Ten Tips to Avoid Car Theft

By Auto Parts Warehouse on July 24, 2014

AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers advice to help car owners get in front of auto theft for National Vehicle Theft Protection Month

Carson, CA—July 24, 2014 — A car can be stolen in less than 60 seconds and most of those lost are never recovered. With more than a million cars stolen every year, which equates to about one car every 27 seconds ^[1], National Vehicle Theft Protection Month reminds drivers to take measures to avoid adding to the statistics. The experts at AutoPartsWarehouse.com have put together preventative safety and DIY tips for all drivers because although Honda Accord tops the list of most stolen vehicles (for the fifth year in a row) ^[2], age doesn’t matter, as parts for older vehicles are in great demand too. And along with new technology designed to stop car theft, these tips also include the good old-fashioned basics to get in front of car theft.

Top Ten Stolen Cars ^[3]

Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Chevrolet Silverado
Acura Integra
Cadillac Escalade
Ford F-350
Nissan Altima
Chevrolet Tahoe

(note black is the most common color of stolen cars, turquoise is the least)

“It’s so important to protect your vehicle from being stolen, and this crime clearly isn’t going away,” said Shane Evangelist, CEO of AutoPartsWarehouse.com. “Our preventative tips help drivers cover their bases, from parts, add-ons and technology to the basics of just remembering to lock your doors and park your car in a secure place.”

AutoPartsWarehouse.com’s Auto Theft Protection Tips

Lock It Up: These days many cars lock automatically and some automakers are starting to provide mobile apps that can be used to lock and unlock car doors (Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Volt, OnStar RemoteLink), but even if you have an older model, be sure to remember to lock it. It is the old fashioned way to prevent theft and does still work assuming all locks are functioning properly. If you have been waiting to replace a broken door lock, lock actuator, or window motor do it now to make your car less of a target. Easy installation for the average DIYer. Parts can be purchased online.
Garage Sense: This seems like a no-brainer, but it is worth a reminder. Whenever possible keep your car in a garage that has a secure lock (as an added bonus this will also keep your paint and interior looking like new.) And f you park on the street at night, try to park under a streetlight.
Be Brighter: If a car alarm is activated, on most vehicles that means the lighting activates as well, and the brighter the lights, the better. Most modern cars have perimeter lighting built into headlights, taillights, and mirrors to enhance safety and visibility. Make sure that all lights are working correctly and if they are cloudy, cracked, or flat-out broken replace them today. Bonus: Easy DIY fix. And can be purchased online.
Tight Top: Check to be sure your convertible top is fully secure: if it is worn, torn, or out of adjustment, it’s an open invitation to snag your stuff or your car. Replacing your top also makes the ride more pleasant and protects the interior from the elements. Bonus: Easy DIY Fix. And can be purchased online.

Our preventative tips help drivers cover their bases, from parts, add-ons and technology to the basics of just remembering to lock your doors and park your car in a secure place. ~ Shane Evangelist, Auto Parts Warehouse CEO

Stash the Goods: Leaving your phone, purse, laptop, tablet or other expensive electronics in the open (especially in the summer!) and visible is a bad idea. Stow them in the trunk if possible, and if you have a hatch-back be sure to use a rolling cover or security shade to conceal the goods. If you have a Jeep or other open off-roader or classic roadster consider installing a lockable “safe box.” Bonus: Easy DIY fix. (Adding tint to windows will also obscure the view of your vehicle’s inside, helping to prevent theft while helping to preserve the interior.)
Three Pedals: Drive a manual shift vehicle. Clutches and shifting seems to be a theft deterrent to the random or rookie thief. Added bonus, you join an exclusive club since nearly 70% of cars sold in the US aren’t available with a manual transmission. ^[4]
Don’t Spare Yourself: Never keep spare keys in the wheel well or under your car. These key holders are convenient, but they make it easy for your car to be stolen inconspicuously. Instead, choose a designated place to keep a spare set of keys and make it known only to family members that drive the car.
Engrave Parts: Engrave expensive accessories and major parts with your VIN or personal identification number. This aids police in tracing stolen items.
Leave a Trail: Drop your business card, address label, or other information inside your vehicle doors. This will identify you and where your vehicle was titled and registered.
Track Your Vehicle: Vehicle tracking systems are activated when the vehicle is stolen. These systems, from OnStar to LoJack, alert the police to the location of the vehicle for quick recovery. Most require no, or relatively easy, installation, and there are even smartphone apps that will track and turn on the vehicle alarm once it has been stolen.

About AutoPartsWarehouse.com

Established in 1995, AutoPartsWarehouse.com is one of the nation’s top online auto parts and accessories retailers and is dedicated to making it easy for consumers to save money by accessing auto parts online. AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers a comprehensive catalogue of over 2 million auto parts and accessories, to fit all domestic and foreign makes from top aftermarket manufacturers. AutoPartsWarehouse.com offers consumers free shipping on orders over $50 as well as flexible payment and extended warranty plans and options. The company has parts warehouses in markets throughout the U.S. enabling rapid shipping of parts. AutoPartsWarehouse is operated by U.S. Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS).

Contact Media Relations:

Elizabeth Johnson, mWEBB Communications, elizabeth@mwebbcom.com, 213.713.4865
Melanie Webber, mWEBB Communications, melanie@mwebbcom.com. 424.603.4340

References (↵ returns to text)

http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Car-Theft↵
http://www.lojack.com/About-LoJack/News-and-Media/Press-Releases/LoJack-Releases-Fifth-Annual-Vehicle-Theft-Recover↵
http://www.lojack.com/About-LoJack/News-and-Media/Press-Releases/LoJack-Releases-Fifth-Annual-Vehicle-Theft-Recover↵
http://www.cartalk.com/content/stick-figures-last-days-manual-transmission↵

About Auto Parts Warehouse

Auto Parts Warehouse is one of the top online retailers of auto parts and accessories in the United States today, with over 550,000 products in our comprehensive catalog, with a lot of them available at exclusive warehouse prices.