How to properly secure your car from theft?
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Sometimes you forget where you parked. However, after a few minutes of running through the parking lot, he finds his car. However, it can easily happen that he does not find his car because he was hijacked. According to statistics, more and more cars are being stolen in Slovakia. Therefore, the issue of proper protection of the car from theft is relevant.
The stolen car is either resold or dismantled. Stealing certain types and models to order is also a common practice. Stolen vehicles are often converted into miles and sold "almost like new" in our country or abroad. So car theft is a business that can pay any driver. Although thieves have their own tricks and tricks on how to steal a car, they do not always succeed. Right security systems - the key to success .
What's the best car safety?
Today every driver has Several variants car theft protection. The best decision - combination of mechanical and electronic security systems. Within both categories, motorists can choose exactly what they believe in and what works best for their vehicle.
Mechanical safety of the car
With mechanical safety systems, you prevent thieves from manipulating the car. They are designed in such a way as not to damage the interior and equipment of the vehicle. Their disadvantage is that they do not interfere with the towing or loading of the vehicle. These are various hand tools that lock the steering wheel, pedals, or wheels. The most commonly used mechanical security devices are:
Pedal lock
While driving, you cannot do without controlling the brakes and clutch. If you want to significantly complicate the thieves' control of your car, use a special lock that blocks the pedals.
Safety markings on glasses
A cheap and quick way to increase car theft protection is to mark windows. It can be done etching or sandblasting. When etched, the glass is affixed VIN number car and you can also do it yourself. However, the disadvantage is that it does not leave a very deep mark, so a thief can easily grind it without breaking the glass. The sanding done while you wait at the service will leave a deeper mark on the glass, so if the thief wants to sharpen it, the glass will break. In this technique, glasses can be marked VIN number or special code. In Slovakia, sandblasting and pickling services are provided by two companies , OCIS and CarCode,which have their own databases of codes, in which each car with such markings is registered. The police also have access to these databases.
Mounting screws
Thieves may also be interested in wheels and rims. To protect them, you can use special safety screws, thanks to which the wheel can be folded only with a safety device. All you have to do is replace one bolt on each wheel with a safety one.
Tire valve cover
This special cover works by attaching the adapter to the bus and then closing it with a special key. If a thief steals your car while driving at speeds over 15 km / h air will start to flow out of the tire. The disadvantage of this security system is that it does not appear immediately for a person when he gets into the car. It may be that you will forget to let go valve even during normal vehicle use. This will cause the tires to fully inflate.
Steering wheel safety lever
This lever blocks steering wheel to the wheels did not turn. In this case, it is impossible to drive the car. The disadvantage of this protection is that some thieves can remove the steering wheel or cut off and install a new one.
Locking the control lever
The castle that the control lever is locked, not allows thieves to turn on individual gears. It can be used for both manual and automatic transmissions.
Electronic security systems
Most often these are different types of alarms, locators and switches. Modern electronic security systems can also be connected to mobile phone or tablet or have their own mobile applications, which promptly inform you when your vehicle is in danger.
GPS locator
Modern and sophisticated security element is a GPS monitor, which gives an alarm when the car starts moving, that is, left the place where it was parked, or the selected place. Locator tracks position and movement of the vehicle and can send this information to your phone or tablet.
Immobilizer
This is a special device capable of disconnect the selected electrical circuits and thereby block the operation of the engine. He uses electronic code, which should be stored in a dongle or other device. If this code is not available, the immobilizer can disable the junction box, the engine control unit or, for example, interrupt the injection operation. In this way, theft of the vehicle can be prevented. This element is activated automatically and always occurs when removing the keys from the ignition. The immobilizer was one of the first tools to protect a car, and drivers have been satisfied with it for decades.
GSM system
This form of security consists of special sensors that are installed in the car. If the car is broken into or stolen, they send a message car owner on his cell phone. Their great advantage is that they no need to use GPS. This system pays off especially for drivers who live in densely populated areas because there are more GSM transmitters here. This allows individual sensors to locate the vehicle from accuracy up to several meters. In sparsely populated areas, they can provide the owner with information about the approximate location.
Satellite search
In this case, it is a complex and expensive method of protection, which is recommended for cars. higher class. Satellite search is used in collaboration with a security agency. As soon as the vehicle leaves the designated place, an emergency vehicle may follow it. The satellite can determine the location of the vehicle with accuracy up to several meters. The effectiveness of such protection is very high, but the costs are not the smallest. Last but not least, you need to consider the annual or semi-annual security agency fees.
Hidden switch
This is a special device that locks the steering wheel and prevents starting off. The advantage of this switch is that it does not have a uniform shape and can be placed anywhere in the vehicle. The thieves will take time to find it. Its disadvantage, in turn, is that it prevents the vehicle from starting, but not theft, so a combination of a secret switch and other safety features is recommended.
Anxiety
The most famous security system is the alarm, which warns you with a loud sound of unauthorized entry into the car. New versions of alarms can to send to the owner SMS message or otherwise warn him about that his car is in danger. They can also indicate on an open suitcase or poorly closed door.
Is electromechanical safety worth it?
You will also find special electromechanical systems on the market that guarantee unrivaled protection for your vehicle. They must be resistant to the most famous car theft tactics and even to readers and jammers. They work on the same principle as an immobilizer and will cost you several hundred euros to install. These systems have different versions with a different set of functions. Each driver can choose the version that suits him best.
However, in general, you should not rely on only one security function. Combination of several perfect In depending on the type and value of the car. This is due to the fact that some elements prevent it from starting or entering the car, but do not prevent it from being towed and at the same time cannot determine its position. Therefore, it is best to consult a specialist who will advise you on what is best for your vehicle.
Correct insurance is also important
The most ideal combination is insurance and manual protection. Therefore, in addition to safety features, consider insurance that can also protect your vehicle from theft. We are talking about accident insurance, which also covers this risk. However, keep in mind that most insurance companies require some safety features to be installed in their vehicles. However, in the case insurance against the risk of theft you will be reliably protected in case hijacking your car. Plus, accident insurance will protect you from many other threats, such as damage from rodents, natural disasters or vandalism.If you do not want to insure your car against an accident, you also you can get additional insurance against theft together with compulsory insurance. However, in this case, the limited performance limit must be considered.
Basic principles of car theft protection
- Before getting out of the car, be sure to check that trunk and doors densely closed. Also make sure the car is locked.
- Never leave valuables in the car. However, if the situation requires you to leave your belongings there, always put them in the suitcase.
- Try to park on guarded parking lots and streets. Avoid remote locations and dangerous areas.
- Place your bet on the right combination of safety features ... Think carefully about which ones are best for your car.
- Don't forget about insurance coverage and take out accident insurance or PPP with additional theft insurance.
