Car Security Buyer's Guide

After a home, a car is probably the most expensive purchase in many people's lives and so we want to do everything we can to protect our investment and keep them safe.

There are a number of preventative measures you can take to deter thieves and stop your car from being stolen. Here are some of our top tips and products that can help to maximise your car security.

Car security systems

We've got a wide selection of car security products available, from fool-proof hardware that will make life hard for thieves to ultra-smart solutions that rely on technology to keep vehicles safe.

Security lights

Quick and easy to install, security lights can be connected to your mains power supply and pointed at your driveway or the space where you usually park your car. If someone goes near your vehicle, then the movement sensor on the light will switch it on, making it look like someone is switching a light on to check for suspicious activity. Security lights are also handy on dark nights, lighting up the driveway when you get in and out of the car.

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Parking posts

A parking post is a great way to keep your vehicle safe, especially when you’re not there to check on it. Comprised of heavy-duty steel, these posts will stop thieves from pulling straight off a driveway or out of a parking space, but are also easy for you to drive over when they’re folded down. The durable locking base is secured with three bolts, and the distinctive black and yellow colouring is impossible to miss, deterring any passing thieves.

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Steering wheel locks

Steering wheel locks make it much harder for thieves to steal your car. These locks typically consist of a metal bar and locking system, or a cover that goes over the entire wheel, and having one fitted means that even if a thief has gained access to the inside of your car, it will be difficult for them to drive away.

Steering wheel locks also act as good visual deterrents for thieves, helping to prevent your car from being targeted in the first place.

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Wheel clamps

Another way to stop your car from being driven away is with a wheel clamp. Clamps are typically made from extremely strong steel and have pick-proof locks that make them very difficult for thieves to remove, even with power tools. They’re also another strong visual deterrent.

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Window etching

Window etching is a hassle-free and highly effective way to deter and detect vehicle crime. The service involves etching all of the windows of a vehicle with the logo of the International Security Register (the ISR) and a unique code, which is linked to a fully certified and secure database that’s used by all the police forces in the UK.

Having your car etched is a great theft deterrent, since etched vehicles are 50% less likely to be stolen. But, if the worst does happen, they’re also 45% more likely to be recovered versus a non-etched vehicle.

Here at Halfords, we offer a quick and convenient Security Window Etching Service that only takes around 5-10 minutes to carry out. Book online today or find your local Halfords store here.

Key security

While key fobs are certainly a convenient way to access our cars, thieves can clone the signal your fob gives out and then use it to unlock your car once you've left it unattended. You can prevent this from happening with an anti RFID theft wallet, also known as a Faraday wallet or pouch. Made from material that blocks all signals sent to anything stored inside it, the wallet will stop your car keys, contactless credit card or even mobile phone from being hacked when you're out and about.

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GPS trackers

Car trackers can be installed discreetly inside your car and will monitor your car’s location in real time if it’s taken without consent. Sending a signal via GPS to your smart device, car trackers can be used to provide an up-to-date location to the police so they can recover your vehicle for you. They’re also handy if you just want to check if your car is still where you left it.

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Dash cams

While dash cams are primarily designed to keep you safe on the road, some also have a parking mode that provides 24/7 impact and motion detection, which is a useful feature for catching opportunistic thieves.

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We hope these products help to keep your car safe and secure. If you’d like any further advice on car security, then pop into one of our stores and our colleagues will be happy to help.

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