Autowatch Ghost immobiliser installation, how it compares to LockCar

The Autowatch Ghost is one of the most popular aftermarket immobilisers in the UK, using the CAN bus to require a PIN sequence before engine start. LockCar uses a fundamentally different approach, a hardwired physical relay break outside the CAN bus entirely. Understanding the difference helps UK vehicle owners make the most informed security decision. Both products have merit, and the two approaches are complementary rather than competing.

How the Autowatch Ghost works

The Autowatch Ghost immobiliser connects to the vehicle’s CAN bus and monitors button-press sequences on the vehicle’s existing controls, such as steering wheel buttons or door switches. Before the engine will start, the driver must enter a configured PIN sequence using these buttons. The Ghost receives the CAN bus signals for each button press and permits engine start only when the correct sequence is detected.

This approach is effective against basic relay attacks. A criminal who successfully performs a relay attack and unlocks the car encounters the CAN bus PIN requirement and cannot start the engine without knowing the sequence. The Ghost provides genuine protection against the majority of relay attacks that rely on a rapid opportunistic theft.

The Ghost does not require any additional physical tokens, apps, or devices. The PIN is entered using buttons already present in the vehicle, making the day-to-day experience seamless for the owner once the sequence becomes habitual.

How LockCar works differently

LockCar installs a hardwired relay break in the physical start circuit. This relay break is completely outside the CAN bus. It is not a CAN bus device and cannot be addressed, overridden, or influenced by any CAN bus command. The relay break requires an independent encrypted signal, from a proximity tag, Wi-Fi channel, or app command, to close. Without this signal the relay remains open and the engine cannot start regardless of any other system state.

The critical security distinction is that LockCar is immune to CAN bus injection attacks that can in some configurations override or bypass CAN bus-based immobilisers. Because LockCar operates at the physical relay level rather than the electronic protocol level, defeating it requires physical access to and knowledge of the specific wiring, not just an electronic command sent over the bus.

Which to choose, Ghost, LockCar, or both?

For vehicles in lower-risk categories, either product alone provides strong protection. The Ghost is a well-established and widely respected product. LockCar offers a complementary approach with the additional capability of proximity tag hands-free operation, mobile app integration, and optional 4G GPS tracking.

For high-risk vehicles such as Land Rover, BMW, and Toyota models in high-theft postcodes, the strongest protection combines both approaches. The Ghost’s CAN bus PIN stops relay attacks at the software level. LockCar’s hardwired relay break stops any attack that manages to overcome or bypass the CAN bus layer. Together, the two systems create a defence in depth that is significantly harder to defeat than either product alone.

LockCar recommended products

Top recommendation

Autowatch Ghost immobiliser installation

Primary recommendation

Autowatch Ghost uses CAN bus PIN entry. LockCar uses a hardwired relay break outside the CAN bus. Compare both, understand the difference, and choose the right protection for your vehicle.

LockCar IC3ST, £139

Standalone, proximity tag, hardwired relay

Dual-factor standalone immobiliser with proximity tag and app. Hardwired relay break outside the CAN bus. Complements any existing CAN bus immobiliser including Autowatch Ghost.