I have a ’99 volvo S80 with the security package (including an interior motion sensor, inclination sensor, and primary battery/ backup battery powered alarm). If a tow truck driver were to tow my car the alarm would go off, it’s very sensitive. Is there anything they could do to my car to stop the alarm while it’s going off? Otherwise the person would have to deal with the alarm for quite a while. This is obviously speaking in terms of towing I didn’t authorize, no one wants to come back and find their car missing from where they left it.
They wouldn’t be able to get at the fuses though, because it’s locked. I mean I figure they’re not going to care about an alarm going off. And it has a backup battery, so when the main battery power gets to a certain level the backup takes over. It obviously doesn’t have the same capacity as the main batt though, but can keep the signals flashing for 24 hours cuz the siren doesn’t stay on the whole time (or so I’ve read). I guess the tow truck driver wouldn’t care, but I pity the poor sucker who’s sitting in the impount lot
Not that I park illegally though anymore than I have to- but I do live in LA and am in Hollywood alot, and there’s never any parking there so you can get the picture. Everyone in LA has to illegally park sometimes, but I try not to leave my car there that long.
well if your hoping that your security package will keep a tow truck from impounding your car the answer is no. All he cares about is the cash you will have to pay to retrieve your car. It won’t matter to the driver if your car is screaming or not. This answer is from a tow company owner.
yes. disabling the alarm system is fairly easy, and tow drivers have the tool nedded to turn it off. all that has to be done is pull the fuse.
They don’t care if the alarm is going off. They just drag it to the pound and leave it. They don’t to listen to it very long.
If they are legally towing it (you illegally parked) then they have a certain amount of time (varies by jurisdiction) to call the police and say I have a car that is screaming "I am being stolen", but do not worry all the paperwork is in order and I will have it at the impound yard soon – it will get quiet when the battery dies.
Lesson – do not park illegally with these systems or you will have to buy a battery as well as pay a fine.
I live by an interstate. Tow truck drivers go by sometimes with cars on trailers, ALARMS beeping loudly as they drive along. They do not care if it has an alarm or not.