Some Useful Tips On Car Security

The first thing to do when you want to keep your car from being stolen involves thinking wisely. It's a good idea to have a spare key for your car, but don't hide it on the vehicle. Many people try to find places that are easy for them to access spare keys, sticking the extras underneath the car or in a garage, but keeping your car keys in your wallet is always the best idea. Avoid the many versions of magnetic lockboxes on the market, as thieves know about these and will look for them first, when out to steal a car.

Experts also suggest you lock your car doors and roll your windows up, even if you're just stopping somewhere for a moment. Statistics show many vehicles were stolen when someone stopped to run into a corner store to grab something quickly. Also, don't park behind hedges or fences or in unlit areas at night. You can decrease your chances of becoming the victim of auto theft by leaving the outside lights on in your driveway all night or by installing a motion sensitive unit that will light the area if anyone passes.

Thieves also like to slip into underground parking garages behind the cars entering those same areas. Police suggest that after you drive your car through an open gate in an underground parking, stop, and wait until the door closes behind you before you continue down the ramp. Often, a would-be thief will be put off by such diligence.

Some communities have developed programs to deter auto theft. These programs use special stickers that allow police to stop and question the driver of your car in the early morning hours between 1 and 5 am, which is the time that most auto thefts take place. Another good idea to protect your car is to engrave your driver's licence number on your stereo equipment.

Repairing a lost or stolen vehicle can cost up to five thousand dollars or at worst, require a full replacement of your vehicle. You'll have to wait on garages for repairs and haggle with insurance companies about theft claims. By preventing the crime in the first place, you can also save on the cost of finding another way around while the police look for your stolen car. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in the case of auto theft.