The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that over one million vehicles were stolen in 2022, a 7% increase from 2021. Additionally, data from the National Crime Information Center indicates that in the fourth quarter of 2022 alone, there were over 250,000 car thefts. According to these statistics, car theft in the US may be at an all-time high since 1.05 million vehicles were officially reported stolen in 2008.
With thieves constantly evolving their methods of operation to keep up with the latest security technologies embedded in our vehicles, ensuring the safety of your car has become more crucial than ever. To increase the protection of your vehicle and prevent it from falling victim to theft, you can get tips and practical help by contacting your local 24-hour car locksmith. In addition, a range of security gadgets and technologies can help protect your car from becoming the next target. In this article, we will explore the top five high-tech gadgets that can effectively safeguard your vehicle against theft by offering added layers of security, lowering insurance premiums, and giving you more peace of mind overall.
Smart Keys
While they are not considered independent car security gadgets on their own, smart keys offer enhanced levels of protection to any vehicle. These electronic keys enable owners to instantly unlock and start the engine without inserting a mechanical key in the ignition. By relying solely on unique signals sent to the vehicle’s computer, smart car keys make it much harder for thieves to steal your vehicle since having no key to fumble with translates to lower theft risks.
Tip: Another person’s smart key cannot unlock your car, which only adds to the advantages of using these security devices.
Electronic Car Immobilizers
Modern-day vehicles feature standard electronic immobilizers, built-in microchips, or transponders to send signals to the vehicle’s anti-theft system. The latter sends a signal that allows the driver to start the engine. Without these signals, any attempt to start the car will fail. Most car thieves steer clear of vehicles with electronic immobilizers.
Standard car immobilizers work by disabling two of the three main components that enable a vehicle to start, be it the starter motor, the fuel system, or the ignition. There are different types of immobilizers. Some need a manual PIN code to work. Others require the use of a touch key. Most modern immobilizers are operated with the help of smartphone apps through Bluetooth.
Tip: As a rule of thumb, all vehicles built after October 1998 feature factory-fitted immobilizer devices. If your car was manufactured before that date and you wish to verify the existence of an immobilizer, get in touch with the car manufacturer or browse the owner’s manual.
GPS Tracking Devices
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is used by these devices to track the location of any vehicle in real-time. They locate stolen cars and assist their owners in maybe getting them back. Certain models come equipped with geofencing features that trigger notifications each time the car departs a zone the owner has set. Fuel-saving features and vehicle diagnostics are also integrated into other models.
Tip: Service contracts are used to sell GPS tracking devices. The most effective systems can relocate a car an hour after it is stolen.
Steering Wheel and Tire Locks
Steering wheel locks are highly affordable car security gadgets that deter potential thieves. They can be easily fitted over the steering wheel to lock it and prevent anyone from driving the vehicle until the device is properly unlocked. These visual deterrents send out the signal that your car is difficult to steal in an effortless and quiet manner.
Tire locks work similarly and are manufactured with unique patterns on the head that require special sockets or keys for safe removal. The locking lug nuts need to be placed on all four wheels. Each gadget contains theft-deterring sockets for enhanced effects.
Tip: While tire locks are highly visible security gadgets for vehicles, they are also difficult to manage since attaching and removing them is a lengthy process that takes time and a certain amount of effort. This does not make them good options for daily drivers.
Dash Cams and Rearview Cameras
Dash cams and rearview cameras provide additional layers of security to any vehicle. The small-sized cameras are mounted on the windshield, dashboard, or back of the vehicle. They provide live video feed of what is in front or behind the car, and they can also record footage helpful to prove who was at fault during a crash or fender bender. These cameras are also excellent gadgets that can assist you with parking and reverse driving, especially when they feature motion sensors enabled whenever someone or something gets too close to your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Investing in a quality car security gadget will protect your vehicle and its contents against potential break-ins and theft attempts. Consider investing in one or several of these gadgets for the best results.
