Regardless of all of the technological developments made within the auto trade, old style wheel theft stays an issue nationwide: The worth of tires stolen annually is at the least $1 million, in response to one estimate.

There are a number of causes this kind of theft is so prevalent, says Richard Reina, coaching director at CARiD; luckily, there are additionally some anti-theft precautions you may take to assist shield your parked automobile.

Why Automotive-Wheel Theft Occurs

Simple To steal

Decided thieves with a jack and a battery-operated device—an influence wrench with loads of torque—can pull off a set of wheels in 10 minutes.

Not Trackable

Wheels don’t have serial numbers, and no one’s going to ask for proof of possession.

Simple To promote

Thieves may promote stolen wheels on-line, to auto physique outlets, and even from their entrance yard.

The Cash’s Good

Aftermarket tires are a number of the hottest automotive equipment—and the dearer the car, the dearer the wheels. Relying on the mannequin, a set of stolen wheels may go for $1,000–$5,000 or extra—about half the price of retail.

How To Assist Stop Automotive-Wheel Theft

Purchase Lug Nut Locks

This answer includes changing one of many lug nuts on every wheel with a lock, which requires a particular device to take away. Usually a seller add-on if you purchase your car, they value round $100 for 4 (one for every wheel). They’re additionally out there at auto shops or on-line for rather less; you may put them on your self or carry them to a mechanic to put in for you. For further safety, you should buy lock kits for the entire lug nuts in your wheels. Simply don’t lose the important thing, which you’ll must take away the wheel ought to it’s a must to change a flat tire.

Set up An Alarm With A Sensor

Not like commonplace automobile alarms, which provide you with a warning when your automobile has been damaged into, alarms with sensors can detect a tilt or angle change if thieves attempt to jack up your car. Some high-end, newer automobiles supply this kind of alarm, or you should buy it as an aftermarket addition for $250–$500. A pair caveats on the aftermarket possibility: The sensors could not sync together with your automobile’s present alarm, and also you’ll must have a restore store set up them, which prices an extra $225, on common. All instructed, you may be taking a look at greater than $700—some huge cash, however lower than what you’d spend on a brand new set of wheels.

Park In Safe, Properly-Lit Areas

Thieves virtually all the time strike at evening, staking out areas the place they’re much less more likely to be found, like a darkish road with out lights. Park your automobile in areas the place there’s extra visitors, each vehicular and pedestrian, and the place there are safety cameras, if potential. In case you’re parking someplace in a single day, ensure that your automobile is seen.

Flip Your Wheels

While you park your automobile, flip the wheels to a 45-degree angle. This may make it troublesome for a thief to get the lug nuts off, as a result of the interior fender will seemingly be in the best way.

Park Shut To The Curb

When parallel parking on the road, get as shut as you may to the curb. The nearer your car is, the tougher will probably be for a thief to place a jack beneath your parked automobile. Whereas the road facet of your automobile will nonetheless be uncovered, at the least the tires on the curb facet of your automobile might be higher protected.

Purchase A Set Of Boots

Locking up all of your wheels with steel boots—which cowl the lug nuts like an earmuff—could sound slightly excessive. In spite of everything, it takes wherever from 5 to twenty minutes to connect every one and will require particular instruments. But when you should go away your parked automobile outdoors whilst you’re away for a very long time, boots will definitely be a deterrent. They value about $70 a pair (you’ll want two pair) and could be discovered on-line and in auto shops.

Right here’s one other sensible approach to assist hold your automobile rolling alongside: auto insurance coverage from GEICO. It would even prevent some cash—get a quote now and see in case you may save!

Learn Extra: 5 Methods To Stop Automotive Theft

By Ellise Pierce