It’s no secret that cars are becoming increasingly vulnerable to theft and other security threats, especially as the technology to hack our cars develops day by day. However, trouble with protecting your car is not a new one, but it is one that ranges from tiresome to dangerous. The sorts of things that can happen to your car range from annoying, such as an attempted break in or petty damage, to dangerous, such as your car being stolen or tampered with. The loss of or damage to your car, in general, can be incredibly devastating to you, your wallet, and your insurance. After all, it can happen to anyone and if it happens to you it can still happen again. That’s why it’s important to do what you can, within reason, to protect your car and whatever you store inside it. To help protect your car, here are a few safety suggestions as well as recommendations for methods to try.
Park in a Well-Lit Area
One of the easiest ways to deter criminals from targeting your car is to simply park in a well-lit area, especially at night. If possible, parking in a garage or as close to directly under a street light will make it more difficult for thieves to break into your car without being seen by either you or anyone who happens to be passing by. It’s likely that if they think there’s a risk of being seen, the idea of breaking in will be less and less appealing to them.
If you happen to be sitting in your car at night, this is also a good strategy for keeping anyone who might try to harass you away from your car while you’re parked. Once again, if there’s a chance that someone could see them well enough to identify them, there’s a high chance they’ll decide going after you or your car isn’t worth it.
Invest in an Extended Auto Warranty
A method of protection not often thought about is getting an extended warranty on your car. While this won’t actively stop a carjacker or someone looking to break in and steal your personal items, it can help with the aftermath to repair the damage your car suffers in the process. Possibly even help to replace your car if it’s either unsalvageable or otherwise unable to be recovered. To do this, you can get an insurance plan to cover your car. Simply talk to different insurance companies, companies such as Safeguard My Car, to decide on who offers the best plan for you and your specific circumstances. Keep in mind what the car is worth, how likely you are to need the warranty depending on where you live or where you regularly leave the car, and how much assistance you would need if something were to happen to your car.
Always Lock Your Doors and Windows
Even if you leave your car only for a few minutes you should always make sure it’s locked. This may seem like either a no-brainer or too much effort for something that will only take a second, but it’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to deter thieves. This will make it more difficult for someone to simply get into your car to either steal it or swipe something inside since they can’t simply open the door. Once again, it comes down to how much effort they’re going to put in, especially if it’s going to take longer than a second for them to snatch something.
Use a Steering Wheel Lock
Another way to make your car less attractive to thieves is to use a steering wheel lock. This device makes it more difficult for thieves to steer the car, making it less likely that they’ll be able to steal it.
Install an Alarm System
An alarm system is another effective way to deter criminals from targeting your car. When an alarm is triggered, it will make a loud noise that will hopefully scare off the criminal and attract attention to the area. If your car doesn’t already come with an alarm system, then it’s a good idea to get one installed.
Use a Tracking device
You can contact a car security company to help you choose the best tracking device and install it in your car. Tracking devices emit a signal that can be tracked by both you and law enforcement, making it easier to locate a stolen vehicle.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
If you are parked in a busy area, note who is around and what they’re doing. Trust your gut if you see anything suspicious and move to a different location.
Avoid Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
You have to make your car less attractive to criminals by avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight, such as the car seat, back windows, or on the dashboard. If you must leave something in your car, keep it hidden in the trunk or under a seat to avoid being targeted by criminals.
As a car owner, it’s important to take steps to ensure the safety of your vehicle. While there’s no guarantee that your car will never be the target of theft or vandalism, you can take measures to deter criminals and make it more difficult for them to steal your car or its contents. In this article, we’ve shared some simple safety tips for increasing the security of your car.
