To protect yourself in cold weather, you put on layers of clothing to stay warm. It's no different when you want to protect your auto from thieves. Use a layered approach. The more layers of protection on your vehicle, the more difficult it is to steal.
Layer 1: Common Sense
This one's simple and it doesn't cost you a thing.
- Lock your doors
- Remove your keys from the ignition
- Close your windows completely
- Park in well-lit areas
Layer 2: Visible or Audible
Device
We find vehicle alarms annoying when they go off. Even better, so do car thieves...and they avoid autos with alarms or anti-theft devices! Consider adding a visible or audible anti-theft device to your vehicle.
- Audible alarm system
- Steering wheel locks
- Steering column collars
- Theft deterrent decals
- Wheel locks
- Window etching
Layer 3: Vehicle Immobilizer
Thieves can bypass your ignition by"hotwiring" a vehicle. But you can putthe heat on the bad guys by installingor utilizing a vehicle immobilizer system.
- Fuse cut-offs
- Steering column collars
- Kill switches
- Starter, ignition and fuel disablers
Layer 4: Tracking System
The final layer is a tracking system that emits a signal to the police or a monitoring service when the vehicle is reported stolen. If your vehicle has a tracking system and is stolen, it can oftentimes be recovered faster and with less damage. Put your vehicle on the radar screen by installing a tracking system.
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