We like to think that we are a vital part of your total car care solution, but it’s harder to care for a car that has gone missing. Cars are an investment that often require extensive loan payments, so it's no wonder why theft can be such a huge financial blow. Depending on where you live in the country, car theft can be worse than usual. While national rates of theft are trending down since 1991, auto theft continues to be concentrated in western states. According to ProtectYourHome.com, California's rates of motor vehicle theft and robbery are higher than the national average and recovery rates can be pretty bleak. Roughly 1.3 billion dollars in automotive revenue was stolen in 2016. Luckily, as a car owner, there are several preventative measures you can take to ensure that you are not a victim.
Steering Wheel Locks
Thieves can't get away without being able to steer, right? One of the best tools you can use to protect your car is a steering wheel lock. Older versions of this tool were bars that prevented any wheel movement, but modern steering columns come standard with locks built right in. Some more paranoid drivers still use the old lock, bar, though. Since the bar is made out of thick metal, it makes removal very difficult and only you have control of when the steering wheel is functional.
Brake Pedal Lock
In the same vein as a steering wheel lock, a brake pedal lock also makes your car unusable by pushing the pedal into the floor and locking so it cannot be lifted. These devices are also made out of durable metal and completely immobilize the pedals for any thief who may try to break in.
GPS Tracking
Recovering a stolen car could be as simple as turning on an app and finding the exact coordinates of its current location. By installing a GPS device that can sync with your phone, you can know its location in emergencies like theft. Since your car is at a lower theft risk, some insurance companies will even insure your car for less.
Warning Stickers
As low-tech and simple as it sounds, by simply displaying on your car that there is an alarm in place, burglars will be deterred. Keep in mind, these only adhere to a clean, well-polished body. While most cars today are manufactured with built-in security systems like car alarms, some could be turned off or broken. By showcasing that your car is protected, thieves will be less likely to risk being caught due to a loud alarm being triggered.
Just like homeowners install cameras at their front door to deter robbers, a lot of steps you can take to prevent car theft involve scaring thieves away before they even attempt to break in. If someone can look at your car and immediately see it is more protected than surrounding cars, yours will be less of a soft target.
