10 Different ways to keep your car safe:
One
Park your car in an area that is well-lit and near lots of people.
Two
Keep the windows rolled up and the car locked, even if it's parked at your own house.
Three
Keep valuables in your car hidden and consider buying a removable stereo face to keep in your trunk or carry with you.
Four
Consider buying a visible mechanical locking device to lock the steering wheel, and/or an auto theft alarm system.
Five
Install locking lug nuts to prevent your custom wheels or externally mounted spare tire from being stolen.
Six
Keep in mind when purchasing a new car that some makes and models have a higher incidence of theft than others.
Seven
Keep your car registration and insurance card with you instead of in the glove compartment so that thieves cannot produce these documents if stopped by police.
Eight
Disconnect either the battery or the coil wire from the distributor cap if you have to leave your car unattended for an extended period of time. Car thieves will often not have the time or the desire to diagnose why the car won't start.
Nine
Take your ignition keys to a locksmith or car dealer to remove the key number, which thieves can use to have the keys duplicated (jot down the number for your records first).
Ten
Etch the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the doors and fenders of your car with an electric engraver for extra protection. This helps to discourage professional car thieves, who will have to remove the markings to resell the car.
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