10 anti-theft devices for your car

Quick insights

• Car anti-theft devices range from physical locks to advanced electronic systems, providing an extra layer of security for your vehicle.
• Investing in anti-theft devices may provide peace of mind and could potentially lower your car insurance premiums.
• While many modern vehicles come equipped with standard security features like immobilizers and vehicle identification number (VIN) etching, additional devices like steering wheel locks, dashcams and Faraday bags can further deter thieves.

Your car is an important, expensive purchase, one that you likely want to protect. Let’s explore the landscape of car anti-theft devices that can help keep your ride exactly where it should be—with you.

The importance of anti-theft systems

Anti-theft systems are devices or methods used to prevent or deter the theft of valuables. In the context of vehicles, anti-theft systems are designed to prevent theft of the vehicle itself, its contents or both. Anti-theft devices can serve one or more of these three primary functions:

• Deterrence: Anti-theft systems can act as a deterrent, making your vehicle a less attractive target to thieves.
• Prevention: These systems can help prevent theft by making it more difficult for a thief to break into or start your vehicle.
• Recovery: Some anti-theft systems can aid in the recovery of a stolen vehicle by allowing it to be tracked or disabled remotely.

Anti-theft devices for vehicle safety

Anti-theft devices for cars come in many forms, each designed to deter thieves or make it more difficult for them to steal your vehicle. From physical locks that secure your vehicle's components to advanced electronic systems that can track your vehicle's location, these devices may provide an additional layer of security.

Let’s take a closer look at ten of the most popular types of vehicle anti-theft systems:

Locks

Locks are physical devices that prevent certain components of the vehicle from being moved or accessed. They typically target a specific part of the vehicle, such as:

• Steering wheel locks: A steering wheel lock attaches to the car’s steering wheel, preventing it from being turned. It's a highly visible deterrent that's effective and easy to use.
• Pedal lock: This device locks the brake or clutch pedal, making it more difficult for a thief to drive the car.
• Gear shift lock: Gear shift locks are devices that lock the gear stick of your vehicle, preventing it from being moved from the parked position. This can make it difficult or sometimes impossible for a thief to operate your car without first unlocking the device. Like steering wheel locks, gear shift locks are visible deterrents that can discourage potential thieves from attempting to steal your vehicle.
• Wheel Lock: A wheel lock, also known as a locking lug nut, is used to prevent the theft of the car’s wheels. Each set of wheel locks has a unique pattern, and only the key with the matching pattern can easily remove the locks. This makes it much more difficult for someone to steal the wheels.
• Tire lock: A tire lock (or boot) prevents one of the wheels from moving. It's often used by law enforcement for parking violations, but it can also be used as a theft deterrent.

Car locking devices are relatively easy to use and can provide an extra layer of security for your vehicle.

Car alarm

A car alarm is a device that emits a loud noise when certain triggers are activated, such as breaking a window. The loud noise of a car alarm can scare off potential thieves and draw attention to the vehicle. Some car alarms can send alerts to your phone when they are triggered, allowing you to respond quickly.

Dashcam

A dashcam is a camera that is mounted on the dashboard of your car and records images, sound and video while you're driving. If your car is broken into or damaged, a dashcam can provide valuable evidence. The presence of a dashcam can deter potential thieves.

Most dashcams store footage locally on a memory card, but some models also have the capability to upload footage to cloud storage for added convenience and security. This can be particularly useful in the event of theft or damage to the dashcam itself.

Immobilizer

An immobilizer is an electronic device that prevents the engine from running unless the correct key (or other token, like a fob) is present. An immobilizer can prevent theft by making it difficult for a thief to hotwire or otherwise start your car without the correct key.

Most modern cars come equipped with an immobilizer as a standard feature.

GPS tracking system

A GPS tracking system allows a vehicle to be tracked in real-time, making it easier to locate if it's stolen. A GPS tracking system can help law enforcement locate and recover your stolen car. Some GPS tracking systems can send alerts to your phone if your car moves outside a certain area or during certain timeframes.

Electronic car key/fob

Modern cars come with electronic keys or fobs that have a unique code for each car. The car can only be started if the key with the correct code is used. This can hinder a thief by making it difficult to start your car without the correct key. Electronic keys or fobs can also offer additional convenience features, such as keyless entry and push-button start.

Faraday bags

Faraday bags are signal-blocking bags that you can store your key fob in. A Faraday bag can help prevent relay attacks, where thieves use a device to amplify your key fob's signal to unlock and start your car remotely. Faraday bags are also easy to use; simply place your key fob in the bag when it's not in use.

Kill switch

A kill switch disrupts the flow of electricity at the battery or ignition switch or disables the fuel pump. A kill switch can help prevent theft by making it difficult for a thief to start your car. While not typically a standard feature in new cars, kill switches can be installed in a hidden location like the glove compartment for added security.

VIN etching

A standard feature in most new vehicles, VIN etching involves etching the VIN into the windows of a car. It can potentially make it more difficult for thieves to sell the car or its parts without being traced.

Smart home integration

Some modern security systems allow for integration with smart home devices. This integration can provide real-time alerts if your car is tampered with. It can also offer a greater level of convenience, as you are able to control and monitor your car's security system from your smart devices.

The bottom line

Investing in anti-theft devices can provide an extra layer of security for your vehicle and peace of mind for you. From physical locks to advanced electronic systems, there are options available based on your specific needs and circumstances. Remember, the best protection often comes from using a combination of security measures. Stay safe and keep your vehicle secure.