Car Parts and Accessories

Mechanical Devices

There are countless devices to protect the car and its contents, ranging from steering wheel clamps to steering column locks, electronically coded sound systems, gearlever locks and clamps, bonnet locks, electrical cut-outs, fuel cut-outs, even a removable steering wheel. Many use a mixture of mechanical and electronic components and may be activated (and deactivated) by a key, hidden switch, electronic keypad, remote control switch or combination padlock. Here are some of the more common types.

Steering wheel clamps: Two types are commonly used. Those that link the wheel to the brake pedal and those that clamp an extended bar to the steering wheel which fouls the windscreen if the wheel is turned. The second type is generally more effective as the wheel-to-pedal device can be defeated by bending the steering wheel out of shape. Mechanical clamps can also be fitted to gear-levers.

Battery/ignition isolators: There are several types and all are reasonably effective if the switch is well hidden. But be wary — with modern high-tech cars, it is important to seek professional advice as the electronic engine systems could be damaged by such switches.

Fuel line lock: When engaged, this stops the fuel supply to the carburettor (or fuel-injection system), causing the car to `break down’ soon after the thief gets the engine started.

Ignition lock shields: These are metal shrouds fitted around the standard ignition key barrel to stop tampering.

Locking wheel studs: Nuts that can be removed only with the aid of a key are a wise investment, particularly if you have several hundred dollars invested in alloy wheels or expensive tyres. Many a car owner has returned to the vehicle to find it has gained eight bricks — and lost four wheels.

PIN sound systems: Many cars are fitted with sound systems which are electronically coded with a ‘Personal Identification Number’ (PIN) which makes them work only in the car in which they are fitted. To make the feature truly effective, you need plenty of window stickers advising a would-be thief that your system is PIN-equipped.

Glass etching: Identification codes, such as the correct registration number, can be etched into all the glass of a car. This is designed as a deterrent and works on the idea that replacing all the glass would be too much trouble for a thief who intends to give the car a new identity.

Common Sense

In many ways common sense is your greatest defence. Such things as parking in well-lit, well-observed places, locking all doors and the boot, keeping valuable things out of sight and so on will greatly reduce the risks.

A surprising number of cars are stolen at a time when the doors are unlocked. Some even have the key in the ignition or `hidden’ under the driver’s seat. Never leave your car with the keys in it and never, never, leave it running while you duck into a shop to buy a paper or a carton of milk!

A lack of ostentation is also a good defence. If you intend to have an expensive stereo fitted, for example, investigate whether it can be fitted out-of-sight (a stereo in the glovebox is not unknown) or whether some sort of cover can be fitted to make it less obvious.

Insurance

Comprehensive insurance does not deter thieves but it is something you should have if your car is valuable. You are not only buying a policy which could save you severe financial inconvenience, you are investing in peace of mind.

With some cheap second-hand cars, however, the cost of the insurance premium plus the ‘excess’ (should you make a claim) virtually equals the value of the car.

It seems a shame that the above methods should be necessary but until the day when everybody is honest or the superduperinfallible car-protection device is commonly available, it is foolish to ignore the risk of car theft.

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