Here at Bill's Lock and Key, we offer auto locksmith services in Albuquerque, New Mexico to keep your day running smoothly. Your car is important for all kinds of things, from getting to work, to feeding the family, to hanging out with friends. That is why it is so important for you to take care of it. Of course, you should always lock it to prevent theft and vandalism, but there is actually a lot more you can do to keep your car secure. We go over some tips for keeping it safe here.
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Tips for Keeping Your Car Secure
Car Alarms
Believe it or not, car alarms serve a purpose other than waking up the entire neighborhood at 4 AM for no good reason. They are a great deterrent to auto vandalism and theft, and luckily come pre-equipped for most modern cars. If you have an older model vehicle, you can have an alarm professionally fitted to help ensure its security. Sometimes, your insurance will even give you a discount for installing a car alarm.
Car Immobiliser
A car immobiliser is an electronic device that you install in your car which prevents it from being started without the proper chip key. It makes it harder for duplicate keys or hot wiring to be used to enter and startup your vehicle. Many modern vehicles come with car immobilisers, but like with car alarms, having an older vehicle fitted with one could possibly result in cheaper insurance rates.
Car Tracking
The bane of car thieves everywhere, car trackers are just a transmitter hidden in your car that sends out its GPS or VHF location. GPS systems will be able to find your car anywhere on street level. VHF systems go a step further, and can even track a car that is hidden deep underground or within a storage container. The biggest drawback to car tracking is that it is expensive, often requiring a monthly subscription on top of initial costs.
Secured Parking
One of the best ways to prevent car theft is to just keep your car in the garage. It is much more secure there than out in the open. However, even leaving your car in the driveway lessens the risk of a break in. When away from home, always opt for secure car parks, ones with either a ticket barrier or an attendant. If you have to park your car on the street somewhere, then if at all possible do so in a well lit area, full of people, and that ideally has a CCTV camera on the area.
Hide Your Valuables
One method of keeping your car safe is to not keep anything valuable in it. Most people who break into cars are doing so for the valuables inside, and not trying to steal the car itself. Keeping your car free of anything with a price tag just takes away any incentive for potential thieves to mark your car. You don't even need to necessarily take anything out of your car, just putting it in the glove box or trunk compartment can deter thieves from attempting to enter your vehicle.
Steering and Handbrake Locks
Steering and hand brake locks are a great deterrent for car thieves. They prevent your steering wheel or handbrake from moving while the keys are not in the ignition. While not able to stop every single car thief, it will stop most of them. And for the more experienced ones, they will have to think twice after looking at the bright, tough metal locks in their way. Unless your car is in a completely isolated place, the thief will likely consider your car too risky of a mark.
Follow these tips, and you will be that much better protected with your vehicle. And always remember to lock your car! If you ever end up getting locked out, Bill's Lock and Key is just a call away with Albuquerque auto locksmith services. For more information about our locksmith services, please do not hesitate to give us a call today. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to provide any answers that you may need.