It is getting close to the holiday season, which means cars in parking lots could be full of packages and gifts. This is a place where car thieves want to hang out! However, whether your car is parked at the mall or in your driveway, it is at risk for theft. The goal is to make your car less appealing and more of a challenge so that potential thieves won’t even want to try to break into your car.
Here are six tips of the advice offered by our automotive service center:
- Parking lot -- Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Roll up windows and lock the doors. Don’t leave spare keys outside of the car as thieves know where people typically hide them. Do not leave valuables, such as purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change, in your car. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key. If you put a package in your car and then want to do more shopping, move to a different parking spot. Don’t stay parked in one spot too long.
- Audible Alarms -- Protecting yourself and your family, as well as your vehicle, belongings, and car stereo are all excellent reasons to invest in a car security system. Additionally, most insurance companies offer lowered rates for vehicles equipped with an alarm.
- Visible Devices -- Some drivers have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into a window as it makes it harder for a thief to send it to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves.
- Immobilizing devices -- These devices actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. There is no way a thief can drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
- Tracking devices -- Devices are now available that allow police to track your car.
- Be observant -- Pay attention to your surroundings, such as suspicious people and other vehicles, including license plate numbers.
A Word to the Wise: If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.
Want to know more safety tips? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about automotive repair and service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
It is getting close to the holiday season, which means cars in parking lots could be full of packages and gifts. This is a place where car thieves want to hang out! However, whether your car is parked at the mall or in your driveway, it is at risk for theft. The goal is to make your car less appealing and more of a challenge so that potential thieves won’t even want to try to break into your car.
Here are six tips of the advice offered by our automotive service center:
- Parking lot -- Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Roll up windows and lock the doors. Don’t leave spare keys outside of the car as thieves know where people typically hide them. Do not leave valuables, such as purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change, in your car. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key. If you put a package in your car and then want to do more shopping, move to a different parking spot. Don’t stay parked in one spot too long.
- Audible Alarms -- Protecting yourself and your family, as well as your vehicle, belongings, and car stereo are all excellent reasons to invest in a car security system. Additionally, most insurance companies offer lowered rates for vehicles equipped with an alarm.
- Visible Devices -- Some drivers have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into a window as it makes it harder for a thief to send it to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves.
- Immobilizing devices -- These devices actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. There is no way a thief can drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
- Tracking devices -- Devices are now available that allow police to track your car.
- Be observant -- Pay attention to your surroundings, such as suspicious people and other vehicles, including license plate numbers.
A Word to the Wise: If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.
Want to know more safety tips? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about automotive repair and service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
