Back to all

Protecting Your SUV From Theft In Plainfield, Illinois

October 31, 2014



Every car in Plainfield, Illinois is at risk for theft. So it's up to us Plainfield car owners to make our cars a less appealing target and more of a challenge – hopefully sending potential thieves to look elsewhere.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends a layered approach to protecting vehicles:

  1. Common sense
  2. Visible and audible devices
  3. Immobilizing devices
  4. Tracking devices

Let's review each of these. First, common sense: you would be surprised how many vehicles are stolen in Illinois where the keys were left in the ignition with the doors unlocked. Always take your keys and lock the doors. In fact, in some places it's against the law to leave a vehicle unattended with the keys in the ignition.

And don't leave spare keys in the car or hide them outside – because a thief will find them. Plainfield drivers would be wise to park in well-lit areas that have a lot of foot traffic. If possible, park near the end of a row and near a light. Back your car into a parking space or your driveway to make your car more visible to passersby and harder for a thief to work under the hood without being seen.

Plainfield motorists should know that it's vital to roll up their windows completely and avoid leaving their car in public lots for a long time. If you park in a lot that has an attendant, only give them the ignition key.

Keep valuables out of sight: purses, wallets, cell phones, clothes and even change are attractive "smash-and-grab" targets. And pay to have your Vehicle Identification Number, or VIN, etched into your windows – it makes your car less attractive to a thief who wants to send your car to a chop shop.

There are lots of important visible and audible devices available for Plainfield auto owners. A steering wheel lock is highly visible and will deter some thieves. Loud alarms can alert you and others that your vehicle is being tampered with. But if your alarm does go off, be careful. Observe what's going on; get descriptions of suspicious people and vehicles, including license plate numbers.

Now, if you catch a thief in the act, call 911 but don't approach the person. Your safety is more important than the car.

And here's a great one - immobilizing devices. They actually shut off your car's electrical or fuel supply. So without a key, or knowing where the hidden switch is located, a thief can't drive your car away.

Finally, Plainfield auto owners can also get a tracking device that allows Plainfield police to track their car down and recover it quickly.

Remember, where you live, work and drive around Plainfield, Illinois has a great impact on your decisions. If you're in an area with high theft rates, you may want to spend more money on security systems. And check with your Plainfield, Illinois auto insurance company to see if they offer discounts for adding any of these items.

Of course, the common sense suggestions from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield don't cost anything and go a long way toward keeping your car safe from thieves. Take a look at the attached video auto tip from AutoNetTV.

Come see us at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield in Plainfield for practical advice on keeping your SUV safe.

More articles from Tuffy Plainfield

Positive Crankcase Ventilation ? PCV Valve Service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield

April 14, 2024

Hello Plainfield! Did you know that the first federally-mandated emissions control device was introduced in the 1960's? The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve, or PCV valve, has been installed in Illinois vehicles since 1964 and represents the first legislation by the United States government t... More

Emergency Items for Plainfield

April 7, 2024

Safe Illinois travel starts with preventive maintenance and good vehicle care at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield. But there are other things Plainfield residents can do to prepare for emergencies on the road. Here's some auto advice that can help you plan for emergencies, and just may save ... More

Cool Running (Water Pump)

April 1, 2024

Your vehicle is like you in a way. When it gets hot, it needs to be cooled down. And one of the key parts to keeping it cool is the water pump. Now, that's a bit of a misnomer. It IS a pump, but it's pumping coolant, not pure water. Cooling off your engine is vital since it builds up heat whe... More