How to choose the best anti-theft devices to protect your car

Nothing guarantees that your car will not be stolen, but you can increase your chances without spending a fortune. There are a variety of safety alternatives available to protect our beloved cars. So, you must protect your vehicle properly with one of the anti-theft devices listed below.

Steps

Step 1. Mechanical immobilizers

These are the cheapest anti-theft devices and designed to restrict access or movement of the vehicle. The greatest advantage of mechanical immobilizers is their remarkable visibility, a feature that would scare off any hobbyist car thief; but it won't if they are professionals. Police recommend including one of these in conjunction with other anti-theft devices.

• Steering wheel lock. "The Club" is the most popular steering wheel lock and the least expensive anti-theft option. This device goes over the steering wheel and locks it in place so that no one can drive the car until you remove the blocker. Its price ranges from $ 25 to $ 100.

  

• Bonnet blocker. This device will block access to the battery and deter thieves who sell cars from using its parts. Its price ranges from $ 20 to $ 50.

  

• Tire blocker. These brakes are highly visible and difficult to remove. (In the television program "Parking Wars" the "traps" are used to enforce the law in cars that are badly parked). Since putting on and taking off a tire blocker takes time and effort, this would not be my first choice for someone who drives the vehicle every day. Its price ranges from $ 80 to $ 200.

  

• Other anti-theft options for cars: manual transmission, ignition / steering column and steering wheel lock, gear lever lock and brake lockers.

  

Step 2. Consider using an electronic immobilizer

Many standard modern vehicles come with keys and a remote control key fob that protect the cars using electronic immobilizers. These built-in transponders or microchips send signals to the ignition and injector systems. When someone tries to use your car without these signals, it will not start. Thieves often avoid cars that have electronic immobilizers.

Step 3. Install a circuit breaker

This anti-theft device can be activated to cut off part of the engine's electrical system. (This device is used in the "bait cars" from the TV show "COPS"). Some cars have it built in and it is quite easy to install them. A popular model is the Master Lock Starter Sentry, this model cuts off the fuel or ignition system using a wireless transmitter. Other ignition switches are activated the moment the car is closed and cannot be deactivated until a series of tasks have been carried out (for example; opening the car, stepping on the accelerator, putting on the seat belt, etc..). Always check the car warranty first because some do not allow you to install it and remember to hide the circuit breaker, this way the thief will not see it to deactivate it. The price ranges from $ 10 to $ 200

Step 4. Get a car alarm

These are the most visually effective anti-theft devices. Sometimes reminding a potential thief that your car has an alarm system is enough to deter them. Therefore, be sure to place a sticker on the window, on both sides, and to note that you have a car security system activated. (Buy these stickers and stick them, even if you do NOT have a car alarm. The idea of a security system should make the thief decide to choose another victim). Car alarms have electronic sensors designed to activate when a vehicle is breached such as unauthorized entry, window smashing, sudden movement, and perimeter violation. When the sensors detect a threat, a siren is activated (at more than 120 dBs), alerting the owner of the car and all those who are nearby. (Be careful with the cheaper and older car alarms. The alarms with flexible circuit and single phase sirens, which are easy to detect and you would have to depend on the friendship of your neighbors). Connect your car alarm to a battery backup or invest in a hood blocker. Many car thieves know how to disconnect the battery from the alarm, which will cause the alarm to not sound. Its price ranges from $ 150 to $ 1,000.

Step 5. Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN):

Each vehicle has a unique 17-digit serial number assigned to it called a “Vehicle Identification Number” (VIN). This number will be on the car title, on the dashboard on the driver's side, and on your insurance and car registration cards. You can "mark" the parts of your car by engraving the Vehicle Identification Number on all the windows and important parts. With this you will have a tracking device and a deterrent for a theft. Most thieves avoid etched cars because of the expense of replacing and disposing of the glass bearing the Vehicle Identification Number. The cost of a DIY kit is $ 20 or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Step 6. Install a vehicle tracking system:

This is the "Cadillac" of theft protection, so be prepared to pay big bucks. The two largest companies are LoJack and OnStar. LoJack has a transmitter hidden in the car that activates once the theft has been reported. This company works directly with law enforcement officers and has a 90% stolen vehicle recovery rate. OnStar offers a similar system that comes standard on new models from GM, Acura, Audi, Isuzu, and Volkswagen. (Again, I state that you must display their stickers, even if you don't have some of these systems). The price ranges from $ 295 to $ 1395 (for car alarm and tracking system).

Advice

• How expensive is your car? You may think that newer cars are more tempting to thieves, but this is not necessarily the case. Newer models are typically more secure, which increases the risk of being caught; On the other hand, older cars do not have security elements and can be quickly dismantled to be sold in parts. Vehicle parts, when sold separately, can be worth up to three times the price of a car sold as a whole. (Texas Theft Prevention Authority).
• Before hiding a trap in your truck, you should consider some factors: how much do you plan to invest to make your car safe? Determine the limit price.
• How safe is your neighborhood? Cities have a higher crime rate than most suburban areas. City dwellers choose to have more security for their cars. NOTE: Port cities and those along the southern border have a higher risk of auto theft.
• The cheapest and most effective anti-theft device is… your brain. Try to park your car in well-lit areas or in valet parking lots. Do not leave valuables in sight, such as GPS, CD player, shopping bags, purse, wallet, Iphone, Ipod, etc. Keep a thin blanket in your trunk and use it to cover your shopping bags. Never forget your keys in the ignition when you leave your car, not even when you go to the service station even for a moment. (* Yes, people DO this and this is how many cars are stolen.) The more security you install in your car, the less attractive it will be to a thief. In addition, some security measures will reduce the auto insurance premium by 15% to 36%. So think of it as an investment! I have classified auto anti-theft devices into three categories: "Mechanical immobilizers," "Electronic immobilizers," and "Vehicle tracking."

Warnings

• LoJack says auto theft is on the rise again in some cities with a $ 5.2 billion loss in assets.
• 2. Texas 2
• Top 10 Most Stolen Cars by Make & Model: Rank 2010 Model Rank 2009
• 1. California 1
• 10. Chevrolet Tahoe 7
• 2. Honda Civic 1
• Are you feeling lucky? Do you think that your own car is "not worth stealing"? TRUTH: A car is stolen every 26 seconds in the US (FBI's 2007 Crime Reports). Nothing guarantees that your car will not be stolen, but you can increase your chances without spend a fortune. Fortunately, there are a variety of security alternatives available to protect our beloved cars. As more Americans equip their cars with anti-theft devices, the auto theft rate has decreased by 12.6% from 2007-2008 in the US.. UU. But still 2 cars are stolen per second. So, you must protect your vehicle properly with one of the anti-theft devices listed below. Unless you feel lucky… Do you feel that way?
• 7. Arizona 7
• 3. Florida 3
• 8. Maryland 8
• 5. Cadillac Escalade 5
• 9. Georgia 10
• Top 10 states with the highest auto theft rate: Rank 2010 State Rank 2009
• 4. Acura Integra 4
• 7. Dodge Ram (New)
• 4. New York 4
• 10. Nevada 9
• 9. Nissan Maxima (New)
• 6. New Jersey 6
• 1. Honda Accord 2
• 5. Massachusetts 5
• 6. Toyota Corolla 6
• 3. Toyota Camry 3
• 8. Nissan Altima 8