovery of stolen plant via software on a computer or mobile device.

It can be an essential tool for the management of machinery on a busy construction site, as well as offering peace of mind from a security standpoint.

Plant theft – facts and figures

Police have long recognised the role of plant theft in organised crime, setting up the Plant and Agricultural National Intelligence Unit (PANIU) in 2008.

PANIU recovered 824 machines worth more than £17 million during its ten years of operation, and during its final year, 2018, reported the 650 mini excavators and 463 site dumpers were stolen that year.

When it folded in 2019 because of funding problems in the Metropolitan Police, there was uncertainty about what would replace it.

However, a unit called ‘Agriculture and Construction Equipment’ (ACE), has been set up by the Opal national intelligence unit, funded by donations from a group of insurance companies, the Construction Equipment Association, and the Agricultural Engineers Association.

According to a report by Allianz Cornhill, theft of construction plant in the UK currently totals more than £70 million per annum.

The knock-on costs are estimated to be nearer £800 million, but this kind of theft doesn’t just have an impact on the bottom line. It can prevent companies from fulfilling contracts on time, costing penalties and causing damage to its reputation, which in turn can lead to job losses and a sharp decline in profit.

Site managers have to protect construction machinery and tools not just from the opportunistic thief who spots his moment when a vehicle is left unattended, but from organised criminals who make a living from stealing plant equipment and machinery and selling it on.

They see a construction site as a low-risk opportunity providing high payoff because of the constant demand for heavy plant.

To make things worse, thieves are becoming ever more sophisticated because of the high financial rewards for stealing plant equipment.

Some even go as far as posing as plant mechanics, turning up with fake paperwork and liveried low loaders so they can brazenly drive the plant away right from under the noses of bona fide construction workers.

At AJT Installs, we are passionate about all vehicle security, whether private cars, fleets (buses, emergency vehicle, HGVs), or plant machinery like dumpers, diggers and earth movers.

Whatever the type of vehicle, our fleet management software offers protection 24/7.

One of the benefits of Tracker 365 for plant is that trackers are included.

So, if you are a construction site manager worried about the security of plant assets, get in touch with us today so we can talk to you about your options.

 

Security on construction sites

What makes construction sites prime targets for thieves?

There are a number of factors that when combined, can make them attractive to criminals:

Low risk: Some sites are remote, so the prospect of being caught quickly is slim, offering thieves a better than even chance of getting away clean.

Machinery is often left on-site overnight because removing it every day to a secure location is problematical and expensive. Providing a high level of security around the entire perimeter can be difficult and again, expensive.

High returns: Smaller machinery like mini excavators/diggers and dumpers (the most stolen items from sites), provide tempting targets owing to a lucrative second-hand market throughout Europe.

Opportunity: Keys left on or near vehicles, to make it easy for different operators to use the same vehicle, make easy pickings for those willing to observe and make note of hiding places.

Smaller equipment: Is often not secured and trailers can also be stolen by thieves to transport their main target of mini plant equipment. A kind of ‘two for one’ deal for thieves!

How does asset tracking help?

As the statistics for recovery of stolen plant equipment are only around 10%, vehicle trackers can provide that extra level of protection for high value equipment.

Using GPS technology to provide location details, the trackers give owners a better chance of recovering high value assets if they are stolen.

Provided as part of our fleet management software system, plant trackers have a battery, SIM card, radio frequency and GPS technology and do not require hardwiring to the plant battery, which means they operate independently.

Because they are small, they are easy to place somewhere where thieves will find them difficult to spot.

We also put a secondary tracker on every item of plant, just in case the first one is found and removed!

Construction site managers can see the precise location of the asset using the accompanying software, so any theft can be acted upon quickly and reported to the police with accurate time and location details.

The benefits of asset tracking devices

The benefits to fleet managers of using fleet management software have become apparent over the last ten years or so, but many construction companies are now realising that installing it into high value plant equipment and machinery has many advantages:

  • If you hire plant to other construction companies, you are not in control of its security, so a plant tracker can give you peace of mind that the equipment is where it should be
  • If you have a number of sites with equipment frequently moving between them, you can easily find specific equipment when needed
  • If stolen, the chances of recovering the equipment are greatly enhanced through tracking and being able to notify law enforcement earlier
  • If you successfully recover stolen equipment, insurance premiums will not increase when it is time to renew, and some insurers may offer lower premiums because the chances of recovery are greater
  • Limiting damage to company/brand reputation in the industry
  • Ensuring plant is where you need it, when you need it, every time
  • Peace of mind that you have the ability to track expensive equipment and machinery, 24/7
  • Save money! The cost of installing fleet management software with trackers is low when compared to the cost of losing heavy plant machinery

Plant equipment represents a large capital investment, so keeping it safe is essential.

There are a number of options available with Tracker 365 for plant, such as an immobiliser and geofencing (to prevent the plant from being taken outside the site perimeter fence.)

Talk to our expert technicians at AJT Installs about the advantages of installing our vehicle software management system and the benefits of asset trackers for plant machinery and equipment.