How to Optimize Car Security

Car theft and security problems have continued to increase at an alarming rate throughout the past decade and show no signs of slowing down.  According to the National Institute for Traffic and Highway Safety, most car theft and security related issues can be avoided by using a little common sense and by being alert.  

Use you head and lock your car.  Many thefts are made by local deviant teens that while walking through the neighborhood pull on door handles and if yours opens they will get what ever they can from inside.  They look for purses, cell phones, laptop computers, etc... Anything of value or use to them.  By simply locking your car you rule out most of this problem. 

It is a wise idea to put any purchases in your trunk or out of plain view.  This is especially important while Christmas shopping.  During Christmas season many thefts or break-ins actually occur right at the shopping mall.  Try not to ever leave anything valuable in your car or truck. 

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Never start your car and leave it running in the driveway.  It may be nice during cold months to get into a warmed up car.  But it is nicer knowing that your car is still out front.  Car thefts of cars with the key in the ignition occur more often than you think and in some states, because you left the key in the ignition, it can be hard to prosecute someone for actually stealing your car. 

It is a good idea to have your windows etched for added security.  Window etching involves either chemical etching or sandblasting the automobiles vehicle identification number or VIN into the glass on all major windows.  This deters many thieves as the window glass is the second most expensive easily stolen item.  Window glass can bring quick cash and if your windows are etched the thief cannot easily sell your windows or part them out on a auction site like Ebay.  Window etching may not stop every auto theft, like car jacking, but it will greatly lower your chances of having your vehicle vandalized or stolen.  Window etching kits can be bought for under $25 through the internet – do not buy it from your car dealer.  They will only mark it up 500% and sell it to you for $399 or so and pack it in your monthly payments – “But its only $10 a month for this added security.” Right, that’s $600 over a 60 month car loan.  Car etch is good, but buy it off the internet for its actual price of $20 - $25.

Carry a cell phone.  Last thing anyone needs is to have any kind of automotive problem in an unfamiliar place.  If you see anything or experience anything out of line don’t hesitate to call *HP from your cell phone.  This will put you straight to the local highway police.  Watch out for poorly lit areas and rest stops.  Police have been increasing patrols around rest stops and off ramps, but a lot of crime still occurs in these areas. 

Watch out for the latest car auto accident scams.  These are just as bad as car theft.  People will purposely pull right out in front of you and slam on their breaks hoping you will rear-end them and then they can sue you.  Many times this has happened in large cities and it can even be intricate enough to involve several cars.  The easiest away to avoid car accident scams is to drive defensively and follow at a safe distance.  The rule is one car length for every 10 miles per hour.