Car protection- meaning theft prevention...

BK1 · 11-13-03, 11:00

This is not a detailing question but since a lot of people have nice cars it may help prevent a car from being stolen.

Not sure if anyone else saw this but a couple of weeks ago ABC Primetime or some show like that did a story where a car thief copies down the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) through the front windshield and then gets a key cut. Most places did require proof of ownership of the vehicle but some others did it anyway because the reporter looked like an honest person and it really wasn't her car. She was also able to get keys on-line.

I know that if a thief really wants your car, he's going to get it anyway but why make it simple.

My question is: would it be illegal to put a black piece of felt on the dash to effectively cover the vin while its parked somewhere like at work or the mall?

scottabir · 11-13-03, 11:04

I think there was a thread about this a little while back, if my memory serves me right you can tape over it but you cannot remove it from the vehicle.

tom p. · 11-13-03, 11:05

WOW, that's spooky. Hadn't thought of that one but it sure would be easy to carry out.

There's no reason why you couldn't cover your VIN with something easily removed. Sounds like a very decent idea.

rjstaaf · 11-13-03, 11:09

I don't know about other cars but, My Mustang and my last car a Contour this scheme would not work even if the dealer did make a key. Ford uses a system called PATS. The keys contain a chip that is necessary to start the car. There is no hotwiring a car with PATS, the computer simply won't work without a properly programmed key. It is slightly different with older models but, I have to have 2 properly programmed keys in order to program a new key. If you don't have 2 keys you have to take the car in and the codes have to be erased from the computer and 2 new keys made. So basically unless the thief gets my VIN and 2 keys he isn't going to get my car. The best they can do is get a key to open the door or the trunk. I don't usually leave anything in the car worth stealing so that really isn't a biggie for me. I worry more about the much more common thief who is just going to bash your window in to get what he wants.

Quickstrike · 11-13-03, 11:17

Quote:

Originally posted by rjstaaf
I don't know about other cars but, My Mustang and my last car a Contour this scheme would not work even if the dealer did make a key. Ford uses a system called PATS. The keys contain a chip that is necessary to start the car. There is no hotwiring a car with PATS, the computer simply won't work without a properly programmed key. It is slightly different with older models but, I have to have 2 properly programmed keys in order to program a new key. If I lose a key I have to take the car in and the codes have to be erased from the computer and 2 new keys made. So basically unless the thief gets my VIN and 2 keys he isn't going to get my car. The best they can do is get a key to open the door or the trunk. I don't usually leave anything in the car worth stealing so that really isn't a biggie for me.

Sounds like a conventionaly car immobilizer to me.. Most cars have this feature these days.

BK1 · 11-13-03, 11:19

Actually you'd be surprised how many don't...its catching on but somewhat slowly.

GS-R Jay · 11-13-03, 11:23

I had my VIN covered and my Integra was still stolen (probably hot-wired).

Kill switches are pretty effective if you can install one.

SK2003TypeS · 11-13-03, 11:27

I have a code for my car (besides the vin) that dealer told me never to lose because I'd need it for a replacement. Problem is that I'm not sure if the code was for the radio or the car....doh ! Guess I better check

luke667 · 11-13-03, 12:30

car stereo is important to me....so i stuck razor blades in my dashboard in strategic places if a thief tries to steal my radio...SLICE

Quickstrike · 11-14-03, 01:16

Quote:

Originally posted by luke667
car stereo is important to me....so i stuck razor blades in my dashboard in strategic places if a thief tries to steal my radio...SLICE

Just don't get in a front-on collision.. all those razor blades will come at you with alot of force :scared

neoflex · 11-14-03, 01:37

don't most states have the vin on the registration sticker on the windshield? Im pretty sure mine does... Now I have to check!

Gonzo · 11-14-03, 01:41

Factory alarm, The Club & Lojack