Smart Start Interlock

Smart Start Interlock is a  company that provides services and technical devices that are installed in the car, that prevent intoxicated people from driving the  vehicle. Here at Monteltham Auto Electric we install, service and look after the ignition interlock devices.

Accredited Interlock installer

Monteltham Auto Electric is an accredited Interlock installer and we have been approved by the State Government. These devices can only legally be installed, removed or monitored by approved and accredited installers. Monteltham Auto Electric is an accredited Interlock installer and we have been approved by the State Government. These devices are only legally installed, removed or monitored by approved and accredited installers.

These Interlock devices basically prevent the engine being started without going through and passing the breath test, the device will also initiate random tests from time to time requiring you to pass the test. If you fail to take the test this is recorded and will be considered a violation. Random tests can be requested any time the engine is running.

Smart Start Interlock Servicing

The program also schedules a regular service for the device installation. There is a service window of 2 weeks, a week each side of the schedule date. Missing this window will prevent you from operating your vehicle. There is also a fee for remote unlocking. Book your service early with us, we will be happy to accomodate you.

The service involves calibration and checking that the device is operating as it should. The calibration is a routine download required by the state, and a technician downloads your test results from the Ignition Interlock Device, uploading them to the report that we send to your monitoring authority.

How does a SmartStart Interlock work?

What is an interlock device? How does it work. Basically, you blow into the mouthpiece which measures the amount of alcohol in your blood and as long as it is below a certain level, you can start and drive your car. How do we know it’s accurate?

The Smart Start  ignition interlock devices use ethanol-specific fuel cells to detect alcohol. This ethanol-specific fuel cell turns  alcohol into an electric current, even very small amounts of alcohol will produce an electrical charge. No alcohol present, then no electrical current. If however you have recently been drinking alcohol there will be alcohol in your breath, and, the fuel cell will create a current and is stronger the more alcohol there is in your breath. So there is a direct relationship between the amount of alcohol in your body and the electrical current created in the fuel cell.

As long as the amount is under the limit which is 0.02 BAC the test is passed and the engine is enabled to start. Greater than this threshold and the vehicle will not start.

These Smart Start Interlock devices are similar to the traffic police and the devices they use to test a driver, they are state-of-the-art and accredited by both European and Australian standards.

If you want more information on the Smart Start Interlock system please get in touch. We will be happy to help you. Don’t forget we provide a full vehicle service for all rangers of vehicles including petrol, diesel and 4 wheel drive vehicles. We are expert auto electricians servicing all of Melbourne and based in Montmorency, not far from Eltham and Greensborough.

We also provide a wide range of car spares including batteries, LED’s, solar systems and other camping and off road essentials.