Reader question:
How do I protect my car from theft?
Algernon
Great question, Algernon.
That’s a question that people should ask more often. A lot of people buy new cars, or even older cars, and think that if they’re in a safe area then their cars are safe, or they think that car theft could never happen to them. The truth is, though, that it happens all the time, and when it does, not only do you have to go through the stressful experience of being carless, filing an insurance claim, and acquiring a new car, but your rates will go up and it will continue to affect you years down the line. So, you want to keep a few steps in mind.
- Step one: Use your head. Always roll your windows up, lock your car, and take your keys with you. Don’t leave valuables laying around on top of the seats. It doesn’t matter if you’re just making a five minute trip to rent a movie. Car theft can happen anytime, and it can happen quickly.
- Step two: Install an alarm system. The best way to go is to get something that can be seen and heard to alert people around that the car is being threatened. Some of these devices include: steering column collars, brake locks, tire locks, theft deterrent decals, laminated glass, audible alarms.
- Step three: Get a device that immobilizes your car. These will keep the thief from being able to do anything with the car even if he should succeed in breaking in. These include: smart keys, kill switches, fuse cut-offs, starter/ignition/fuel disablers.
- Step four: Get a tracking device, like OnStar. These will send signals to your local police station if the car has been stolen so that they will be able to locate its position.
Keep safe,
Fashun Guadarrama.