This article may contain affiliate links. For details, visit our Affiliate Disclosure page.
Introduction
As the number of vehicles on the road continues to increase, so too does the risk of car theft. Whether you own a car or plan to purchase one, it is important to consider the risk of theft and take measures to protect your vehicle. Fortunately, there are some vehicles that are much harder to steal than others. In this blog post, we will explore some of the hardest vehicles to steal and the features that make them less vulnerable to theft.
Cars with keyless entry and push-button start
Cars with keyless entry and push-button start are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and ease of use. However, they can also be vulnerable to theft if not properly secured. Thieves can use a device to amplify the signal from the car’s key fob, allowing them to unlock the doors and start the engine without having the key in their possession.
To combat this, many car manufacturers have implemented security features to prevent this type of theft. For example, some cars have a motion sensor inside the key fob that prevents it from transmitting the signal unless it is in motion. Others have a feature that requires the driver to push the brake pedal before the engine will start. In addition, some cars have a feature that requires the driver to enter a code on the touch screen before the engine will start.
Cars with manual transmission
Cars with manual transmission are generally more difficult to steal than those with automatic transmission. This is because thieves who are not familiar with driving a manual transmission will have a difficult time getting the car to move. Even if the thief manages to get the car started, they may stall out or damage the transmission while attempting to drive away.
In addition, some cars with manual transmission have additional security features that make them even harder to steal. For example, some cars have a clutch pedal switch that prevents the engine from starting unless the clutch is depressed. Others have a starter cut-off switch that prevents the engine from starting unless a certain sequence of actions is performed.
Cars with steering wheel locks
Cars with steering wheel locks are a simple but effective way to deter thieves. These locks attach to the steering wheel and prevent it from being turned, making it difficult for a thief to drive the car away. While some thieves may be able to remove the lock, the time and effort required to do so make the car less attractive as a target.
In addition to steering wheel locks, some cars have other types of physical locks that can be used to secure the car. For example, some cars have a hood lock that prevents the hood from being opened, making it more difficult for a thief to access the engine compartment.
Cars with GPS tracking systems
Cars with GPS tracking systems are another effective way to deter theft. These systems allow the owner to track the location of the car at all times, making it easier to recover in the event that it is stolen. Some GPS tracking systems also have additional features, such as the ability to immobilize the engine remotely or send an alert to the owner’s phone if the car is moved without authorization.
In addition to GPS tracking systems, some cars have other types of security systems that can be used to prevent theft. For example, some cars have a tilt sensor that triggers an alarm if the car is jacked up or towed, while others have a glass break sensor that triggers an alarm if a window is broken.
Cars with advanced immobilizers
Advanced immobilizers are becoming more common in modern cars and are designed to prevent the engine from starting unless the correct key or fob is present. Some immobilizers use a microchip in the key or fob that communicates with the car’s computer, while others use a proximity sensor that detects the presence of the key or fob within a certain range. These immobilizers make it much more difficult for thieves to steal the car, as they cannot simply hotwire the ignition.
In addition, some cars have additional security features that work in conjunction with the immobilizer. For example, some cars have a keyless start system that requires the driver to enter a code on the touch screen before the engine will start. Others have a feature that requires the driver to perform a certain action, such as touching a specific part of the door handle, before the doors will unlock.
Cars with hidden kill switches
Hidden kill switches are a low-tech but effective way to prevent car theft. These switches are installed in a hidden location, such as under the dashboard, and can be used to disable the ignition or fuel pump. This makes it much more difficult for a thief to start the car and drive away.
While some hidden kill switches can be easily bypassed by a knowledgeable thief, they still provide an additional layer of security that can make the car less attractive as a target. In addition, some cars have hidden kill switches that are linked to the car’s security system, triggering an alarm if the switch is activated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while no car is completely theft-proof, there are several features that can make a car much harder to steal. Cars with keyless entry and push-button start, manual transmission, steering wheel locks, GPS tracking systems, advanced immobilizers, and hidden kill switches are all examples of features that can deter thieves and protect your vehicle. By taking these factors into consideration when purchasing a car and implementing additional security measures, such as installing an alarm system, you can reduce the risk of theft and enjoy greater peace of mind.
