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The best ways to protect your car against theft

How to protect your car against theft - a thief entering the car
Artur Owczarek
Artur Owczarek

Brand Product Manager Moje AutoHe has been involved in the automotive industry for years. He is passionate about cars and detailing. On his blog, he shares his knowledge and experience, offering tips on how to effectively care for your car and extend its life.

Buying a car costs at least several dozen thousand zlotys. For this reason, vehicles often fall prey to thieves - especially those parked away from monitoring, in a dangerous area. How to protect your car against theft?

  • The number of car thefts is decreasing, but it is still a big problem.
  • Mechanical, electronic security and car alarms are available on the market. They all have their advantages and disadvantages.
  • Protecting your car against theft is not everything. Don't leave your keys in easily accessible places, choose safe parking spaces and consider theft insurance.
  • Calculate how much fuel your car uses with ours fuel consumption calculator!

 

Are you worried that your car will be stolen while you are in the store? Or maybe you park your vehicle outside guarded parking lots, in dark and empty alleys? In both cases, it is worth using solutions that will make it more difficult for thieves to steal your car. To which additional protection of the car against theft put?

Car theft is still a problem

Car theft protection - thief

According to police statistics, the number of car thefts is decreasing. In 2013, there were as many as 14 initiated proceedings. Nine years later - in 292 - 2022, but the detection rate of these crimes was 7%. For this reason, it is worth ensuring that your car is protected against theft so that your car does not fall prey to thieves. There are various security systems available on the market - mechanical, electrical and car alarms. To which securing the car against theft put?

Are you planning to go on holiday by car? Check, how to prepare a car for a long journey!

Mechanical car protection against theft

Car theft

The first thing that may come to mind are mechanical protection of the car against theft, which are still very popular. They operate independently of electronic systems. Most often, they take the form of steering or gearbox locks. They are mounted directly on these elements. In the case of a gearbox lock, it is necessary to visit a workshop where specialists will adapt the steering system to mount the lock. Such protection will be useful when: the car is small and used.

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical protection of the car against theft

A thief stealing a car

Mechanical locks are very effective. They do not require charging and do not make driving difficult. They are made of thick stainless steel, the destruction of which requires special drills. This means that removing the lock is time-consuming - when trying to steal, the thief will undoubtedly attract the attention of passers-by.

Unfortunately, yes Mechanical car anti-theft protection has a major drawback – require daily putting on and taking off. Therefore, they will not be useful when you want to secure your vehicle, e.g. while parked in a store parking lot. Usually, using a small key is enough to remove the lock, but after a long time this task can become irritating.

Electronic car protection against theft

Car in the parking lot

How to protect your car against theft if you don't want to use mechanical locks? In this case, an immobilizer will work well. Currently, it is installed in almost all new cars. What is an immobilizer? Type lock The immobilizer consists of a transmitter built into the key and a receiver located in the vehicle. The system blocks the ignition system or control computer. The vehicle can only be moved when the signal from the key inserted into the ignition is consistent with that received by the receiver.

This type of immobilizer is factory installed in most cars. If you want, you can also supplement it with additional engine or ignition locks. They start automatically several seconds after the drive unit is turned off. Most often, a code or a sequence of buttons is used to unlock them.

Curiosity! Nowadays, you can also find remote ignition locks on the market. They are small, so you can hide them in the vehicle. They work by cutting off electrical circuits.

Car alarms as additional car protection against theft

Black cars in the parking lot

Car alarms have been used for many years. Nowadays, however, they perform many more functions than before. Some systems are able to send SMS notifications to the car owner about an attempted theft. In addition, they generate a loud sound and flashing light, which may scare off a thief.

Car alarms are powered in two ways - from a battery or an external battery. The second solution is safer - after cutting the cables, the system protection will not be disabled.

Unusual car protection against theft

Car theft

There are also unusual car anti-theft protection. Some of them are used by car manufacturers themselves. What security measures are involved? This includes, for example, marking vehicles (usually premium brands) with polyester microparticles, which are distributed at various points of individual components. Thanks to this, even when selling a car for parts, it can be easily identified.

This protection can also be used in cheaper, older vehicles. Microparticles are assembled in special workshops. How much is it? The cost of such a procedure is several hundred zlotys. Its purpose is to discourage thieves from stealing.

Good practices that reduce the risk of theft

Parked car

Except mechanical protection of the car against theft It is also worth remembering good practices that will reduce the risk of car break-in attempts.

  • Keep an eye on your keys - do not leave vehicle keys in visible and easily accessible places. What places are we talking about? This includes: on counters in shops, restaurant tables or in the pockets of a jacket hanging on a common hanger.
  • Don't keep your keys close to the entrance to the apartment - some people forget to lock the door after entering the apartment. Thieves often take advantage of this fact and steal items from the hall unnoticed (usually when the residents are inside).
  • Change the locks in the car if you have lost the keys - it is also worth reporting this fact to the insurer.

Of course, it is worth taking care of where you park your vehicle. It is worth choosing them so that the car is parked in a safe area. Especially if you go on holiday and leave your vehicle in the country. In such a situation, it is worth considering leaving the car in a guarded parking lot. Another way is to give it to friends or family during the holidays.

How to protect yourself against car theft?

Car insurance against theft

What if car theft protection it is not sufficient? The thief may eventually succeed, find a way into the security systems and steal the vehicle. Of course, it is worth asking for help at the police station. But that's not all. It protects us against the consequences of car theft car insurance. For this reason, it is worth choosing the insurer carefully and reading the policy conditions carefully. Especially since additional options to protect against car theft usually do not require a large additional fee.

Take care of your car with Moje Auto Car Spa!

It is a good idea to use at least several car anti-theft protection devices at the same time. Additionally, remember about good practices that will reduce the chance of a thief getting into the vehicle. But that's not all, because even the best system can be faulty and thieves can find a way to break into the security system. For this reason, it is worth ensuring that your vehicle is properly insured.

Source: statistics.policja.pl

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