Top 9 Most Stolen Car Parts and How to Safeguard Them

Speedy Summary:

• Catalytic converters: Highly prone to theft due to valuable metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Approximately 64,000 stolen in 2022. Prevention methods include anti-theft devices and etching identifying details onto the converter.
• Wheels: Tires are easy to steal and can be sold for up to $1,000 each. Locking lug nuts can deter thieves.
• Batteries: Standard car batteries have low resale value but are easy targets. Hybrid or electric vehicle batteries hold higher value but are harder to steal. Battery lock brackets recommended for added security.
• Tailgates: Popular theft target with modern tailgates containing high-tech features like cameras and sensors. Tailgate locks provide effective deterrence.
• Airbags: an estimated 50,000 airbags stolen annually in the U.S., fetching up to $200 on the black market. Parking inside secured areas or using a steering wheel lock aids prevention.
• License plates: Theft increased by 45% between 2019-2022 due to their utility in cloaking vehicles or evading tolls. Tamper-proof screws suggested as a preventative solution.
• Side mirrors: Frequently enough stolen for embedded technology like cameras and blind spot sensors; some valued upwards of $2,000 each. Anti-theft mirror guards recommended for protection.
• Third-row seats (SUV/truck): Gaining popularity among thieves due to high replacement costs; bike locks help secure removable seats effectively.
• Badges/hood ornaments: Modern car emblems may house technologies such as cruise control sensors, increasing their value as theft targets.

Read more: Lifehacker Article

Indian Opinion Analysis:

This global issue of vehicular part theft has significant implications for India where automobiles are essential daily assets amidst a growing urban population reliant on personal vehicles over public transport infrastructure in certain areas.

Given India’s burgeoning automobile market-especially with rising adoption of hybrid/electric cars-it becomes critical that Indian consumers embrace protective measures outlined here (e.g., tamper-proof screws for license plates or battery lock brackets). While existing data sources didn’t address india’s specific statistics directly within this report other transferable-protections themselves ensure ensuring safety consistent immediacy context