Millions of vehicles are stolen every year, and this number is constantly increasing. But did you know that most car thefts can be prevented if we take some simple security measures? In this article, we will tell you 10 effective, practical and inexpensive ways to prevent car theft, through which you can protect your car from thieves.
1. Show common sense
Car safety starts with your caution. The US Department of Transportation Security (NHTSA) recommends that you always follow some basic rules:
- Always keep the car keys with you, even if you get out for a few minutes.
- Lock the car doors and keep the windows closed.
- Choose a well-lit and safe place for parking.
- Never leave valuables in the car, especially if they are visible from outside.
These small precautions are the most effective.
2. Wrap the car keys in aluminium foil
Nowadays, technical thieves use a technique called “relay attack” to catch the signal of your car keys and start the car even without the keys. To avoid this, you can wrap your keys in aluminium foil or use a Faraday pouch.
Keep in mind that never keep your car keys near the main door of the house, because it is easiest to catch the signal from here.
3. Get the VIN number engraved on the windows
If your car’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is engraved on the car’s window or side mirror, then it is expensive and time consuming for the thieves to change it. This prevents them from stealing the car because it becomes difficult to sell it after theft.
This is a cheap but very effective way to keep your car out of the eyes of thieves.
4. Install a GPS tracker
With a GPS tracker, you can see the location of your car anytime, and if the car gets stolen, it becomes easy to find it with the help of the tracker.
Some advanced GPS systems even allow you to turn off the engine of the car remotely, so that the thief cannot go far away with the car.
5. Hide an old phone or tablet in the car
If the thief finds and removes the GPS tracker, then an old phone or tablet (in which Wi-Fi and location is on) can be hidden in the car.
Sync it with your Google account and track it with a feature like ‘Find My Device’. Keep in mind that the device should be charged, so keep checking the battery from time to time.
6. Turn the wheels toward the curb
When you park the car, turn the wheels toward the curb. This will make it harder for someone to steal the car, even with a tow truck.
Thieves look for easy targets, and this method can keep them away from the car.
7. Use a steering-wheel lock
A steering wheel lock may not provide 100% security, but it can be a big deterrent for a thief.
The longer it takes for him to open the lock, the greater the risk of getting caught. This fear will keep thieves away from the car.
8. Install a kill switch
A kill switch is a device that disables the vehicle’s ignition system. Unless the thief knows its location, he cannot start the car.
This is a technical and smart method that makes your vehicle more secure.
9. Use a car cover
A car cover hides your vehicle and makes it difficult for thieves to spot it.
Especially if you have an expensive or popular car, putting a cover on it will make it look less attractive from the outside and will not catch the thief’s eye.
10. Remove the spark plug
If you are parking your car for a long time and there is a high risk of theft, then there is an easy solution – remove a spark plug.
Without a spark, the engine will not start, and thieves will not understand this immediately. However, this method is not effective in cars that have a coil-on-plug system.
Buying a new vehicle can be an option
If keeping your old car safe seems expensive and hassle, then it may be time to buy a new vehicle. New cars today are equipped with modern anti-theft systems, which make your car much more secure.
Donate your old car to Kidney Cars
If you are planning to buy a new car, donate your old car to Kidney Cars. Not only will it help someone in need, but you will also get a tax break.
The donation process is simple:
- Call us: 800-488-2277 (CARS) or fill out the online form.
- We will pick up the car for free at your convenience.
- You will receive a tax receipt within 30 days – and you can claim up to $500 or the sale amount as a tax break, whichever is higher.
Conclusion: Safety is your responsibility
Car theft prevention is not complicated or expensive. With a little caution and some technical measures, you can keep your vehicle safe. Remember – a thief steals only the car he can get quickly and easily. So always be prepared and alert, so you never become “just another statistic”
