Keep Your Car from Being Stolen: Anti-Theft Devices and Tips
#1 Don’t forget to lock your car
Keep all the windows rolled up and don’t ever leave your car running with the keys in the ignition or store a spare key anywhere in the car.
#2 Be smart about where you park
At home, consider installing a visible outdoor security camera so you can monitor who is around your home and to deter would-be thieves.
#3 Install an additional lock
These types of devices are not terribly expensive and will last a long time, but they also require you to put them on and take them off each time you use your car. The disadvantage is that over time, you may become less vigilant about using them.
You could also use a hood lock, which prevents the hood of the car from being opened without a key. While this won’t stop anyone from stealing the car, it can deter thieves from scrapping your engine for parts.
Steering wheel lock: The Club 1000 Original
At under $50, the Club steering wheel lock is one of the least expensive anti-theft devices we recommend. The Club has been around for decades, and it’s still one of the best choices for a highly visible and secure lock. While a key is required to remove the lock, you don’t need a key to install the lock, so installation is easier and faster.
The Club works by locking the steering wheel in place, making it impossible to turn or steer, and it’s made with durable strong materials that are resistant (though not impervious) to cutting, sawing, hammering, and other disabling methods.
Fits most vehicles, including cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans- Comes with two keys
- Locks in place easily
- Is highly visible in red or blue
Comes with a limited warranty of only 90 days- Is not totally invincible against cutting and sawing
Tire lock: Trimax TCL65 Wheel Chock Lock
A wheel or tire lock (also known as a boot) fits around your vehicle’s wheel and locks in place, making the car impossible to move.
Like a steering wheel lock, the Trimax unlocks with a key and comes with three spare keys. The Trimax fits most tire sizes but also comes in a larger size for extra-large tires (view on Amazon here).
To top it off, it has a bright yellow and red finish for high visibility. The Trimax is slightly more expensive than the other locks on our list, and it may not be a practical tool to use every single time you drive your car. However, if your car is going to be left in one spot for an extended time, this is a great device to deter thieves.
- Fits most wheel sizes
- Installs easily
- Comes with three spare keys
- Is bright and clearly visible
- Is not convenient for daily use
Brake pedal lock: The Club CL606
Break locks, or pedal locks, fit around the pedals of your car, making it impossible to use the pedal until the lock is taken off.
We especially liked The Club CL606 Brake Lock because it attaches to the steering wheel and the brake, making it difficult to steer the car or use the brake. It also locks easily with one pull, so you don’t need your key for installation. It fits most vehicles and brake pedals up to 9/16 of an inch wide, but be sure to double check before purchasing.
- Fits most cars, light trucks, SUVs, and vans
- Locks easily with one pull
- Comes with two keys
- Is clearly visible with bright-red finish
- Costs less than $50
- Is not impervious to cutting and sawing
Car hood lock: Estink Hood Lock
A hood lock protects your car’s engine from being picked apart or sold piece by piece, though it won’t do much against car theft itself.
Most car locks open with a key, like the Estink Hood Lock. Many hood locks are designed specifically for one make of car, so make sure you check that before you buy, or get a universal lock like the Estink.
- Holds up against weather thanks to durable materials
- Easily installs on the hood of the vehicle
- Does not completely prevent car theft
#4 Prevent the car from turning on
Another great line of defense against theft is preventing the car from turning on. One way to accomplish this is by installing a kill switch. This kind of device is professionally installed in the vehicle and interrupts one of the key systems in the car, such as the electrical, ignition, or fuel system. The kill switch can be disabled with a key, code, or even just a switch—otherwise, the car won’t start.
You could also go with an electronic immobilizer, which prevents the car from starting without receiving an RFID signal from the key or some kind of key fob. The signal has to be close to be received, so you generally have to be next to or inside the car for it to work. This is not foolproof protection against car theft, as a prepared thief will be able to bypass the system, but it can help. Many newer vehicles already have immobilizers built in, but if you have an older car, you can have an immobilizer installed.
Professional kill switch: Ravelco
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Because it is a professional service, Ravelco it is quite expensive—starting at $500 or more. It’s also not available in all 50 states. However, if you want to feel really confident in the quality and reliability of the kill switch, this is great option.
- Comes with a unique plug (plus a spare) that cannot be picked or duplicated
- Includes window stickers to deter thieves
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Works with all types of engines (gasoline, diesel, hybrid)
- Costs much more than DIY kill switch options
- Not available in all 50 states
- Requires professional installation
DIY kill switch: Cal Hawk Kill Switch
Like the Ravelco, the Cal Hawk Kill Switch prevents the car from turning on without a specialized key in place. The Cal Hawk specifically cuts off power to the battery so the car can’t start without the key.
The switch itself is inexpensive, although additional wires and components may be required. We strongly recommend having a professional install it unless you are experienced with the system.
- Comes with two keys
- Costs less than a professional system
- Prevents a thief from driving away or hot-wiring your car
- Is difficult to install unless you are a professional
Electronic immobilizer: iBlue Immobilizer
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Available for about $100, the iBlue Immobilizer takes the concept of an electronic immobilizer and makes it smart. The iBlue connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth instead of a typical RFID signal. From the iBlue app (for iOS and Android), you can start the car or view a history of where your car has been and how many miles it traveled, among other things.
The drawback, of course, is that you have to have your phone with you and charged in order to drive your car. However, if an electronic immobilizer is what you want, this is a great high-tech, reliable system.
- Immobilizes car without Bluetooth signal from a smartphone
- Has a hands-free mode for iOS devices
- Can be connected to more than one phone
- Does not require additional key or key fob
- Requires a smartphone to start the car
- Costs slightly more than other products
#5 Get a car tracker
Unfortunately, in spite of the best precautions and anti-theft devices, an experienced car thief may still find a way to steal your car. If the worst happens, your best bet at recovering the vehicle is to have an electronic tracking system installed so you can find it, no matter who has it.
This is one of the more expensive options, but most tracking systems have high recovery rates, and our recommended system works with many police systems as well.
Professional tracking system: LoJack
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You’ve probably heard of LoJack, even if you don’t know exactly what it is. With a LoJack system, you can track your car almost anywhere using a specific radio frequency. The LoJack system integrates with police systems, so you have a greater chance of finding your car quickly.
Admittedly, the LoJack system is fairly expensive (costing several hundred dollars or more, depending on the dealer), but there are no additional monthly fees or subscriptions. While having a LoJack system won’t prevent your car from being stolen, it ensures that you will be able to recover it quickly.
- Locates your car quickly
- Integrates with police systems
- Does not have monthly fees
- Costs more than most other tracking systems and devices
- Requires professional installation
DIY tracking system: Spy Tec GL300 GPS Tracker
If you want a less expensive tracking option, consider the Spy Tec GL300 GPS Tracker. The small tracking device can be placed in an unobtrusive location in the vehicle to let you track the car from anywhere.
It also has geofencing options, so you can set a perimeter and receive a text or email if the car crosses that boundary. It is much less expensive than the professional LoJack system, but there is a $25 monthly fee for the service.
- Costs much less than a professional system up front
- Is compact enough to easily hide in the car
- Has geofencing capabilities
- Tracks your car via Wi-Fi
- Does not integrate with police systems
- Requires a monthly fee
Protect your car from theft
Although it seems like it only happens to other people, having a car stolen is something that could happen to anyone. Be smart about where you leave your car, get an outdoor security camera to have eyes on it at all times, and add one or more anti-theft devices to prevent your car from being taken or to recover it if the worst should happen.
Do you use an anti-theft device? Tell us about your experiences in the comments.
See Also: Preventing Package Theft
1. FBI, “2016 Crime in the United States: Motor Vehicle Theft”
