How to Improve Your Car Security?

There are a few simple steps that every car owner can take to improve their vehicle’s security. These budget-friendly upgrades not only deter thieves, but also give owners peace of mind.

Always remember to lock your car – especially if you’re in an area with high crime rates. And if you have any valuables, make sure to keep them hidden away.

Install a GPS

A Car GPS tracker isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore, it’s a necessity for many drivers. From helping car owners keep tabs on their vehicles, to providing fleet managers with valuable data, a GPS device can bring significant benefits that outweigh its initial cost and effort.

The main benefit that most drivers notice is the increased peace of mind that comes with knowing where their vehicle is at all times. With a GPS installed in their vehicle, the owner can simply log on to a mobile app or PC and check where their car is at any given time.

Additionally, a GPS tracker can help prevent theft by alerting the driver if their vehicle moves or if the device has been tampered with or disconnected. Some GPS tracking devices also have geofence alerts that let the driver set up a digital boundary around a location (such as a parking lot), and can send notifications when their vehicle enters or exits this zone.

Get an alarm

Taking the simplest security measures can significantly increase your chances of keeping your car safe. This includes always double-checking that your doors are locked and windows rolled up before leaving, parking in heavily populated areas when possible, and parking in a garage when you can.

Another simple measure is to add visible anti-theft devices like a steering wheel lock. This tells thieves that your car will be difficult to break into and steal, which might make them move on to an easier target.

Another handy device is a Faraday pouch. This blocks electromagnetic signals, eliminating the possibility of “relay theft.” Finally, it’s important to never hang your key fob near your home, especially on a hook by your front door or in a pocket where thieves can easily intercept the signal. You can also install dash cams, which will capture any movement that occurs when your vehicle is parked and can help you track down thieves.

Lock your car

If your car has an auto-lock feature, it’s a good idea to use it. While no car can ever be truly theft-proof, taking the time to lock up your vehicle makes it more difficult for a prowler to get inside.

Another security measure you can take is to always park in a well-lit area and make sure that all of your doors are locked, especially when you’re away from the car for an extended period of time. Additionally, if possible, try to park somewhere that is visible to others so that if there are any passersby, they can call the police right away.

You may also want to invest in a Faraday pouch for your key fobs as they can help block electromagnetic signals and prevent relay theft, which is when thieves intercept the signal between your car’s digital access keys to gain entry. Finally, you could consider investing in a steering wheel lock as it is an excellent visual deterrent and many insurance companies will offer discounts for additional security measures.

Keep valuables out of sight

While it may be tempting to keep things like a spare tire in your trunk, thieves are often looking for an easy score. Keeping valuables in plain sight will only tempt them to break into your vehicle and rob you of everything they can see.

Instead, a better option is to invest in a trunk organizer or dark bag, which will help conceal your belongings and prevent them from being seen. You can also purchase a car cover that hides the contents of your trunk, making it harder for thieves to peek inside and steal.

Another way to protect your car is to avoid parking it in a suspicious area or on the side of the road, where there’s an increased risk of theft. If you can, park in a garage or parking lot that’s manned by an attendant and/or has a security camera. You can also install visible anti-theft measures, such as mechanisms that lock the steering wheel, to let thieves know you’re protecting your car and they should move on to a less obvious target.