Did you know that there are ways to make your vehicle more secure? Unfortunately, many people don’t take the time to learn about these security measures. As a result, they end up making common security mistakes that can leave their vehicle vulnerable to theft. In this informational post, we will discuss some of the most common security mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
Failing to Lock the Vehicle
Regardless of where you are, you should always make sure to lock your vehicle when you leave it. Even if you’re just stopping for a few minutes, leaving your car unlocked can be an invitation to thieves. It’s best to get into the habit of locking your doors whenever you get out of the car, and double-checking that they are all locked before heading away from the vehicle.
Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
Leaving your valuables in plain sight inside your car can be a major problem if you’re worried about theft. Even if you think that an item looks harmless, it could still be seen as desirable to a criminal who doesn’t know any better. If you need to leave something in your car, make sure you store it out of sight, or even better – take it with you.
Leaving Your Keys Unattended
Never leave your keys unattended when they’re not in use. It might seem like a minor mistake, but leaving them out on the counter while you’re in the store or throwing them on the ground when you’re out of your car can make it easy for someone to take them and use them to enter your vehicle. Make sure they’re safely stored away at all times.
Not Using a Car Alarm System
Using a car alarm system can be an effective deterrent against theft and vandalism. Many newer vehicles come with an alarm system installed, but if yours doesn’t, it may be a good idea to invest in one because the added layer of protection can help keep your vehicle and its contents secure. For example, Car Key Solution’s van alarm systems are ideal for businesses that want to protect their assets.
Not Training Employees
Returning to the business world, if you own a fleet of vehicles or employ drivers, it’s important to train your employees on safe and secure driving practices. Make sure they know the importance of locking their doors, parking in well-lit areas, and never leave valuables visible in the car. What’s more, if an employee needs to stop for an extended period or overnight, they should always know to take any valuables with them.
Ignoring Maintenance
Another mistake people make with their vehicles is ignoring routine maintenance and repairs. Not only will this put your engine at risk, but other features such as the locks and windows may not be working correctly due to a lack of upkeep. Taking care of issues when they arise will ensure that your car is secure and running properly.
Leaving Keys in the Ignition
Leaving keys in the ignition of an unattended vehicle is a big no-no, and it always has been. This could give criminals easy access to your car, which may have valuable items inside or a car alarm that can be disabled without your knowledge. Even if you’re just popping out to post a letter in the letterbox, an opportunist thief may take this brief window of opportunity to steal your car. Take the key with you or hide it somewhere safe, even if you’re just leaving for a moment.
