Tips for Preventing Car Theft
The last thing you want is for a thief to break into your car and steal. You’ve invested in your vehicle and take the time and care to maintain it. Protect your investment with these tips for preventing car theft by Freedom Collision Center:
- Do not leave your car unattended while it is running. While it may be tempting to keep your car on while you run into the store real quick, especially when it’s very cold or hot, it can make you a prime target for theft.
- Keep your car locked at all times. We recommend also keeping your doors locked while driving; that way, you are protected when at a stop.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Keep an eye out when getting into your car in areas like gas stations, parking lots, and parking garages.
- Avoid leaving valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave something in the car, avoid leaving them where passersby can see them. You don’t want to tempt a passing thief to break your window to steal something like a purse or other valuable.
- If you are confronted by a carjacker, do not resist. It’s safest to surrender. Your vehicle can always be replaced, but you can’t be.
- Have an anti-theft system installed in your vehicle. Thieves are reluctant to steal vehicles that can be recovered easily, so an anti-theft system can help deter theft.
Things You Need to Know About Car Thieves
There are a variety of types of thieves and tactics they use to steal vehicles, including:
Experienced Thieves
The majority of thieves that commit auto theft are professionals. High-performance cars are what professional thieves prefer. They also target more popular models whose parts are easy to interchange to prevent detection.
After they are stolen, vehicles are given over to chop shops where the car are taken apart, and the parts are sold. Cars are also stolen to be exported to other countries.
Bump and Rob Thieves
This is a tactic where thieves will bump into your vehicle and then steal it as you get out to check for damage. When you approach a stoplight, be sure to leave enough room in between you and the other car so you are able to maneuver around them if needed.
If you are in an accident and do not feel safe, be sure to drive to a more populated area or use your cellphone to contact the police.
Joy-Riding Thieves
These are people who steal cars, mainly luxury vehicles, to take a “joy ride.” These vehicles are typically recovered by police but will have likely suffered serious damage.
In a Collision? Contact Us Today!
If your car suffers damage from a collision or theft, we can help you get your car back in shape and out on the road in no time. Contact Freedom Collision Center today to learn more!
Recent Posts
With the autumn season upon us, it means that many deer will be finding their way onto highways. Colliding with a deer can cause severe collision damage, so it is important to take defensive driving measures to reduce your collision risks. Deer season in West Virginia will generally run from October through December, with a dramatic increase in deer population movement. While the frequency of deer-related accidents is on the decline, these accidents are more severe due to the advanced technologies use in modern vehicles that need to be repaired after a collision . In West Virginia in 2018, drivers had a 1 in 46 chance of hitting a deer . Many deer collisions involve front-end damage which can elevate repair costs when you must replace the bumpers, front headlamps, windshield, and advanced safety technology located in this area. Tips for Driving Defensively to Prevent Collisions with Deer At Freedom Collision Center, we have compiled the top tips we have for helping you drive defensively to prevent collisions with deer . These tips include: Pay attention- While this may seem to be a no-brainer, it is important to pay attention and stay alert while driving. Being alert will help you notice deer crossing signs and will also allow you to react quickly if you see a deer. Be careful from dusk to dawn- Deer are more active during these hours, so it is important to be extra careful while driving during these times. Reduce speed- If you see a deer or other wildlife on the side of the road, be sure to slow down to avoid hitting them. They move in an unpredictable manner, so caution is key. Avoid swerving- While your first reaction to a deer coming into the path of your car is to swerve, you should brake. Swerving can lead to you losing control of the vehicle or hitting another car or object. Be sure to brake quickly and safely. If there is one, there is more. – This is the general rule of thumb when seeing a deer. Since they travel together, if you see one deer crossing the road, you’re likely to see more following behind. Be sure to stay alert and allow for the rest of the group to cross. We can’t control wildlife and when they venture onto the road, but we can control how we react. Follow these tips for a safer drive during deer season in West Virginia. Collision Repair Services Unfortunately, even with the right preventative measures, you may still end up colliding with a deer this season . If you need collision repair , the expert technicians at Freedom Collision Center are highly trained and equipped with top of line tools to get the job done! Contact us today to learn more!
Getting your driver’s license is an exciting time in your life and milestone for many on their way to adulthood. Amid the excitement, it’s still important to keep safety in mind. Driving is a significant responsibility, so it is essential to enjoy this new freedom with caution and safe practices. At Freedom Collision Center, your number one local auto body shop, we’ve put together some tips for safe driving. Obey the Traffic Laws This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it is essential not to overlook any traffic rules while driving. These rules are put in place to keep you, pedestrians, and other drivers safe. From right-of-way to stops signs, be sure that you understand and follow the traffic rules. Wear Your Seatbelt It is crucial that you always wear your seatbelt and make sure that your passengers wear theirs as well. More than half of the teens in fatal car accidents were found unbuckled. So, be sure to buckle up! Drive the Speed Limit A leading cause of fatal crashes in young drivers is speeding. The faster you are driving, the less time you will have to stop your car in the event that someone pulls out in front of you or stops suddenly ahead of you. Higher speeds also lead to a more powerful impact and cause more severe injuries. Be Prepared for Accidents and Breakdowns In case of a breakdown, accident, or other emergencies, it is vital to make sure you have all of your essential driver documents, including your insurance card, vehicle registration, and your driver’s license. It is also recommended that you keep an emergency kit with items such as first aid supplies, a flashlight, blankets, batteries, bottled water, etc. Keep Your Car Properly Maintained By properly caring for your car, you can help prevent breakdowns and other potential accidents. Be sure to have regular oil changes, tire rotations, and tune-ups, check the tire pressure as well as the brake fluid and coolant levels. Be sure to also keep your gas gauge from getting too close to “E.” Professional Car Maintenance Services Keep your car in its best running shape with our car maintenance services! From oil changes to tune-ups, Freedom Collision Center in Morgantown has you covered. If you end up in a fender-bender, we can help with that too. Our expert team can repair your vehicle and get it back out on the road in no time! Contact us today to learn more.
“It’s just a scratch… right?”