Alarm, GPS or cane - we protect the car from theft
There are many ways to protect your car from theft - alarm, immobilizer, hidden switches or GPS monitoring. In addition, there are mechanical fuses - steering wheel and gearbox locks. They work for thieves because the number of thefts is decreasing. However, you should not refuse them, so we will tell you what security measures are better.
Over 14 cars were stolen in Poland last year (Read more: "Car theft in Poland"). For comparison, in 2004 there were 57 thefts. “This is the result of increasingly sophisticated security measures, as well as the actions of the police,” experts say.
The car theft statistics just released by the Police Headquarters are not surprising. As in recent years, the most popular brands among thieves are Volkswagen and Audi. Delivery vehicles are also frequently lost.
GPS-monitoring - a car under the gaze of a satellite
According to vehicle safety experts, the risk of theft can be significantly reduced. The most advanced solution is GPS monitoring. Using it, you can remotely target and immobilize a vehicle. Such protection, for example, is standard on all Subaru models. Installation on a car of another brand costs about PLN 1700-2000. Then the car owner pays only a monthly subscription in the amount of about PLN 50.
Cars are tracked using GPS satellites. Elements that communicate with the control panel are installed in different places of the car - so that it would be difficult for a thief to find them. If the car is stolen, its owner calls the emergency service and asks to turn off the ignition. “Because the system allows you to monitor the fuel level, speed and even engine speed, the car most often stops on the spot to minimize the risk of a collision or accident,” explains Wiktor Kotowicz from the Subaru car dealership in Rzeszow. Thanks to satellites, it is also possible to accurately determine the place where the car stopped.
Alarmy i immobilisery - popularna elektronika
Alarms are still popular in the electronic security device group. Installation of the basic version of such a device (alarm with remote control and siren) costs about PLN 400-600. The price increases with each additional feature, such as central locking or closing windows with a remote control. Although the standard alarm does not immobilize the vehicle, it can deter a thief. Especially at night, when a siren goes off during a robbery, and the car flashes its headlights.
Another popular solution is immobilizers and hidden switches. Especially the latter, well camouflaged, can frustrate the thief's plans. Without the switch unlocked, the engine will not start. Radio warning is a very effective means among electronic means of protection. Thanks to this, the pager that we carry with us will alert us with a signal when someone opens our car. However, there is also a drawback. Such a device only works when we are no further than 400 m from the car.
Locks - traditional mechanical protection
Although the effectiveness of steering wheel or gearbox locks cannot be compared even with sophisticated electronics, it cannot be said that they are completely useless.
“The more security, the better. Yes, it is easy for a thief to open such blockades. But remember that this takes some time. And if he tries to force his cane in the middle of the night, in a car with the siren on, it won't be easy for him,” explains Stanisław Plonka, an auto mechanic from Rzeszów.
In this safety group, the most popular are the so-called canes that prevent the steering wheel from turning completely. We can also choose a lock that connects the steering wheel to the pedals. Usually they are locked with a key, sometimes you can find combination locks. Locking the gearbox, preventing the lever from moving, is also a good solution. Simple mechanical locks can be purchased for PLN 50-70.
Auto Casco Insurance
The AC policy is not a direct protection against theft, but in the event of a car theft, you can count on the return of its counterpart. An additional advantage of the full AC policy is the reimbursement of the cost of repairing the car in the event of a breakdown due to our fault (Read more: "Auto Casco Policy - Guide").
The cost of such insurance is about 7,5 percent. car value. The size of the premium is influenced, among other things, by the place of residence of the owner, the age of the car, the likelihood of theft. Drivers with additional security will receive a discount when purchasing a policy. We receive an additional discount for a trip without claims and a one-time premium payment.
Rafal Krawiec, consultant at the Honda Sigma Car showroom in Rzeszow:
There are two reasons for the decrease in the number of car thefts. First, you can now buy new parts for all cars on the market, which is why people are quitting used components. And if so, then thieves do not steal so many cars to dismantle and sell in parts. The level of safety of the car is also important, as it deters many thieves. However, it is impossible to protect the car one hundred percent. What one person puts on, another person will sooner or later dismantle. However, this does not mean that you should not protect the car. If you can make life difficult for a thief, it's worth it. The alarm and immobilizer are still popular. I am also a supporter of mounting a hidden switch. Cleverly hidden, it can become a real mystery to a thief. PLN 800-1200 is enough for basic car protection. This amount will allow you to install a high-class alarm system with additional features. The cost of manufacturing a hidden switch is about PLN 200-300. A good electronics engineer will put it in an hour. The immobilizer costs about 500 PLN.
Governorate Bartosz
