Secure Your Wheels: Expert Tips to Prevent Car Wheel Theft with Drury Tires

Car theft of any kind is not a pleasant experience. Whether it’s a window smashed to steal goods left on a seat, the car itself or the wheels off the car, theft can cause significant stress and financial strain for vehicle owners. 

Insurance company AMI recently released data stating that almost 17,000 vehicle theft claims were made in New Zealand last year. The company recorded a 43% spike in car theft claims in 2022, and unprecedented theft rates look set to continue, with 2023 the second-highest year for vehicle theft over the past five years. Amongst this, wheel theft is becoming increasingly prevalent. Thieves target wheels because they can be quickly removed and sold for a substantial profit. 

At Drury Tires, we believe in helping our community protect their vehicles with expert advice and practical to secure your wheels and keep your car safe.

 

Park Your Car in a Closed Garage

Whenever possible, park your car in a closed garage. This is one of the best ways to keep your wheels safe, as it is a natural deterrent to thieves. A closed garage also protects your car from weather elements and provides an added layer of privacy. Even better, if you have a driveway, park your car further down the driveway to create an extra barrier between the street and your vehicle.

 

Install Car Alarms with Wheel Sensors

Installing a car alarm equipped with wheel sensors can be a game-changer when it comes to protecting your wheels. These alarms can detect tampering with your vehicle and alert you immediately, often scaring off potential thieves in the process. Modern alarms can even send notifications directly to your phone for real-time updates. You may also want to explore other anti-theft devices like immobilisers and fuel cut-off switches, which can render your car unusable to thieves.

 

Park in Busy Areas with Surveillance Cameras

When parking outside, opt for busy areas with surveillance cameras. Thieves are less likely to target vehicles in well-lit, busy locations where their actions might be caught on camera. Parking in an area with foot traffic increases the chances of potential witnesses noticing suspicious behaviour, discouraging theft.

 

Use Wheel Locking Mechanisms

Locking your wheels when parking is an effective theft prevention strategy. Wheel locks and chocks make it challenging for thieves to remove your wheels, significantly reducing the likelihood of theft. Sometimes, just the sight of a steering wheel lock is deterrent enough.

 

Additional Precautions

Here are a few extra tips to keep your car safe:

 

Keep your vehicle locked 

Always lock your car doors and close your windows when you park, even if it’s just for a short time. Don’t forget to lock it even when popping into the dairy for a minute.

 

Don’t leave the engine running 

Avoid leaving the keys in the ignition when you leave the car, even for a few seconds. This is one of the most common opportunities thieves look for.

 

Use locking wheel nuts

Using locking wheel nuts is an effective way to prevent wheel theft. Drury Tires supplies locking wheel nuts for all makes and models of cars. We offer a variety of brands of security locking nuts to help protect your wheels from being stolen, with prices starting as low as $15 for a locking key. These nuts are designed to be a deterrent to thieves, ensuring your wheels remain securely attached to your vehicle.

 

Don’t leave valuables in sight 

Thieves are often attracted to vehicles with visible valuables, so keep your car’s interior tidy and secure. Hiding electronics, bags, and other items can make your car a less appealing target.

 

Close windows and sunroof

Ensure all windows and the sunroof are closed when you’re not in the car, preventing quick access for thieves. An open sunroof can also provide an opportunity for thieves to disable your car’s alarm system.

 

Mark your wheels

Engraving wheels means they can be identified as yours and are less desirable for thieves.

 

Park with purpose

When parallel parking, turn your wheels toward the curb to make it harder for thieves to move your car. In a driveway, point your car toward your house instead of the street to deter a quick getaway.

By following these expert tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of wheel theft and keep your car safe. If you have any questions or need further advice, talk to Drury Tires. Our team of experts can provide personalised solutions and top-quality security products.  Beyond selling safe tyres, we want to help you keep your tyres and vehicle safe too.