Protecting Your Vehicle From Theft

Every year, the number of car thefts goes down in the United States. In part, we owe this to car manufacturers for making vehicles more difficult to break into. However, credit also goes to car owners for being educated about and aware of car thieves.

Here are a few tips to help make sure you never have to deal with the stress of a stolen vehicle:

Lock your Doors, Roll up your Windows

Even if you’re just leaving your vehicle for a moment, make sure it is secure and take your keys with you. Thieves will look for easy ways to take off with a vehicle. By leaving your doors unlocked or your windows cracked, you’re giving them a simple way to do that.

Park in a Garage or a Well-Lit Area

Typically, thieves want to do their dirty work discreetly where they won’t be suspected. If people can observe a car in a lighted area, a thief is less likely to target it. It’s the vehicles left in dark lots or on the street that tend to get picked for theft.

Install a Car Alarm

Surprisingly, some newer vehicles don’t come standard-equipped with alarms, but having one installed is easy and fairly inexpensive. There are a few different types to choose from depending on the level of protection you’re seeking, including pressure-sensitive and motion-sensitive alarms.

Put in a Steering Wheel Lock

When your vehicle is parked, you could consider adding a steering wheel locking device. These apparatuses can only be removed with a key and prevent a thief from being able to steer the car. A thief is far less likely to take off with a car they can’t steer.

If you’re looking for advice or want more information on how to deter thieves, stop by or give us a call and speak with one of our ASE-Certified technicians about what you can do to keep your vehicle safe.