Car security question on an older car
Discussion
First off, hello all, was directed here by a friend, the forums look superb!
Anyway, until recently, I had a beautiful old Toyota Hilux Surf that was used for towing the touring caravan a few times a year, taking the dogs out and for fishing duties (parking in waterlogged fields etc)
That all ended when it was stolen, used for cable theft and then burned out.
So, I'm picking up the replacement car tomorrow and am fairly paranoid about security as I could do without the trauma of getting another one stolen.
I appreciate that my paranoia is mis-placed, the old Hilux was stolen for a purpose and was very desirable in terms of what it could do whereas the "new" car is a 10 Year old Audi A6 Quattro estate.
Still doesn't stop me worrying though and I'd like to make sure it's well protected.
In the ideal world the alarm system would spray intruders with explosive tipped shells but, I appreciate in this day and age that's not gonna happen. So, an ear splitting alarm will have to do.
The car comes with the factory fitted Thatcham 1 alarm/immoboliser, is that sufficient on it's own to stop the less sophisticated thief? would a steering lock be a good idea?
Or, should I take it to a car security specialist and have an aftermarket system fitted?
Opinions very much appreciated.
The car is old and tatty (but mechanically very good) so it shouldn't draw too much attention. I also know that it's not of any value to professional car thieves but I really want to stop any scrotes from having a go at it.
Or, am I just worrying about nothing? (I'm well aware I've had a few sleepless nights since the hilux got nicked so probably not thinking straight)
Anyway, until recently, I had a beautiful old Toyota Hilux Surf that was used for towing the touring caravan a few times a year, taking the dogs out and for fishing duties (parking in waterlogged fields etc)
That all ended when it was stolen, used for cable theft and then burned out.
So, I'm picking up the replacement car tomorrow and am fairly paranoid about security as I could do without the trauma of getting another one stolen.
I appreciate that my paranoia is mis-placed, the old Hilux was stolen for a purpose and was very desirable in terms of what it could do whereas the "new" car is a 10 Year old Audi A6 Quattro estate.
Still doesn't stop me worrying though and I'd like to make sure it's well protected.
In the ideal world the alarm system would spray intruders with explosive tipped shells but, I appreciate in this day and age that's not gonna happen. So, an ear splitting alarm will have to do.
The car comes with the factory fitted Thatcham 1 alarm/immoboliser, is that sufficient on it's own to stop the less sophisticated thief? would a steering lock be a good idea?
Or, should I take it to a car security specialist and have an aftermarket system fitted?
Opinions very much appreciated.
The car is old and tatty (but mechanically very good) so it shouldn't draw too much attention. I also know that it's not of any value to professional car thieves but I really want to stop any scrotes from having a go at it.
Or, am I just worrying about nothing? (I'm well aware I've had a few sleepless nights since the hilux got nicked so probably not thinking straight)
Get a disklok as an aditional visual deterrent;
http://www.disklokuk.co.uk/
Other than that, the standard fit security should be enough. I think cars from that period are probably amongst the most theif resistant - older cars could be broken into easily with coat hooks and the like, and the newer cars can be broken into easily with a laptop (I'm looking at you BMW)
http://www.disklokuk.co.uk/
Other than that, the standard fit security should be enough. I think cars from that period are probably amongst the most theif resistant - older cars could be broken into easily with coat hooks and the like, and the newer cars can be broken into easily with a laptop (I'm looking at you BMW)
Murv said:
In the ideal world the alarm system would spray intruders with explosive tipped shells but, I appreciate in this day and age that's not gonna happen.
Fine in south Africa:http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/232777.stm
Cotty said:
removable steering wheel
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/bosses-f...
I take it that only works with non-airbag steering wheels though?http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/performance/bosses-f...
OP sounds like your previous vehicle was specifically targetted (by pastry lock openers?) doubt you'll have any such problems with an oldish A6, however as an owner of one I would also endorse the disklok. I use it very rarely, but if ever parking somewhere a bit dodgy I will put it on, retract the parcel shelf and open the glovebox and central compartment to show the car is empty. Just puts anyone off smashing the window to see if there's a satnav etc hidden away, the disklok is more a deterrent, the idea being the scrote realises I take security seriously enough to definitely not be leaving valuables lying around the car. Carrying a steering wheel around with you sounds a ballache!
Thanks for the replies all, really appreciate it.
I've ordered the Disklok, I didn't want one initially as I could see that once the pain of losing my last car had worn off, I'd get too lazy to use it.
But, Comanche's post makes perfect sense, use it where it looks a bit dodgy and it shows your serious about security(like the tip about leaving the glovebox open too)
I like the idea of the removable steering wheel, but have heard too many stories of cars being driven off with molegrips.
Like I say, I know I'm going a bit OTT with this, but at least I'll sleep a bit more soundly.
So, I'll have factory alarm/immoboliser, steering lock on, disklok and glovebox/boot covers open. Can't do much more than that!
Thanks again,
Chris
I've ordered the Disklok, I didn't want one initially as I could see that once the pain of losing my last car had worn off, I'd get too lazy to use it.
But, Comanche's post makes perfect sense, use it where it looks a bit dodgy and it shows your serious about security(like the tip about leaving the glovebox open too)
I like the idea of the removable steering wheel, but have heard too many stories of cars being driven off with molegrips.
Like I say, I know I'm going a bit OTT with this, but at least I'll sleep a bit more soundly.
So, I'll have factory alarm/immoboliser, steering lock on, disklok and glovebox/boot covers open. Can't do much more than that!
Thanks again,
Chris
aw51 121565 said:
Disklok for me too 
.
There's apparently an easy way round them in less than a minute, but I've never managed to discover it ont' web.
Been reading up on that, apparently they need a plate welded onto the back otherwise it can be removed in under 10 seconds! .There's apparently an easy way round them in less than a minute, but I've never managed to discover it ont' web.
Google "Disklok mod" and there's quite a bit out there
The stuff I've found seems to be old posts though, I'm hoping they've modified the design by now, especially if it just needed a small modification.
Had a Golf GTI (Mk2) back in the day which had a blank switch (for front fog-lights, I think). I wired the coil through this switch, so any TWOCker trying to make off with it would need to know to put the front fogs on! Otherwise they could turn the engine over all day but it wouldn't fire up...
It's easy enough to do yourself, but a local garage would probably do it for a tenner or two. Obviously , this doesn't work for a diesel!
It's easy enough to do yourself, but a local garage would probably do it for a tenner or two. Obviously , this doesn't work for a diesel!
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