Keep Your Car Safe During the Holidays and Every Day
(ARA) – As you head out to do your holiday shopping, car theft may be the last thing on your mind. But winter weather doesn’t deter car thieves and they definitely don’t take a holiday vacation. In fact, just as many thefts occur during October, November and December as during May, June and July, according to the FBI.
On average, a vehicle is stolen every 26 seconds in the United States, and you might be surprised to learn that an experienced car thief can steal your car in less than one minute. Locations such as malls and airports, where large numbers of cars are parked for long periods of time, are prime targets for auto thieves.
But you don’t have to be a victim. There are a number of common sense precautions you can take to deter car thieves from targeting your vehicle.
* Never leave your car running. This may seem obvious, but in cold weather parts of the country, it is not uncommon for people to start their cars to warm them up, leaving them in the driveway or office parking lot unattended.
* You don’t want to make it easy for a car thief. Always lock your car; approximately 50 percent of all stolen vehicles were unlocked, and nearly 20 percent had their keys in them. Never leave your keys in the ignition, even in your own garage.
* Whenever possible, park in a well-lighted, heavily trafficked area. Fee parking lots are a good choice, as they have attendants on hand and often have video cameras to deter thieves.
* Let thieves know your car has an alarm by displaying a sticker in your window. But don’t be complacent. A car alarm will not deter a determined thief, since they know that in a city, people hardly notice car alarms going off. Think about it: How many times have you heard car alarms blaring and ignored it, figuring someone had accidentally brushed against a car or that the owner hit their panic button by mistake?
* Physical deterrents are best. A steering wheel lock like The Club is a highly visible sign to potential thieves that your car is protected. A bright red metal bar with a lock that fits on the steering wheel and prevents it from being turned, The Club is easy to use. It slips on in seconds and can save you hours – if not days -- of headaches (police reports, insurance claims, loss of transportation and other hassles). The longer it takes to steal a car, the more attention the thief attracts. They know that The Club is virtually impossible to defeat, and will move on to another vehicle that is not so well protected. There’s even a model specifically for trucks and SUVs.
* Thieves sometimes use tow trucks to steal cars. To make it harder for them, always use your parking break, and when you park on the street, make sure your tires are turned toward the curb.
The Club makes a great gift this holiday season and lets your loved ones know you’re thinking of their safety and well-being. You can find The Club wherever auto parts are sold. Visit www.winner-intl.com for more tips on protecting your car and to learn more about The Club.
Courtesy of ARA Content
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