The news of vehicle thefts and accidents every other day creates a fright among the minds of people that they feel reluctant to buy expensive cars. Reports come out every year telling how many vehicles were stolen during the year and the preventive steps citizens should take to avoid their vehicles getting stolen. According to a report issued by the authorities, “one motor vehicle theft was reported every 40.9 seconds in the United States in 2017.” In another report about road safety 2018, we learned the road traffic injuries are now the leading killer of people aged 5-29 years where people had to resort to a Portland, OR car accident attorney for claims.
Luxury automakers like Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus, Genesis, Cadillac, and Mercedes design their vehicles in an ultra-modern way to ensure maximum safety and security. The latest models are equipped with an anti-theft alarm system with immobilizer and panic alert buttons. The immobilizer prevents the engine to start without the right key and from being hot-wired as well. The panic alert button helps draw attention if you are in a dangerous situation. These security features are available in mainstream luxury vehicles, but the usual cars do not have them. So, how can you protect your car from potential thefts then?
We are going to provide you with some valuable information about what a car thief thinks while stealing your car and how he steals it. With the help of some professional mechanics and auto theft experts in the police, we have compiled a list of ways you can use to prevent car theft.
- Equip your car with the latest car alarm and tracker system
The first thing a car thief will do is check if your car is equipped with an alarm. A normal car alarm does not serve the purpose, as it sets off by anything loud. Equip your car with the latest car alarm that informs you on your pager or mobile phone as soon as the alarm activates.
Car tracking companies cater to your security needs. They use Satellite car tracking, and pinpoint location through GPS system technology and communicate through the GSM network. They offer round the clock vehicle monitoring with battery tempering alarm and anti-jammer etc.
- Keeping the Valuables inside the Trunk or Somewhere Not Visible
We tend to leave our valuables such as mobile phones, laptop bags or shopping materials inside our cars, which lure the thieves. If a thief gains entry in your vehicle, he will obviously take all the stuff inside the car and might attempt to steal it too as he did the hard part of getting inside already. Hence, it is suitable to keep the valuables in the trunk. Moreover, most of the thieves are only interested in your car stereo system and not the car itself. If your stereo system has a removable faceplate, keep it with you when leaving the car.
- Steering Wheel Lock and a Starter Disable Switch
Ensure maximum security of the car by first locking the steering wheel and then using a starter disable switch and putting it in a place where only you can get to it.
- Have a Professional Install the Car Alarm
It is very easy for a thief to figure the exposed wires and disabling the car alarm. Instead of going to a local electrician to install your car alarm, opt for a more professional.
- Get Rid of Car Alarm Sticker
A thief when trying to figure out how to disable the car alarm will search for the sticker that tells about the type of car alarm used in the vehicle. This aids in disabling the alarm easily. Use a hood lock cable to stop the thief from getting to your car battery or alarm mechanism.
