The development of alarm systems has significantly increased the convenience of organizing car safety. And it became more comfortable to control not only protective equipment, but also other electronics in the car. However, real help in preventing theft was hardly more effective. As the electronic signaling becomes more complicated, new weaknesses in the protective complex appear. Therefore, experts recommend to include in the set of protective equipment and anti-theft devices for cars from the range of mechanical blockers. There are many options for such devices on the market, including pedal-mounted systems.
General information about anti-theft mechanics
Mostly this group of protective equipment is represented by locking devices, the purpose of which is to provide a barrier to the attacker. The objects of protection in this case are the controls of the machine, access to which allows you to start moving. In fact, these are locking mechanisms, the design of which is sharpened for specific installation conditions.
For example, there is a mechanical anti-theft device on the steering wheel, pedal assembly, hood and gearbox. Therewith, there is a classification according to the place of installation and the principle of operation. External and internal mechanisms are distinguished - respectively, some systems are mounted inside the car, and others - outside. The second category includes locks that are fixed to the wheels. The classification according to the principle of operation provides for the separation into dismantled and stationary, that is, permanent devices.
What is a pedal blocker?
This is the simplest anti-theft protection mechanism , but at the same time one of the most reliable. Structurally, most of these models resemble traps, but functionally have nothing to do with them. The main task that the traditional pedal lock performs is to immobilize the clutch, gas and brake control tools. Whatever means of hacking the offender uses, without passing this obstacle he cannot move the car from its place.
For greater reliability, pedal blockers are combined with other types of anti-theft lock systems. So, the mechanical anti-theft system on the pedals is common, which is part of a single set of protection for the steering wheel and gearbox. A multi-stage physical barrier is being formed, which practically reduces to zero the chances of an attacker to steal a car.
Types of pedal anti-theft
The main differences in the pedal locks are in the design. A classic mechanism of this type is represented by a stopper, which is fixed under the pedal at the desired height, closes and keeps the lever stationary. Another variation acts on the principle of a bunch. In this case, a small metal device fixes the pedals into a common circuit, which also does not allow the use of the controls for their intended purpose. A combination pedal lock has already been mentioned, which also includes a steering wheel lock system. The simplest modification of this type resembles a piece of reinforcement, but with the possibility of convenient attachment to the target objects of protection. One end of the device is attached to the pedal, and the other to the steering wheel. As a result, both controls of the machine are immobilized.
The benefits of a pedal lock
Pedal stoppers and their varieties have a significant advantage over electronic anti-theft protection devices - they are independent of the onboard computer's operability and cannot be disabled by third-party exposure. That is, their reliability is high. In addition, over other mechanical systems, they have the advantage of invisibility. Since the mechanical anti-theft system on the pedals can be easily hidden inside the car, this does not allow an attacker to foresee tactics in advance after breaking a door lock. Even if an attacker can get into the cabin, then the fight with the stopper will take a lot of time - and then provided that he has in his arsenal high-tech means of cutting metal. The fact is that pedal locks are made of durable modern alloys, most of which can only be destroyed under industrial conditions of material processing.
Disadvantages of the pedal lock
There are weaknesses in such blockers, although they are not related to the main function of providing protection. From the point of view of convenience of everyday use, the mechanical anti-theft system on the pedals is one of the most problematic. Such mechanisms are dismantled, so the user will have to climb the pedals every time and disassemble-assemble the protective structure. In autumn and winter, the problem of contamination of the pedals will be added, which is undesirable in the context of their interaction with the lock.
The most problematic from the point of view of operation are complex pedal blocks, which also cover the steering wheel with the gearbox handle. Firstly, such anti-theft on a car takes more time to install and parse, and secondly, they are much more expensive than simple blockers.
How effective are alternative remedies?
Other types of stoppers and locking mechanisms have their own characteristics. For example, a steering wheel lock is highly mechanically reliable and easy to maintain. Devices that work with the brake system and engine are advantageous in that they practically do not require attention during the operation of the machine. So, if the mechanical anti-theft device on the steering wheel or pedals should be completely removed, then permanent locks provide only manipulations for locking and unlocking.
How to choose the best blocker?
The choice is based on the features of operation, technical data of a particular car and possible threats. As practice shows, simple mechanisms work best. A typical stopper with a lock is easier to install and remove, and in terms of reliability, it is unlikely to yield to the same hood or steering locks. Another thing is that anti-theft pedal devices for cars in any design cause certain inconvenience during installation. As for the cost, a high-quality stopper model can be purchased for 2-3 thousand rubles. More expensive versions provide for a wide range of controls, which does not always make sense.
Conclusion
Against the background of modern anti-theft protection systems, mechanical locks and mounts look quite old-fashioned. Electronic alarm, which in some versions also allows you to control physical blockers, is actively pushing the traditional means on the market. Nevertheless, the function that the mechanical anti-theft system performs on the pedals cannot be replaced by any electronic device. Such mechanisms in some ways lose to electronics, and in something they win, but this niche remains out of competition. Therefore, the combination of pedal stoppers and modern electronic anti-theft protection systems may be the best solution.