An Auto Shop Offers These 4 Safety Tips!
It’s that special time of year when the cars at the mall are packed with presents. Whether parked at the mall or in your driveway, your car is at risk for theft. Make your car less appealing and more of a challenge so that potential thieves will pass it by.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends these four safety tips:
- Common sense – Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Roll up the windows completely, remove the key from the ignition and lock the doors. Don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside because thieves know where to find them. Don’t leave your car in a public lot too long. Keep valuables, such as purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change, out of sight as they are attractive targets. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key.
- Visible and audible devices – Consider having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your windows. It will make it harder for a thief to send it to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves as well as loud alarms. If your car alarm is going off, be careful in approaching your car.
- Immobilizing devices – These devices actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. There is no way a thief can drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
- Tracking devices – Devices are now available that allow police to track your car for a quicker recovery.
Tip to Remember: Be observant of your surroundings, such as suspicious people and other vehicles, including license plate numbers. If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.
Looking for a trustworthy full-service auto center? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
It’s that special time of year when the cars at the mall are packed with presents. Whether parked at the mall or in your driveway, your car is at risk for theft. Make your car less appealing and more of a challenge so that potential thieves will pass it by.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends these four safety tips:
- Common sense – Park in well-lit areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as the end of a row and near a light. Roll up the windows completely, remove the key from the ignition and lock the doors. Don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside because thieves know where to find them. Don’t leave your car in a public lot too long. Keep valuables, such as purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes, and even change, out of sight as they are attractive targets. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, just give them the ignition key.
- Visible and audible devices – Consider having your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into your windows. It will make it harder for a thief to send it to a chop shop. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves as well as loud alarms. If your car alarm is going off, be careful in approaching your car.
- Immobilizing devices – These devices actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. There is no way a thief can drive your car away unless they find a key or know where the hidden switch is located.
- Tracking devices – Devices are now available that allow police to track your car for a quicker recovery.
Tip to Remember: Be observant of your surroundings, such as suspicious people and other vehicles, including license plate numbers. If you catch a thief in the act, don't approach the person but call 911. Your safety is more important than the car.
Looking for a trustworthy full-service auto center? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
