All posts in Auto Security

Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/06 in Auto Security with Comments Off on Valuable Tips for Protecting Those Classy Cars

A car is often one of the largest investments that a person makes. With an estimated 700,000 vehicles reported stolen in the United States each year, however, the possibility is always there that your car could be next. Still, most vehicle thefts happen to people who are not as careful as they should be with their cars, so as long as you are taking the proper precautions, you should never have to experience that awful pang of panic when you realize that your car is not where you last parked it.

Buy a Car with an Alarm System

Most vehicles these days come with built-in security systems. Even if yours does not, it is more than likely worth it to have one installed by the dealer or from a private company for an additional charge. Not only can an anti-theft system deter would-be thieves from coming near your vehicle in the first place, but cars with these devices in place typically cost less to insure as well. In this sense, the cost of your car’s security system could essentially pay for itself through insurance savings.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Whether you are at home or in public, you should always be sure to park your car in a well-lit area. For example, if in a supermarket parking lot, make an effort to park directly below a working light pole. Thieves prefer to do their dirty work in the dark because they are less likely to be seen and caught that way, so they will likely not bother even attempting to break into a car parked directly under a bright light source.

Install a Home Security System

Parking your car in a garage can be a great way to keep it safe, but what if your garage gets broken into? This is more common than you might think. In addition to home security reasons, it is never a bad idea to invest in a security/alarm system at your home. This way, if a sensor is tripped on your garage door or at any other point of entry at your home, you can immediately have an alarm sounded and authorities dispatched to your property.

Keep Track of Your Keys

People usually think about thieves stealing cars by breaking windows and hot wiring the car, but there is an easier way. Stealing a car by stealing car keys is much easier. Make sure your keys are kept in a safe place. When out and about keep them in your pocket. When at home don’t be tempted to leave your keys next to your door. This makes it too easy for a thief to take the keys without having to step in the house.

Don’t Valet Park

It’s tempting to use the class and convenience of valet parking, but it may be wise to think twice.  Valet parking attendants are usually you and have not had much time behind the wheel. This can lead to accidents, dings, and scrapes.  To keep your car in pristine condition it may be best not to hand the keys over to a stranger.

As you can see, there are plenty of steps you can take to protect your car from thieves and vandals, so be sure to follow the above tips.

12 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/01/25 in Auto Security with Comments Off on 12 Ways to Prevent Auto Theft

According to the FBI, a car is stolen every 23 seconds in the United States. In the city of Los Angeles, about 30,000 cars are ripped off each year, accounting for approximately one-quarter of all property crimes. You can avoid becoming part of the statistical carnage by employing both commonsense and forward-thinking anti-theft strategies. Read on and we will look at 12 ways that you can keep your car out of the hands of thieves.

1. Just lock it. Always lock your car. Turn your car off, remove the keys and lock the doors. Activate the alarm system if you have one.

2. Park in public, well-lit areas. Certainly, your car can get stolen in broad daylight. But, why make it easy on thieves by parking it in a dark, obscure place that invites a theft? The more local movement, the less likely thieves will feel comfortable about taking your car.

3. Employ driveway sense. A trick of thieves is to pull up in a tow truck and hitch your car for a quick getaway. You can thwart crooks by backing your rear-wheel-drive car into your driveway and positioning your front-wheel-drive face in. Engage your parking brake too.

4. Turn on your alarm. If you have an alarm system, turn it on when you are parked. Use it or risk losing it…your car, that is.

5. Install a hood lock. Thieves can quickly disengage your alarm by popping the hood and disconnecting the battery. You can thwart this attempt by installing a separate dead bolt hood lock.

6. Know your vehicle’s popularity. Just because your car is old does not mean that it any less attractive to thieves. The 1994 Honda Accord and the 1998 Honda Civic are the two top most stolen cars in the country reports the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Older versions of Ford’s F-150 truck and the Toyota Camry are also popular targets for their parts.

7. Use vehicle tracking. Buy a new car and there is a greater likelihood that it will come equipped with a vehicle tracking device. GM’s OnStar is one such system and its current packages include "stolen vehicle slowdown" for easier law enforcement apprehension.

8. Take your belongings with you. Okay, maybe thieves don’t want your car. But, those Christmas packages or other goodies you have left in your car are certainly appealing. A smashed window and a quick grab and snatch is all that it takes to rip off your belongings, so take these prized possessions with you.

9. Your hidden keys. How smart of you to hide a key underneath your car! After all, this is a practice that thieves would never consider. Unfortunately, to steal a car, thieves may feel underneath your bumpers, your wheel wells and other exposed area to find a key. Don’t make it easy for them — never hide a key!

10. Stow your title. In your glove box is your car’s registration and insurance papers. What shouldn’t be found is your title. Making your title available to thieves is an invitation to disaster — your vehicle can be stolen and quickly retitled as an unsuspecting party buys your car.

11. Disable your car. If you will be away from your car for extended time such as catching a flight and parking it at the airport, thieves will be on the lookout for your vehicle. Make it difficult for them to jump in and start your car by disabling it, removing the ignition fuse or coil wire. You may not be able to get these items through airport security, so stash them in the trunk underneath your spare tire.

12. VIN etching and engraving. You can thwart thieves by having your vehicle identification number or VIN etched to your car windows in plain sight. Also consider engraving important parts with your VIN, to make it less likely that thieves will want to disassemble your car for the value of its separate parts.

Theft Prevention Tips

There are other ways you can make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. You can install a steering wheel lock, a kill switch and a floorboard lock, the latter making it impossible for thieves to use your accelerator. Consider installing multiple devices if you plan to leave your car unattended for a stretch of time or if you live or are visiting a car theft prone area.

Author Information
Keith Winters is a professional blogger that enjoys providing consumers with automotive advice. He writes for Butty Buddy, a leading manufacturer of motorcycle seats.

Newer Entries →