Ghost Immobilisers are a unique aftermarket security solution for your vehicle. But, is the application of the device legal? Can any car have a Ghost Immobiliser? Or is it restricted to specific cars?
In this blog, we will answer the question ‘Are Ghost Immobilisers Legal?’
The UK automotive aftermarket industry is thriving, ranking fourth in Europe and ninth in the world in terms of size, and turning over an annual £21.1 billion.
The sector supports 345,600 jobs and contributes £12.2 billion each year to the economy. And it is growing: the sector’s value is set to rise to £28 billion by 2022.
That’s why we at Car Specialist Customs are here to provide you with all the information you require to get the best car customisation possible, whilst being as informed as possible.
Is a steering wheel lock better than a Ghost Immobiliser?
No, a Ghost Immobiliser is generally considered a better security option than a steering wheel lock for a few reasons:
- Higher level of security: Ghost immobilisers prevent the engine from starting electronically, even if a thief has your keys. Steering wheel locks make it physically difficult to turn the wheel, but a determined thief could potentially cut through the steering wheel or disable the lock.
- Covert protection: Ghost immobilisers are hidden within the car’s wiring. Steering wheel locks are visible deterrents, but a savvy thief might be discouraged from even attempting a car with a hidden immobiliser.
- Convenience: Using a ghost immobiliser requires no additional action from you besides your usual starting routine. Steering wheel locks need to be attached and detached each time you park, which can be cumbersome.
However, there can be some advantages to steering wheel locks:
- Lower cost: Steering wheel locks are significantly cheaper than ghost immobilisers.
- Visual deterrent: A steering wheel lock can discourage opportunistic thieves.
Here’s a quick breakdown highlighting the key areas of both security measures.:
Feature | Ghost Immobiliser | Steering Wheel Lock |
Security Level | High | Moderate |
Visibility | Hidden | Visible |
Convenience | High | Low |
Cost | High | Low |
How long does a Ghost Immobiliser last?
The lifespan of a Ghost Immobiliser itself isn’t explicitly stated, but there are a few things to consider:
- Lifetime Warranty: Some Ghost Immobiliser installers in the UK, offer a lifetime warranty on the parts and labour for the Ghost Immobiliser. This means they’ll fix or replace the device if it malfunctions due to a hardware issue.
- Electronic Component Lifespan: Generally, well-made electronic devices like Ghost Immobilisers can last for many years with proper use. However, all electronics are susceptible to degradation over time due to factors like heat, vibration, and voltage fluctuations.
- Software Updates: While the warranty typically doesn’t cover software upgrades, the manufacturer, Autowatch, might release updates to improve functionality or address security vulnerabilities.
- The state of the vehicle: If you do not regularly maintain your vehicle, or aren’t careful when driving, accumulated damage has the chance to affect the effectiveness of your Ghost Immobiliser. Especially if the electronics are compromised, it can stop the Ghost Immobiliser from working entirely.
In essence, a Ghost Immobiliser should function for a long time, potentially for the life of your vehicle. However, if you experience any issues or want to ensure you have the latest software, it’s best to consult with a certified Ghost Immobiliser installer.
Are Ghost Immobilisers legal?
Yes. Ghost Immobilisers are entirely legal. In fact, some models may even have Thatcham Approval, which means it has met the security standards on the main authority of vehicle security.
That being said, there can be instances in which an incorrect application of a Ghost Immobiliser can make your vehicle fail your MOT, making driving of the vehicle illegal. If the application of a Ghost Immobiliser is poor, you can expect the following:
- The vehicle’s electrical system is not working as it should.
- The vehicle has been altered to install the device, but the changes are not secure.
Can any vehicle have a Ghost Immobiliser?
While Ghost Immobilisers are designed to be compatible with a wide range of vehicles, there isn’t a guarantee it will work with every single car. Here’s what you can do to find out for sure:
- Compatibility Check: The manufacturer, Autowatch, offers a compatibility checker on their website. This will help you see if your specific vehicle make and model is listed.
- Get permission: If you are not the owner of the vehicle, seek permission from the owner before attempting any installations. If you are leasing a vehicle, failure to alert the leasing company has the chance to result in termination of your lease agreement.
- Contact an approved installer: Approved Ghost Immobiliser installers will have expertise on compatibility. They can advise you after considering your car’s specific features.
Is it better to find an approved installer for my Ghost Immobiliser?
Yes. Although you have the option of installing your Ghost Immobiliser system yourself, you can get in contact with our team for a professional installation. This is the best option when it comes to installing the device.
Here are the crucial reasons why you should get an installation from us.
- As it is a discrete device, having us install it in the appropriate place of our choosing will make it undetectable by you and subsequently any potential thieves. (unless you want to know the location.)
- As trusted and professional installers, we guarantee we will install the device efficiently, not damaging your vehicle or tampering with anything beyond what needs to be altered.
- We rigorously test our installations so you will have no problems dealing with them in the future.
- Getting it installed by us allows you to ask any questions directly to our team who have years of installation and usage expertise aftermarket security systems.
- If you have never installed anything manually into your car before, you could be doing damage to your vehicle’s systems unintentionally, which could cost a lot of time and money to repair.
Purchase a Ghost Immobiliser today
Our team members at Car Specialist Customs are extremely passionate and proud of the multiple services and products we provide for the people of Greater Manchester and beyond.
As a fully insured and approved installer, catering to the needs of vehicle owners of Greater Manchester and beyond, we are proud to let you know that we offer services for the following:
Tints:
Wrapping and PPF:
- Paint Protection Film — PPF
- Exo Shield Window Tint
- Black Packs
- Dechroming
- Custom Decals
- Commercial Wrapping
- Vehicle Wrapping
Interior customisation/ technology:
- Starlights
- Apple Play/ Android Autos
- Android Screen Upgrades
- Parking Sensors
- Reverse Cameras
- Rear Seat Entertainment
Protection/Security:
Featuring the brands, Pandora, ScorpionTrak, Meta Trak & SmarTrack, we’ve included affordable, and premium products to suit the needs of our customers. With finance options available, and the option of installation, head to our website to get your quote!
We will always go above expectations to make your car feel special to you. With even more services and options becoming available in the future, Car Specialist Customs is the home of making any car unique, secure and special.
See what we can do for you today, we hope the details we shared have helped you decide to take a step forward in personalising your vehicle with our unique service.
In this blog, we aimed to have answered the question, ‘Are Ghost Immobilisers Legal?’ Whilst also providing supplementary information that can help you make an informed choice when it comes to investing in customisation options for your vehicle.
Want to get in touch? You can find us right here:
WORKSHOP:
Unit 30
Caldershaw Centre
Ings Ln
Rochdale
OL12 7LQ
OPENING TIMES:
Monday to Wednesday – 10 AM—7 PM
Thursday – Closed
Friday to Sunday – 11 AM—7 PM
TELEPHONE:
07523 971347 (Mon – Fri: 8:30 am – 6:00 pm)
EMAIL:
info@carspecialistcustoms.co.uk