Frequently Asked Questions

1. MY SALESMAN TOLD ME MY VEHICLE ALREADY HAS A “FACTORY ANTI THEFT DEVICE.” IT IS A CHIP IMBEDDED INTO THE IGNITION KEY! This anti theft system is factory installed on almost every new vehicle manufactured today. Most every manufacturer, whether domestic or foreign uses this type system. Embedded in the head of the vehicle’s ignition key is a miniature RFID Transponder Chip which contains one of a trillion possible electronic codes. When the key is inserted into the vehicle’s ignition, the transponder sends a signal to a disc shaped antenna surrounding the key cylinder housing behind the shroud on the steering column. The antenna then relays a signal to the control module and if the signal is correctly recognized, the vehicle is allowed to start. If access is attempted without the correct code, critical systems (ignition, starter) remain inoperable. This all sounds good on paper but all this system does is keep honest people honest, because it is very easy to bypass. The thieves are now using laptop computers with recorded RF codes to bypass them in about 20 seconds, which is probably why the factory installs these systems for free. Sadly, many car dealers tell their customers that because of this special transponder chip in their key . . . they do not need any extra security for their vehicle, but this is NOT TRUE! READ MORE
2. MY SALESMAN ALSO SAID IF I INSTALLED ANY AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT ON MY VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE FACTORY EQUIPMENT, IT WOULD VOID MY WARRANTY. IS THIS TRUE? No, this is NOT true! A Federal Law MAGNUSON – MOSS ACT protects you against a car dealer voiding your warranty. Many car dealers use this threat to frighten you into buying a more expensive and worthless anti theft system from them.
3. WHY WOULD I NEED A RAVELCO? MY VEHICLE IS SUPPOSED TO ALREADY HAVE A FACTORY SECURITY (ALARM) SYSTEM? The remote “keyless entry” capability for locking and unlocking the doors of a vehicle with an alarm system is a great option to have, but as far as security is concerned, the remote control alarm system only interrupts the starter wire, and this can easily be bypassed under the dash. Electronic “code grabbers” or “scanner boxes” can defeat any alarm system made today in seconds! Even the alarms that claim to have Anti-Scan or Code Grabbing Technology were still defeated. This was demonstrated on a recent telecast of CBS’ The Early Show.
4. WHY DOESN’T THE RAVELCO HAVE A “RED FLASHING LIGHT” TO HELP WARD OFF THIEVES? There are numerous vehicles stolen every day that have full blown alarm systems, including the ones with the red flashing warning lights, which proves that the only red lights that car thieves run from, are the ones on top of police cars! The RAVELCO system includes two warning labels that attach to each side window, warning of the device. No vehicle with the RAVELCO system installed has ever been stolen.
5. WHAT HAPPENS IF A TOW TRUCK TRIES TO STEAL MY VEHICLE? First off, it is important to realize that theft by towing is rare. The VAST majority of vehicles are stolen by driving them away. Having said that, there are several simple strategies you can use to help circumvent towing and make it nearly impossible:(1) Always lock your doors, close your windows, leave your vehicle in Park (automatic transmission) or in gear (manual transmission), and use your emergency brake. (2) Turn your wheels all the way to the left or right when you park your car. In the event a tow truck tries to steal your vehicle, the angle of the wheels will make your vehicle track in a big circle. This attracts attention . . . and no tow truck driver wants to tow a vehicle that is traveling beside him in the next lane. (3) Pull into your parking spot with a front-wheel-drive vehicle or back into your spot with a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, and park as close to a stationary structure (wall, garage, another vehicle) as possible. These steps will encourage the tow truck driver to look for an easier target.
6. DOES THE RAVELCO PROTECT ITEMS INSIDE THE VEHICLE? No, and neither does an alarm or any other type of anti theft device. If a thief sees a Laptop, GPS unit, Radar Detector, briefcase, cell phone, or anything else of value inside the vehicle that he wishes to steal, he can easily break a window, take the item, and be gone within seconds. Nothing in the world other than a mean dog in the vehicle can stop a smash-and-grab thief!