5 important things to know about your car's anti-theft device
Auto repair

5 important things to know about your car's anti-theft device

Your vehicle's anti-theft device is installed to help protect your investment from thieves. Most cars today include various devices and systems that not only protect the car, but also prevent theft in the first place.

Various components and options are available in anti-theft devices. However, it is important to understand these options and how they prevent theft, especially if you live in areas with a higher theft rate. Below are the basic information you need to know about your car's anti-theft device.

Be responsible

Anti-theft devices work well, but only if you park your car responsibly. If you leave your keys in the ignition, or even leave it on when you go to the store, the devices will become useless for obvious reasons.

Proper use

It is also important that you understand how to activate your anti-theft devices. For example, the steering wheel lock often requires you to turn it slightly when you get out of the car to turn it on. For those built into the lock mechanism, it may only take a single push or a quick double tap on the button to make sure the system is on. If you cannot find this information in your user manual, you should speak to the manufacturer to find out.

Choose OnStar

If you buy a GM vehicle, you will have the option to subscribe to the OnStar service. While this may seem like an unwanted expense, the GPS tracking offered by the service can be invaluable in helping you recover your vehicle if it is stolen.

Consider LoJack

If you're buying a non-GM vehicle, most dealerships offer LoJack as a feature to add to your vehicle. This system uses radio frequencies to locate stolen vehicles, providing stronger protection that will still work when the vehicle is out of range or in an area that blocks satellite reception. It is estimated that the LoJack system is about 90% effective in finding stolen vehicles.

smart key technology

Smart Key technology, which requires the car's key fob to be in close proximity to unlock and inside the car to start the engine, is another great anti-theft option to provide protection. While this system is only available as an optional feature on some models, the overall anti-theft protection is well worth the upgrade investment.

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