If you have recently purchased a new car, then you may be very excited to show it off to your friends and family and go on some long drives. However, with a new car, comes the danger of vandalism and theft. As soon as you purchase your new vehicle, you should try and decide how you are going to keep it safe and secure when it is parked at your home. In this article, we will give you some effective strategies that can be used to enhance your car’s security.
If you currently park your car on the side of the road, then it could be open to damage and theft. When you leave your car at night time, you will want to be able to see it from your windows and even have it in view of a CCTV camera. One way to ensure you can see your vehicle at all times is to park it in your driveway. If a car is on a driveway it is a lot less likely to be damaged. If your home does not currently have a sufficient driveway to store your car, then you may want to consider renovating your front garden.
If you do not have the option of storing your car on a driveway, then there are still some methods that can be implemented to keep your car safe. Firstly, you can install a steering wheel lock at night time. This lock will render the car useless if someone were to try and steal it. Steering wheel locks are clearly visible from outside the car, so they also act as a great deterrent to potential criminals. While applying this lock every day may take a bit of time, you will not regret it, as it will give you peace of mind that your car is safe.
One of the best ways to keep your car safe at night time and when it is at your home is to store it in a garage. By keeping your car in the garage, you not only minimise the chance of it being stolen, but it is also good for the car, as it will shelter it from harsh weather conditions. If you do not have a garage at your home, then you can contact Cotswold Builders who can help build one for you. An example of one of these companies is Bay Tree Homes.
Six security measures worth considering
Several simple measures can cut the risk of car crime, and some may even bring down the cost of your insurance. An alarm cannot physically stop a theft, but its loud siren and flashing lights are a strong deterrent. An immobiliser stops thieves from starting the engine. New cars have one as standard, but fitting one to an older car is a wise move.
Steering wheel, gearstick and handbrake locks are inexpensive, and their bright colours act as a clear visual warning. Where you park matters too. A garage, secure car park or driveway is much safer than the street, and if you must park on the road, choose a busy, well-lit spot, ideally covered by CCTV.
It sounds obvious, but always lock the car and close the windows and sunroof whenever you leave it, as plenty of vehicles are taken simply because they were left open. Finally, marking or etching your car gives it a unique identifier that makes it harder for thieves to sell on.