Devices to Prevent Car Theft

Car theft is an unfortunate reality that affects millions of vehicle owners each year. Having your car stolen can be a huge inconvenience and financial burden. However, there are several devices available today that can help deter thieves and prevent your car from being stolen. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most effective devices to prevent car theft and help you keep your vehicle secure.

Steering Wheel Locks

Steering wheel locks are a simple yet highly effective deterrent against car theft. As the name suggests, these lock onto your steering wheel, preventing it from being turned. To remove the lock, you need the key or combination, rendering the vehicle undrivable to any potential thief.

There are two main types of steering wheel locks:

Bar Locks

Bar locks consist of a long metal bar that inserts through the steering wheel spokes and locks into place. Most use keys, while some use number combinations. Bar locks are a visual deterrent, clearly signaling that the vehicle is protected. They can be cumbersome to use daily but are extremely tough for thieves to bypass.

Disk Locks

Disk locks offer a more compact design. A U-shaped disk attaches onto the steering wheel, secured on either side by a lock. Disk locks don’t obstruct the driver’s view of the dashboard and are quicker to remove and install when parking. Like bar locks, disk locks require a key or combination to unlock.

Steering wheel locks are affordable protection devices starting around $20. High-end options made of hardened steel offer even better security. For their simple yet brute force effectiveness, steering wheel locks remain a wise first line of defense against hotwiring.

Gear Shifter Locks

Gear shifter locks operate on a simple principle – preventing the gear shifter from moving out of the “Park” position. Often called brake-shift interlocks, they connect to the gear selector and immobilize it. The driver must disable the gear lock with a key or code to shift gears and drive away.

Gear shifter locks provide several benefits:

• Keep the vehicle securely in Park, preventing thieves from releasing the parking brake and pushing it away.
• Deter thieves who don’t want to risk getting caught forcibly overriding the gear shifter.
• Prevent towing, as the wheels lock when in Park.

Both manual transmission and automatic vehicles can utilize gear shifter locks. Prices range from $15-$50 for most products. Overall, they serve as an affordable supplementary layer of anti-theft protection.

Pedal Locks

Pedal locks do what their name suggests – prevent the accelerator and brake pedals from being pressed. A pedal lock consists of a master lock cylinder attached to a metal bar or clasp. The clasp portions fit over or enclose the pedals, physically blocking them from moving.

Installing a pedal lock properly can prevent:

• Pushing the accelerator to rev the engine.
• Pressing the brake pedal to release the parking brake.
• Changing gears, as the clutch cannot be pressed down.

For maximum security, use pedal locks in conjunction with a gear shifter lock to immobilize your parked vehicle fully. Prices for pedal locks run approximately $30 to $60. They provide an added level of visual theft deterrence and pedal immobilization security.

Hidden Kill Switches

Hidden kill switches work by cutting power to the vehicle’s starter and ignition system. When activated, the kill switch disables the engine from either turning on or continuing to run. Thieves cannot start or hotwire the car without knowing the location and disabling the kill switch first.

Installing a hidden kill switch involves:

• Splicing into the main ignition wire.
• Installing a small toggle or push button switch in a discreet location only known to the owner. Good spots include under the dashboard, behind interior trim panels, or under seats.
• Pushing the switch disables the ignition system until pressed again. A red LED light can indicate when the kill switch is active.

Professionally installed kill switches cost $100-$300 depending on the vehicle and setup. Installation requires wiring knowledge and taking apart interior trim panels in most cases. But the discreet protection against hotwiring and key duplication they offer makes hidden kill switches a smart investment.

Aftermarket GPS Tracking

Aftermarket GPS tracking uses cellular signals to transmit a vehicle’s location. A small tracking device is covertly wired into the car and paired with monitoring software on your phone or computer. Once activated, you can remotely monitor and track your vehicle’s movement in real-time.

GPS tracking offers several advantages for preventing auto theft:

• Real-time tracking – Follow the path of a stolen vehicle immediately and direct police to its location faster. Many systems update every few minutes.
• Geo-fencing alerts – Create designated zones and get notified anytime your car leaves or enters them. Great for high-theft areas.
• Speed alerts – Receive alerts if your vehicle goes over a set speed, indicating potentially reckless driving.
• Historical tracking data – Review the vehicle’s previous routes and locations where it was parked or driven. Useful for investigating suspicious activity.

Professional tracking systems like LoJack cost $600 to $1200 for purchase and installation. Monthly monitoring plans add $10 to $30. For heavy-duty security and recovery assistance, aftermarket GPS tracking is one of the best options available.

Audible Alarms

Audible alarms produce extremely loud siren noises, flashing lights, and vehicle horn honking to deter potential thieves. Alarms activate automatically when sensors detect movement inside the car or manipulation of the doors, hood, or trunk without the remote disarm signal. The sheer noisy commotion alerts the owner and neighbors that a theft is in progress.

Today’s audible car alarms are sophisticated with features like:

• Multi-sensor detection – Detects entry through doors, windows, the hood, trunk, or even glass breakage.
• Silent panic mode – Sends an alert to the owner without blaring the siren to avoid alerting thieves. Useful if being carjacked.
• Remote start disruption – Prevents thieves from stealing vehicles with remote start systems.
• Starter kill – Stops the starter motor from activating.
• Keyless entry integration – Links the alarm to keyless entry fobs.

Professionally installed audible alarm systems range from $250-$800 including parts and labor. For affordability combined with maximum noise and attention, audible alarms are a proven car theft deterrent.

Immobilizing Devices

Immobilizing devices disable a vehicle’s engine or powertrain, preventing thieves from driving away with the vehicle. Two common examples are starter interrupters and fuel cut-offs.

Starter interrupters disable the starter from firing up the engine. They interrupt the power between the battery and starter motor when activated.

Fuel cut-offs prevent fuel from reaching the engine by blocking the fuel pump, fuel injectors, or fuel lines. This starves the engine of gas, stopping it from running.

Both devices can activate through:

• Hidden switches – Toggle or push button switches installed in discreet locations for the owner to activate.
• Wireless remotes – Fobs or smartphones with an app can activate the device remotely.
• Door locks – Interfacing with the power door locks and linking the device to the “lock” signal.

Immobilizing devices are powerful security, though also inconvenient since the owner must reactivate engine function every time they drive. Professionally installing an immobilizer costs $250-$600 on average.

OBD Port Locks

The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port provides access to a vehicle’s computer and data. Thieves with the right scanner tool can plug into the OBD port and reprogram keys, disable alarms, unlock doors, and more. Locking the OBD port blocks access to exploit these vulnerabilities.

OBD port locks insert into the port opening and fasten with a lock. Most designs still allow authorized access by unlocking with a key. OBD locks also deter thieves from cutting diagnostic data lines in attempts to hotwire vehicles.

Simple plug-in OBD port locks cost approximately $15-$30. More advanced designs feature steel casings and combinations locks for maximum security. Locking the OBD port limits a thief’s ability to override critical vehicle systems through diagnostic port access.

Wheel Locks

Wheel locks function like lug nuts but require a unique key or adapter to install or remove them. Having at least one wheel lock on each wheel makes the vehicle impossible to drive away or tow without first removing the locks.

Wheel locks help prevent:

• Complete wheel/tire theft – Prevents thieves from removing and stealing wheels/tires.
• Towing – Without removing the locks, the vehicle cannot be rolled with wheels locked in place.
• Jacking – Makes it harder for thieves to jack the car up and steal components from underneath.

Installing wheel locks at every wheel position provides maximum security. Sets of 4 or 5 wheel locks cost $50 to $100. Using wheel locks in conjunction with a visible audible alarm system can form an effective theft deterrent.

Window Etching

Etching the vehicle’s VIN (vehicle identification number) onto all window glass can deter theft. Etching creates a visible permanent mark inside the window, making it traceable back to the registered owner. This makes the car less appealing to chop shops and illegal exporters trying to disguise stolen vehicles with new VINs.

The etching itself does not physically prevent theft or carjacking. But it does provide the following benefits:

• Visual deterrent – Indicates the vehicle is traceable and not ideal for illegal resale.
• Aid recovery – Police can clearly identify stolen vehicles based on etchings.
• Insurance discounts – Some insurers offer slightly lower rates for VIN-etched vehicles.

DIY VIN etching kits cost around $20. Professionally etching all window glass typically costs $100 to $250. Overall, etching is an inexpensive supplementary tactic that can make some thieves think twice.

Car Collars

Car collars attach around the steering wheel and deter theft in two ways:

1. Visually obscuring the steering column and ignition lock from tampering or force entry.
2. Physically blocking access, preventing insertion of stolen keys or unlock tools.

Collars are typically made from high-strength vinyl or thermoplastic materials. Their bright colors and material hardness make them difficult to cut through or remove quickly. Car collars essentially create a protective barrier around the vulnerable ignition area.

Aftermarket car collars cost approximately $30 to $60. They offer a cheap yet effective supplementary deterrent against force entry hotwiring attempts.

Interior Trunk Release Disabling

Many car trunks feature interior release handles to open from inside the trunk. This is a safety regulation to prevent entrapment. However, thieves can also exploit interior trunk releases to access the vehicle. Removing the release handle and disabling the cable prevents this method of illegal entry.

Disabling the interior trunk release involves:

• Locating the release cable where it connects to the latch.
• Detaching the handle and unhooking the cable.
• Capping or taping up the disconnected cable end.

This forces all trunk access to use the exterior trunk lock only. Owners can still open from inside by folding down rear seats in sedans. Professional disabling costs around $50 to $100 and removes one exploitation point for break-ins.

Aftermarket Door Locks

Replacing OEM door locks with sturdier aftermarket locks enhances security. Aftermarket locks deter picking attempts and make force entry more difficult. Upgraded locks feature:

• Robust deadbolts – Double or reinforced bolts better withstand brute force.
• Lock shields – Internal shields surrounding the key cylinder prevent picking tools from reaching the locks.
• Smart keys – Key fobs with rolling encryption codes or proximity detection for keyless entry. Makes key duplication difficult.
• Keyless touchpads – Provide keyless number code access. No physical key that can be stolen.

Installing high-security door locks will cost $300 to $600 for the full vehicle. The improved strength and discretionary entry they offer bolsters a key defense against break-ins.

Interior Motion Sensor Lights

Lights that activate based on interior motion can startle thieves once inside the vehicle. Motion sensor lights typically mount under the dash or in footwells. When triggered, they instantly illuminate the cabin with bright LEDs.

Sudden illumination can:

• Surprise thieves and cause them to flee.
• Prevent thieves from hiding in blind spots and concealment.
• Attract the attention of neighbors or passersby.
• Alert the owner if lights activate abnormally.

Multiple wireless battery-powered motion sensor lights cost under $50. They offer affordable interior intrusion detection and make it much harder for thieves to work undetected once inside.

Faraday Cage Lining

A Faraday cage blocks all incoming and outgoing wireless signals with conductive material shielding. Lining the passenger cabin with such shielding can help prevent vehicle hacking and keyless entry exploitation.

Faraday shielding foils wireless communications used by:

• Key fobs – Prevents keyless systems from being amplified and spoofed.
• On-board diagnostic – Blocks OBD ports used to reprogram modules.
• Telematics – Disables tracking systems that transmit vehicle data.
• Wireless sensors – Prevents tampering with tire pressure or wheel speed sensors.

Professionally installing Faraday shielding costs $1,500 to $3,000. It is mainly reserved for high-risk targets given the costs. But properly implemented shielding virtually eliminates electronic infiltration risks.

Carjacking Deterrents

Carjacking involves forcefully stealing a vehicle while the owner or driver is still inside. It’s an invasive threat that requires occupant-focused deterrents for protection. Useful carjacking prevention devices include:

Emergency Safety Kits

Kits containing pepper spray, a loud panic alarm, and emergency contacts or phone can help drivers threatened with carjacking. Keeping such a kit in the center console delivers quick access to self-defense and calling for help.

Panic Buttons

Installed buttons that immediately lock doors, flash lights, and honk the horn can alert others if threatened with carjacking. Some can even cut the engine or trigger alarms at the press of button.

Interior Cameras

Dash cams recording inside the vehicle may deter some thieves from carjacking or kidnapping knowing their actions get documented on video.

Safety Screeching Tools

Small handheld screeching devices emit painfully loud 130+ decibel alarm tones to disorient attackers. Some attach to keychains for quick access protection.

Though no perfect foil to all carjackings, deterrent tools and quick access defense measures can assist drivers in warding off these traumatic incidents.

Tracking Device Detectors

To check for hidden tracking devices illegally attached to your vehicle by thieves or stalkers, there are handheld RF detectors designed to locate their tracking signals. Sweeping a detector around the car can find:

• GPS trackers – Many trackers actively transmit GPS coordinates over cellular or radio frequencies detectable by the scanners.
• Audio recording bugs – Tiny microphones disguised as rocks or car parts that use wireless signals detectable by bug detectors.
• Bluetooth and WiFi devices – Can indicate a wireless tracking or eavesdropping device planted on the vehicle.

Finding evidence of illegal tracking devices gives you the chance to remove them and stop being monitored without consent. Quality RF detectors cost around $150 to $300.

Perimeter Security When Parked

How and where you park your car can influence its vulnerability to theft. Using dedicated secure parking spots with plenty of perimeter security features minimizes the opportunities for thieves to strike.

Park in Well-Lit Areas

Parking in brightly lit areas with security cameras and pedestrian traffic discourages thief activity. Areas with obscuring shadows, blocked sight lines, and isolation invite higher risk.

Use a Locking Garage

Garages restrict physical access from prying eyes while also sheltering your vehicle from environmental conditions. Just be sure the garage door closes fully and locks securely.

Install Motion Lights

Position motion-activated security spotlights to illuminate your vehicle’s parking area when movement triggers the sensors. Removes concealment for prowling thieves.

Utilize Video Cameras

Video surveillance of your vehicle’s parking spot provides both deterrence and evidence if thieves do strike. Signage warning of cameras also acts as a deterrent.

Avoid Consistent Parking Patterns

Vary where you park when possible rather than always picking the same spots. Thieves may monitor habits and strike during periods of reliable absence.

Deploy Wheel Locks When Parked

Having at least one visible wheel lock installed each time you park immobilizes the car against towing or driving away quickly.

Insurance Company Anti-Theft Discounts

Speaking with your auto insurance provider about anti-theft discounts can help offset the cost of protection devices. Many insurers offer premium discounts for policyholders who install certain security features. Ask about discounts for:

• Audible alarm systems
• Tracking systems
• Vehicle window etching
• Gear shift locks
• Wheel locks
• Immobilizing devices

Insurance discounts of 5% to 15% off your comprehensive or overall premium costs can help make protection systems more affordable. Just be sure to inquire about approved devices to qualify for available discounts from your insurer.

Use Multiple Layers of Security

The best approach against car theft is using multiple protective systems that offer overlapping security. Combining several deterrents forces thieves to bypass multiple roadblocks to succeed, while any one solution can potentially be defeated.

A robust multi-layer setup could include:

• Audible alarm with immobilizing starter interrupt
• Steering wheel lock
• Gearshift lock
• Wheel locks
• Video cameras covering parking spots

With all of these defenses, thieves are far more likely to move onto an easier target than your well-protected vehicle. A layered strategy maximizes safety through redundancy and diversity of security systems.

Garage and Parking Lot Security

For community parking areas, implementing proper garage and lot security features helps protect all vehicles parked on the premises against theft. Useful options include:

Access Control

Restrict garage and lot access to residents only by implementing card-scan gate systems, key fobs, numeric keypads, or on-site guards. Prevent free