Are you planning to get a driver’s license and buy a car?

That’s great! You won’t have to rely on someone else or public transportation for your daily commute.

It also gives you the freedom to travel whenever you want, at your preferred time.

Keep in mind that as a new driver, you must understand how to take care of your vehicle and—most importantly—to keep it protected from damage and theft.

Stats show that in the US, about $6 billion was lost to motor vehicle theft in 2018 alone. Hence, it’s crucial to remain vigilant.

Here are three no-brainers that will keep your car safe from theft and vandalism:

Don’t leave your keys in the car

It doesn’t get any simpler than that. If you want to protect your car from theft, make sure you don’t leave the engine running or leave your keys in the ignition.

Not only does it make your car a potential target for car thieves, but it also makes it considerably easier for them to steal it.

Moreover, your insurance provider can reject the claim for a stolen car if you don’t have all the keys.

Even if you’re going to an ATM to withdraw cash, you should always take the keys with you to prevent an opportunist from seizing the opportunity to jump in and drive your car away.

Some people leave a spare key in the car which only makes it easy for perpetrators to steal their vehicle.

So make sure you don’t hide an extra set of keys in your car; not in the glove compartment, not in the sun visor, not anywhere inside your car.

Don’t leave valuable items inside your car

Again, leaving valuables inside your car that are easily visible make your car a lucrative target for thieves.

If you have bought expensive items—like a TV, laptop, or tablet—and are planning to make a stop, put them in the trunk or cover them to keep them from plain view.

Make a habit of not leaving personal documents, credit cards, jewelry, or any valuables in your car.

Also, you should always lock the car and roll up the windows. If your car has a sunroof, close it as well. When it comes to car safety, there’s no such thing as going overboard.

Park your car in a safe spot

When parking at home, always park your car in the garage—and make sure you keep it locked.

If you have two cars and the garage isn’t spacious enough, park the other car in a well-lit area. Engage the emergency brake and consider installing a vehicle tracking device.

When parking somewhere else, park in a high-traffic, highly visible area, preferably under a street light—especially at night.

Based in Texas, Champions Driving School offers driving classes in Houston and Pinehurst. We’re one of the most reputable driving schools in the state that provide professional driving education services at affordable rates. Call us at (832)934-3077 to find out more!

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