Alarm Systems & Automobile Tires?

What do alarm systems and automobile tires have in common? This may sound like a strange question to the untrained ear, but lend me yours and I will make sense of it.

The reason I mention car tires is that they are a necessity that most all of us have some experience purchasing, at least once in a while.

Even though we need good tires to keep our cars firmly on the road, when they are wearing out we often put the purchase off for a few weeks. If we are patient, a Saturday will eventually come along that we have no plans for, and we force ourselves to go to our local tire store.

Maybe it's the one with the big giant marshmallow looking thing on the roof, or the shop down the road who seems to be giving away free franks, and has a racing car crew serving them, that gets us to stop.

If you are jumping the gun and think I'm correlating putting off the purchase of a necessity such as car tires with a necessity such as an alarm system you would be wrong. The first reason you would be wrong is because most people don't see an alarm as a necessity, but as a luxury. Only after they have been burglarized, do they see an addition of an alarm system as something they need instead of want.

Do you know why they realize after the fact that they need one? Not just because they are upset that someone took the electronics. Not just because the gun that they considered the only alarm system they would ever need is missing, and god only knows whose hands it will end up in. Not even because they are freaked out knowing that some stranger was rifling through the underwear drawer. It is because this is the first time most people start to think about how this unfortunate event could have effected the lives of their loved ones and themselves, if they had been home or walked in on a burglary in progress.

What if my wife came home for lunch and walked in on them?

What if I came home from work and had my own gun pointed at me when I came in?

What if we were asleep while they entered, and how would that traumatize the family?

After asking ourselves these types of questions is when an alarm system becomes a necessity.

Assuming you do know that you need and want a system as part of your preventative security plan, and you do have researching one on your to do list, let's consider how else an alarm system might have something in common with automobile tires.

When we go to buy our tires we often tell the salesman what size tire we need or what make and model our car is. They go to the computer screen and tell you "we have the Big Brand XTC 10's for $45.00 each plus mounting and balancing" or " The Joe Blows are really made by the same company and they are $5.00 less each" (Sound familiar?)

How often does the salesperson, take the time to explain things that are so important to your decision such as Load Range, Tread Wear, Rubber Composites, Tread Patterns and the Elements, Sidewall Strength, Speed Ratings, etc. If they did, you would not only know much more than you already do about tires, but you would most likely justify your choices and the expense with life- safety, as you should. You will also most likely buy your tires at that store the next time you need them, no matter what they are giving away down the street.

Would you believe that alarm systems are often sold the same way tires are." We have, this one or that one, which do you prefer?" When making an important decision such as how a security system will fit into your lifestyle, please take the time to understand all of your options. The available differences in quality of all the devices you are considering for purchase is astounding, and will make a big difference in how happy you are with your choices. If you can't find someone to explain all of these things to you, then you have not found the proverbial "perfect tire store"

Matthew is a 22-year veteran of the alarm system industry. He now works as a consumer advocate, teaching consumers how to buy or get systems for free (without being taken). He is committed to being unbiased. His web site is http://www.expertsknow.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Stand Alone Keyless Access - How Does It Work?

Security and convenience are usually delicately balanced. If something is... Read More

Alarm System Keypads

The keypad is the device you and your loved ones... Read More

Security Alarm System Motion Detectors

Passive Infrared Motion Detectors- These detectors are also known as... Read More

Pepper Spray Considerations

Choosing the Right Pepper SprayThere are so many types of... Read More

How to Buy a Safe for Your Home

The first step is to determine who or where you... Read More

Fire Safety Tips

Did you know that fire is the third leading cause... Read More

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Emergency is a situation that poses an instant threat to... Read More

Arson Watch Program Agency Interaction

This years fire season has already started and so far... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 2; Home Security, Evacuation, and Emergency Kits

IntroductionPart 1 of this article on preparing for weather emergencies... Read More

Home Security: Your Yard is the First Line of Defense

You may not believe it but most burglars do not... Read More

How to Keep Your Postal Mail Private and Secure

Surreptious opening of most envelopes sent through the mail takes... Read More

Home Security After An Earthquake

After an Earthquake you need to do an immediate damage... Read More

Turn Your Home Into A Fortress

The best way to turn your home into a fortress... Read More

Infrared Goggle Pop Down in Hallways for Structure Fires

Most people who are killed in structure fires die from... Read More

Eavesdropping and Counter-Measures: Technology and Techniques

You need to know how to protect yourself, since your... Read More

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Millions of people everyday rely on fire extinguishers to put... Read More

Life Insurance - Wise Investment to Protect Your Home or Excessive Caution?

Life insurance is typically taken out to offer valuable financial... Read More

Is America Safe?

As the devastation and death toll from deadly Hurricane Katrina... Read More

Neighborhood Mobile Watch Patrol

Have you found yourself disgusted with the crime lately. You... Read More

Alarm Systems & Automobile Tires?

What do alarm systems and automobile tires have in common?... Read More

Handling a Hurricane; Part 2 - Preparing for and Surviving an Approaching Hurricane

Part 1 of this article described some of the characteristics... Read More

Alarm Controls are the Brain of your Security System, Use Yours When Choosing One

The alarm control is the brain of your security system.... Read More

Someone Spying?

Someone Spying? So are the Teddy Bear and the Potted... Read More

Is Big Brother Watching You? Or Are You Watching Big Brother?

Isn't technology a wonderful thing? I thought this as I... Read More

Organizing an Arson Watch Program

A wide variety of participants are needed to launch a... Read More

Handling Weather Emergencies: Part 1 - Forward Planning Makes The Difference

IntroductionAt some time in our lives, many of us will... Read More

Security Cameras For Your Peace of Mind

The reasons for installing cctv cameras are the same whether... Read More

Kevlar Sheets for Your Home Walls

Home security is more important today than ever. You may... Read More

Who Abducted the Missing Child?

What is going on with these people who feel they... Read More

Katrina: Lessons Learned on the Nature of Man

For many years, novels and films have given us apocalyptic... Read More

The Real Desire for the UK House Buyer

Location location location, central heating, air conditioning, double glazing, good... Read More

Alarm System: Contacts (Window & Door Switches)

Alarm Contacts- Contact switches are magnetic switches used to protect... Read More

Securing Home Water Supplies; Conservation of Water Planning

Generally when it rains the water runs off the house... Read More