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How do I lock my car to prevent theft?

Locking your car is a simple yet effective way to deter thieves and protect your vehicle from being stolen. By following a few key steps, you can help ensure your car remains secure and safe from potential break-ins.


Locking Your Car Doors


The most basic step in securing your car is to lock all the doors before leaving it unattended. Always double-check that your doors are locked, even if you're just running a quick errand. Thieves often target unlocked cars, as they provide easy access.


Using Your Car's Remote or Key Fob


Most modern cars come equipped with a remote or key fob that allows you to lock the doors with the press of a button. Make it a habit to use your remote or key fob to lock your car every time you walk away from it. This adds an extra layer of security and ensures your car is properly secured.


Activating Additional Security Features



  • Engage your car's alarm system: Many vehicles have built-in alarm systems that can deter thieves and alert you if someone tries to break in.

  • Use a steering wheel lock: Steering wheel locks physically prevent the wheel from turning, making it much harder for a thief to drive away with your car.

  • Install a GPS tracking device: In the event your car is stolen, a GPS tracker can help law enforcement locate and recover your vehicle.


By taking these simple steps to lock your car and activate additional security features, you can significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle being targeted by thieves.

How can I make my car less likely to be stolen?


Protect Your Ride
Visible devices create a visual threat/warning/deterrence, such as the use of steering-wheel locks, as well as theft-deterrent decals, flashing lights, and window etching. Immobilizing-Type Devices: These prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle's ignition system and hot-wiring the vehicle.



Do steering wheel locks actually prevent theft?


Will a steering-wheel lock guarantee my car won't get stolen? No, it does not. Most of the locks featured in this article were easily removed with a few tools. However, it's important to remember that these locks are primarily designed to prevent a thief from trying in the first place.



Can thieves tell if a car is unlocked?


If your vehicle has wing mirrors that fold in automatically when locked, make sure you lock it properly. Criminal gangs are looking for vehicles like these where the wing mirrors are still out because it is clear to them that the vehicle has been left unlocked.



Does locking your car prevent theft?


Myth #1: I lock my car doors, which is enough to protect my car from getting stolen. Reality: Yes locking your car doors is our #1 tip, most effective step to deter auto theft, however it is only the beginning.



What material blocks the car key signal?


aluminium tin
By storing your car keys, fob or card in an aluminium tin (even grandma's old biscuit tins), or a special signal blocking box, the signal between the car and key is blocked. This means thieves can't intercept it and clone a new one. If you're out and about, then a Faraday pouch is your best friend.



What is the most effective car theft deterrent?


Now that you understand what an anti-theft device is and how your policy plays a role, here are the best options for your car.

  • Steering wheel locks.
  • Vehicle tracking systems.
  • Alarm systems.
  • Dash cams.
  • Engine immobilizers.
  • Kill switches.
  • Security tire clamps.
  • Remote locks.



What is the best anti-theft car lock?


Steering Wheel Lock Comparison – Time taken to break it!

Lock ModelResistance to Theft (Time to defeat)Other Features
The Club 300040 secondsRecognizable brand
Vechkom Steering Wheel Lock18 secondsBuilt-in alarm (ineffective)
Stoplock Pro EliteOver 5 minutesExtremely durable, multiple hooks



Can you make a car theft proof?


You can't make a car steal-proof. What you can do is reduce the number of people who think it's worth the effort or who have the skills to defeat your anti-theft measures. For example, putting a steering wheel lock on probably knocks out 70% of potential thieves and it's a visible deterrent.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.