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November 20-29, 2020
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Car Protection 101:
What You Need to Know

A car is a major investment that quickly becomes an expense. However, it’s well worth it, since it’s undoubtedly the easiest way to get from point A to point B. It also gives people the freedom to travel whenever they want, as well as over long distances, carrying heavy luggage. It’s important to protect what holds value to you, so here are our top recommendations on how to protect your car.

  Use A Transponder Key

Transponder keys were first manufactured in 1998 and are now included with most cars. The name transponder literally comes from TRANSmitter and resPONDER, the signal transmission and the car’s response. The key has a built in chip that sends a low signal, that’s recognized by an ECU chip in the car’s engine. Without the signal, the car won’t start. Thus, anyone that might consider using a different key than yours will not be able to start the car.

You should double-check that your key is a transponder key, since it’s the one of the most effective ways of preventing vehicle theft. If you’re unsure about whether you have a transponder key, you can get it checked at your local locksmith. You can also get a transponder key programmed specially for your car. These keys tend to costs anywhere from $50-$300, which is far more than what a regular key costs, however is well-worth the investment.
 

  Alarm

Having an alarm installed in your car is a useful feature. This protects against aggressive break-ins. Alarms get set off by jolts, like a window breaking for example. The sudden impact moves a component that closes a circuit, which then allows electricity to flow, sounding off an alarm. The problem with a simple circuit car alarm is that it’s unable to detect jolt intensity. Therefore, it can easily go off, sometimes because of very insignificant things, like by a ball for example. Of course, this is inconvenient since it’s a false alarm and causes concern for nothing.

A more sophisticated system, patented in 2000 by Randall Woods, is the metal ball shock system. This alarm measures jolt intensity, since the ball rolls a certain distance that corresponds with the intensity of the jolt. The harder the car is hit, the further the ball rolls, and the more intense the sound of the alarm is. A small jolt will only let out a warning sound rather than a full scale alarm.
 

  Wheel Lock

A steering wheel lock can come in handy for certain situations, like in sketchier parts of town. There are many types of locks to choose from however they all have slightly different benefits. The standard lock is the Club, which fits onto most car steering wheels and is super cheap, only $25. It’s noticeable enough to deter potential robbers from stealing your car, since it’s an extra hassle that’s hard to remove. Another option is the Club pedal to steering wheel lock. Would-be car robbers would have a tough time to remove this as well. Not to mention that it’d be impossible to steer or brake.

A very experienced thief may actually have the tools necessary to dismantle the wheel and replace it with their own. This would render the lock useless. Anyone with a very nice car, that’s worried about intelligent crime, might consider an NRG Quick LockS. This lock isn’t as obvious to a robber at first glance however it actually locks the steering wheel to the steering column so that they wouldn’t be able to simply replace the wheel. It’s a little more pricey than the other locks, costing closer to $100, yet worth it for those who are concerned.
 

  Global Positioning System (GPS)

GPS trackers allow you to monitor the location of your car, using a process called trilateralization. This uses a few satellites and compares distances to your car to indicate its location. This information can then be transmitted in real-time with data, to a computer or cell phone. There are various GPS trackers that can be installed in a car however it’s recommended to get one that has its own battery power supply. That way, it can be placed anywhere inside the car, since it won’t need specific power supply, like the lighter socket. Anyone worried about someone driving away with their vehicle can use the tracker to show the police exactly where the thief is in real-time.
 

  Dashcam

Dash cams are becoming increasingly popular among car owners. They can be installed to the front windshield or the dashboard and record all activity happening in and around the car. This camera indirectly protects you and your vehicle, in the event of an accident, that’s not your fault. Whether on the road or in a parking lot, the dash cam is sure to catch whoever does damage to your car. The footage holds up well in front of the police and insurance companies as proof of the cause of an accident and you’ll be able to get a resolution in your favor. The dashcam may be powered by your car battery, however if it has an additional battery power source, there will be less risk of draining your car battery.

Keep Your Car Looking as Good as New

  Washing

Washing the exterior of your car regularly can help prevent build up of debris, which can etch the paint over time. It’s easy to wash a car, using a smooth cloth, a mild soap, and water from a hose. Otherwise, you can go to your local war wash.
 

  Waxing

Wax will give your car’s exterior a shiny new look, as well as provide the paint with UV protection to keep it from fading. You can wax the car yourself however you’ll want to be sure that it’s out of direct sunlight before getting started. The best place to do the wax job is inside a garage. You can use a poly foam applicator to apply the wax and then buff it off, using a microfiber towel. A couple important tips to keep in mind are to make sure that the car’s exterior is completely dry, prior to the wax and also, to only apply a very thin coat. You can also get your local auto shop to do the work for you.
 

  Filming

Want to take your car protection to the next level? Try getting a car film. Most people get it added to the sensitive parts of their car, such as the side mirrors. It’ll cost a bit more than a wax, yet it lasts longer and gives better protection.
 

  Interior

You may think that protecting your car is all about the exterior however maintaining the inside of your ride is also important. Every time you exit your car, take the trash with you. You will avoid funky smells and dirt from collecting. Once a month, thoroughly clean the interior of your car by spraying the plastics and washing the seats with special car cleaner. The interior of your car will remain looking like new when you make small efforts to maintain it.
 

  Covering

If you really want your vehicle to look new, years into owning it, then you should be using a car cover on a regular basis. Choose a cover that’s suitable for your vehicle model and type. Also, consider that you might need additional features, like UV protection and water resistance. You’d be surprised at how many dings and scratches can end up on your vehicle when you leave it unprotected.

Bonus Tips

We’ve covered the main things to look out for when it comes to protecting your car however you can also try out some of these bonus tips…
 

  Double-Check

You might be amazed to find out that 40-50% of car thefts occur because of unlocked doors, wide open windows, and unattended keys in the ignition. Get into the habit of double-checking your car before you leave. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your car is safe.
 

  Don’t Leave Any Valuable Items on Display

When you leave covetable items on display, like electronics and devices, purses, luggage, makeup bags, jewelry, even random keys, there’s a higher chance of break-in attempts. If you must keep high value items in your car, hide them inside the glove compartment under lock and key, under the seat, or inside a bag in the trunk. Important Note:  With today’s technology burglars are able to use bluetooth scanners to find laptops, tablets and cell phones left inside cars. The single best prevention of break-ins is to take all devices out of the car, even if placed out of plain sight all bluetooth devices are still detectable and this makes your car an easy target for break-ins.
Full Article: Burglars Really Do Use Bluetooth Scanners to Find Laptops and Phones
 

  Choose Your Parking Space Wisely

Be picky about where you park your car. If you’re in a bad part of town, park in public areas, like in front of stores. On very sunny days, look for shady spots to protect your car paint from fading. Always use your best discretion when it comes to potential hazards like shopping carts, kids playing ball in the street, and trees that have falling objects, like acorns.
 

  Secure Your Car’s Insurance

Get the most comprehensive car insurance you can afford — Don’t skimp! This protects against damage, theft, collisions, fire, and accidents. You’ll have a lot piece of mind knowing that you’re covered in any given situation.

Conclusion

The above mentioned pointers should give you a good idea of how to protect your car, so you can have an overall positive experience. Small precautions may cost you a little time and money initially, yet save you loads on repairs and legal disputes in the long run. In a nutshell: a clean and cared for vehicle will in turn also take care of you — and a notable return on your investment at the point of resell or trade-in for a newer model. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to protect your car.