Best Way to Protect Car?
12-26-2011, 01:26 PM
#1
Best Way to Protect Car?
Hi,
I'm going to be moving to Detroit over the summer for med school. I would like to take my car, but am definitely worried it'll get singled out. I've been looking at ways to at least try to deter break-ins. Obviously I'll remove or lock my radar detector in the glove box. I've also got tinted windows making it hard to see anything that might be inside. But I've been looking at shatter-resistant films to laminate the side windows. They're meant to hold off a person for about 30 seconds, thus deterring a quick smash and grab. The demo's I've seen show the window taking a few swings from baseball bat and hammer before breaking, even then the film held the glass together enough that the 'thief' couldn't kick through the window easily. Obviously, a determined person WILL get in, but at least this will prolong the process and they may just move on. I don't mind paying good money if it means it prevents a stolen car..
Thoughts on this? The other option is to get a crap car for the stay..lol
I'm going to be moving to Detroit over the summer for med school. I would like to take my car, but am definitely worried it'll get singled out. I've been looking at ways to at least try to deter break-ins. Obviously I'll remove or lock my radar detector in the glove box. I've also got tinted windows making it hard to see anything that might be inside. But I've been looking at shatter-resistant films to laminate the side windows. They're meant to hold off a person for about 30 seconds, thus deterring a quick smash and grab. The demo's I've seen show the window taking a few swings from baseball bat and hammer before breaking, even then the film held the glass together enough that the 'thief' couldn't kick through the window easily. Obviously, a determined person WILL get in, but at least this will prolong the process and they may just move on. I don't mind paying good money if it means it prevents a stolen car..
Thoughts on this? The other option is to get a crap car for the stay..lol
12-26-2011, 02:12 PM
#4
Detroit Lion stickers + Made in USA stickers. 'made in Ohio' would be even better in case the dumbasses dont know the TL is made there. Have any family members in the military? Support our troops stickers might help too. Garage anywhere/everywhere. Dont wash it, ever.
12-26-2011, 02:34 PM
#5
Is anyone here from detroit? I mean does an 06 3g TL really stand out that much? I go there a lot and have seen much nicer cars than mine.. Its hard to tell. I guess worst comes to worst I'll just get a civic
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12-26-2011, 04:07 PM
#8
06 Anthracite TL
12-26-2011, 04:13 PM
#9
Registered but harmless
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If you're parked in a medical complex, chances are that your car won't be the only upscale foreign nameplate in the parking lot.
Otherwise, just make sure you have comprehensive insurance, rental car benefits and a low deductible-- that'll be a lot less expensive and more fun than getting a POS DD.
Congrats on getting to med school; don't become a case study for your psych classes over a car.
12-26-2011, 04:19 PM
#10
Park between a BMW/Mercedes/Volvo and an American SUV or pickup and you'll be fine, in the absence of random drunks.
If you're parked in a medical complex, chances are that your car won't be the only upscale foreign nameplate in the parking lot.
Otherwise, just make sure you have comprehensive insurance, rental car benefits and a low deductible-- that'll be a lot less expensive and more fun than getting a POS DD.
Congrats on getting to med school; don't become a case study for your psych classes over a car.
If you're parked in a medical complex, chances are that your car won't be the only upscale foreign nameplate in the parking lot.
Otherwise, just make sure you have comprehensive insurance, rental car benefits and a low deductible-- that'll be a lot less expensive and more fun than getting a POS DD.
Congrats on getting to med school; don't become a case study for your psych classes over a car.
12-27-2011, 11:20 PM
#12
A Viper Alarm is always a good investment no matter the circumstances.
Granted you have insurance but who really wants to lose their car and go through that hassle.
If the area bugs you that much just cop a beater and store the TL.
Else beef up security and be extra cautious where you park your car
Granted you have insurance but who really wants to lose their car and go through that hassle.
If the area bugs you that much just cop a beater and store the TL.
Else beef up security and be extra cautious where you park your car
12-28-2011, 09:18 PM
#14
A Viper Alarm is always a good investment no matter the circumstances.
Granted you have insurance but who really wants to lose their car and go through that hassle.
If the area bugs you that much just cop a beater and store the TL.
Else beef up security and be extra cautious where you park your car
Granted you have insurance but who really wants to lose their car and go through that hassle.
If the area bugs you that much just cop a beater and store the TL.
Else beef up security and be extra cautious where you park your car
Has anyone tried the Llumar window films? They seem to be very good and look like they are a large manufacturer. They also have a good warranty, any scratches/discoloration/break-in are all replaced for free.
07-12-2012, 01:15 PM
#15
welp I just talked to my insurance rep.. Because michigan is a no fault state, the insurance will automatically go up 3X(!!!!) what I'm paying now!!!
My apartment has a gated lot with a bunch of other imports in there, so I'm not too worried in that regard. The insurance blows tho. I don't know if the difference from that to buying and insuring a beater is really worth the difference.. I donno...
My apartment has a gated lot with a bunch of other imports in there, so I'm not too worried in that regard. The insurance blows tho. I don't know if the difference from that to buying and insuring a beater is really worth the difference.. I donno...
07-12-2012, 01:25 PM
#17
06 Anthracite TL
Based on that, I'd probably just get a beater and insure it for liability only. You're probably going to be paying a high rate based on being in Detroit (NJ is a no fault state as well, but you will pay higher insurance rates depending on where in state you are). Having the car in a city will up the premium as there's a greater chance of accident or theft.
07-12-2012, 01:37 PM
#18
Senior Moderator
This is from a car thief:
1) Awkwardly park your car
A car thief will avoid your car if it takes a lot of effort to move it, so turn your wheels into the curb when parking on the street, or towards another car when in a car park. Also, try not to reverse into a driveway, instead go in hood first and turn the wheels. If you do have a driveway always use it as it means the thief would have to come closer to you to get the car, and they do not want to do that.
2) Take everything out of sight
Untidy cars attract thieves, which includes leaving things on show such as phone leads, handbags, sat nav holders and paperwork. It indicates to a robber that you may have been in a rush and not only left something of value within the car itself, but forgotten to lock the door or closed the window properly. Put all gadgets in the glove box. under the seat or ideally locked away in the trunk.
3) Adorn your car with decorative repellents
If a car has flowers painted on it or fluffy toys inside it will be more likely to be shunned by a thief. This is because it draws the wrong sort of attention; also they tend to be cheaper cars.
4) Alarms and visible security signs do work, so use them
A car robber doesn’t want to spend an immeasurable amount of time trying to remove an anti-theft security device such an alarm or steering wheel lock, so it’s worth investing in them if you don’t already use them. Even simple stickers will put off a criminal, happily moving onto another vehicle with no visible protection at all. Factory fitted alarms are the best, as cheaper ones on the market are easier to bypass if the thief really tries to.
5) Hide your keys, even indoors
In the old days a thief would just hotwire a car - but modern technology has put paid to that practise and new cars now need the memory chip which is in the key to start. Often, thieves will try the back door of the property because so many people leave theirs open. It may seem simplistic, but many people leave their keys in their hallway, on the stairs, in handbags left on the ground floor or in the kitchen, freely available for somebody to grab if they can get access.
The best way to keep your vehicle safe is to put a tracker on it, wheel locking nuts, a sticker saying the vehicle is alarmed, keep the inside tidy, keep the car locked, the windows shut and everything out of sight.
1) Awkwardly park your car
A car thief will avoid your car if it takes a lot of effort to move it, so turn your wheels into the curb when parking on the street, or towards another car when in a car park. Also, try not to reverse into a driveway, instead go in hood first and turn the wheels. If you do have a driveway always use it as it means the thief would have to come closer to you to get the car, and they do not want to do that.
2) Take everything out of sight
Untidy cars attract thieves, which includes leaving things on show such as phone leads, handbags, sat nav holders and paperwork. It indicates to a robber that you may have been in a rush and not only left something of value within the car itself, but forgotten to lock the door or closed the window properly. Put all gadgets in the glove box. under the seat or ideally locked away in the trunk.
3) Adorn your car with decorative repellents
If a car has flowers painted on it or fluffy toys inside it will be more likely to be shunned by a thief. This is because it draws the wrong sort of attention; also they tend to be cheaper cars.
4) Alarms and visible security signs do work, so use them
A car robber doesn’t want to spend an immeasurable amount of time trying to remove an anti-theft security device such an alarm or steering wheel lock, so it’s worth investing in them if you don’t already use them. Even simple stickers will put off a criminal, happily moving onto another vehicle with no visible protection at all. Factory fitted alarms are the best, as cheaper ones on the market are easier to bypass if the thief really tries to.
5) Hide your keys, even indoors
In the old days a thief would just hotwire a car - but modern technology has put paid to that practise and new cars now need the memory chip which is in the key to start. Often, thieves will try the back door of the property because so many people leave theirs open. It may seem simplistic, but many people leave their keys in their hallway, on the stairs, in handbags left on the ground floor or in the kitchen, freely available for somebody to grab if they can get access.
The best way to keep your vehicle safe is to put a tracker on it, wheel locking nuts, a sticker saying the vehicle is alarmed, keep the inside tidy, keep the car locked, the windows shut and everything out of sight.
Last edited by LoveMyTL-S; 07-12-2012 at 01:40 PM.
07-12-2012, 02:31 PM
#20
I wish, school picked me tho. Plus Wayne State is known for its Emergency Medicine residency, which is where my interests are right now..
I'll have to talk with my parents and see what they want to do. Don't have any time as I"ll be leaving for school monday morning....
I'll have to talk with my parents and see what they want to do. Don't have any time as I"ll be leaving for school monday morning....
07-12-2012, 02:38 PM
#21
Safety Car
Park it in a garage.
07-12-2012, 04:16 PM
#22
Senior Moderator
Here's something to consider, that the college offers:
http://www.media.wayne.edu/2011/08/3...with-zipcar-to
May be expensive though.
Or try this:
http://media.wayne.edu/2011/09/12/wa...or-ridesharing
http://www.media.wayne.edu/2011/08/3...with-zipcar-to
May be expensive though.
Or try this:
http://media.wayne.edu/2011/09/12/wa...or-ridesharing
Last edited by LoveMyTL-S; 07-12-2012 at 04:20 PM.
07-12-2012, 06:22 PM
#24
My car was singled out at my old apartment complex that I used to live at. I woke up one morning to a freshly keyed car and a sliced tire. Keep in mind they basically just walked around the entire car with a key. The only panels that weren't touched were the roof and both bumpers. The icing on the cake was the half smile on the hood.
Since that day I haven't returned to the complex. I was able to sublease the remainder of my lease and I was out. I would never live in a student living complex ever again. It was just about across the street from school. Ever since then I've moved into a house with a garage a few miles away from school. Moral of the story, make sure you get a place with a private garage.
Since that day I haven't returned to the complex. I was able to sublease the remainder of my lease and I was out. I would never live in a student living complex ever again. It was just about across the street from school. Ever since then I've moved into a house with a garage a few miles away from school. Moral of the story, make sure you get a place with a private garage.
Last edited by LoveMyTL-S; 07-13-2012 at 06:13 AM.
07-12-2012, 06:31 PM
#25
07-12-2012, 09:15 PM
#26
Now that I think about it, if you don't want to take the TL at all. I would sell it and pick up an older 4runner, since you'll be gone for four yrs. I use our 4runner whenever I take the jet ski out, head to a buddies apartment, or moving something. Plus I'm sure it'll be useful in the snow as well.
Last edited by LoveMyTL-S; 07-13-2012 at 06:12 AM.
07-12-2012, 11:41 PM
#27
Race Director
No one has yet recommended the Trunk Monkey??
07-13-2012, 08:07 AM
#29
Racer
Keep your car really subtle. Don't do any cosmetic or performance mods that will stand out. If you have good stereo, turn it down when you approach the area where it will be parked.
Don't speed around either.
Congrats on medical school! That's what my parents wanted me to do but I decided to go for engineering instead.
Don't speed around either.
Congrats on medical school! That's what my parents wanted me to do but I decided to go for engineering instead.
07-13-2012, 02:07 PM
#31
Living in Chicago, and in a pretty shady area I've learned this. Keep your doors unlocked and keep nothing valuable in the car. I've had a couple of break-ins and I have learned that if you leave the doors unlocked and just have them open the door in look, its a lot better than having someone break glass or damage the car trying to get in.
07-13-2012, 02:45 PM
#32
Pro
Living in Chicago, and in a pretty shady area I've learned this. Keep your doors unlocked and keep nothing valuable in the car. I've had a couple of break-ins and I have learned that if you leave the doors unlocked and just have them open the door in look, its a lot better than having someone break glass or damage the car trying to get in.
Detroit is an awesome place. My friend was coming back from Windsor with his sister, they made a wrong turn passing through Detroit, got lost. He is a cop himself BTW. Finally they were so lost they saw a cop car and pulled up to it to ask for help how to get out of the city... apparently they had ended up in an area so dodgy.. the cop they asked for help called for back-up and they were escorted out by TWO cop cars so they could safely make it to a highway back toward Ohio...
07-13-2012, 07:18 PM
#33
Drifting
^ Seriously- get a beater car. If the thief's don't get your car, it will get dinged up big time parked in a student parking lot and such. Or better yet, don't buy a car and use a Zip car if available.
I would not leave the car unlocked- that's insane.
I would not leave the car unlocked- that's insane.
07-13-2012, 07:50 PM
#34
Drifting
Get a garage.. & live close enough to school that you can walk! So leave it in the garage all day. It is Safer, Cheaper(less gas), keeps your car longer(lower mileage), protection from outside elements and who knows whatelse.. Oh how about excersize... ya foot mileage equals calories burned. Stay within a mile and buy a large umbrella.
Insurance wise, I have no comprehensive but I carry liability.. I think my collision covers my car if it is damaged or stolen, even in my garage. Whatever that is, you want that too. I have a multiline discount for taking rental insurance. And in my case, the cost of the rental insurance pays for itself with the multiline discount. So you can't lose on that. It;s like free
Insurance wise, I have no comprehensive but I carry liability.. I think my collision covers my car if it is damaged or stolen, even in my garage. Whatever that is, you want that too. I have a multiline discount for taking rental insurance. And in my case, the cost of the rental insurance pays for itself with the multiline discount. So you can't lose on that. It;s like free
Last edited by Chad05TL; 07-13-2012 at 08:04 PM.
07-14-2012, 12:20 AM
#35
Drifting
I believe collision covers only damage caused to the vehicle as a result of an accident or other incident that damages the vehicle. Comprehensive is for theft and vandalism- if your car gets stolen you might be SOL if you don't have comprehensive. Go with a $2000 deductible if you can't afford a $500 or $250 deductible coverage on this- some coverage is better than no coverage if your car gets stolen. I would highly recommend this coverage- especially in Detroit!
07-14-2012, 04:20 AM
#36
Buy a viper
When I bought my TL I was super paranoid (because I had one of the nicest cars on the street) until i bought a viper 5901 start/security system... it is worth it...
It comes with 1 shock sensor that will warn if it is slightly hit, and blast the alarm when it is hit harder... and you can buy addons proximity sensor so if people are to close to your car for too long they will be warned, and another shock sensor. All of this comes with a 2 way remote that lets you know exactly when something is happening. and you can request alarm reports..
I sleep with my keys/remote right next to my pillow. and trust me i sleep much better since i got it. The only thing i dont like about it is alot of the time the remote cannot communicate with the car if you dont have a good line of sight or if there are buildings in the way... but on that not there is another viper system that uses your cell phone so you can control the system from anywhere. GET IT.
Plus the viper can do cool stuff like right now I have to programmed to close all my windows and sunroof with the 2 way remote. BOSS.
It comes with 1 shock sensor that will warn if it is slightly hit, and blast the alarm when it is hit harder... and you can buy addons proximity sensor so if people are to close to your car for too long they will be warned, and another shock sensor. All of this comes with a 2 way remote that lets you know exactly when something is happening. and you can request alarm reports..
I sleep with my keys/remote right next to my pillow. and trust me i sleep much better since i got it. The only thing i dont like about it is alot of the time the remote cannot communicate with the car if you dont have a good line of sight or if there are buildings in the way... but on that not there is another viper system that uses your cell phone so you can control the system from anywhere. GET IT.
Plus the viper can do cool stuff like right now I have to programmed to close all my windows and sunroof with the 2 way remote. BOSS.
07-14-2012, 07:58 AM
#37
Drifting
I would double-check on the theft coverage when you're lacking comprehensive- I think you're in error.
I believe collision covers only damage caused to the vehicle as a result of an accident or other incident that damages the vehicle. Comprehensive is for theft and vandalism- if your car gets stolen you might be SOL if you don't have comprehensive. Go with a $2000 deductible if you can't afford a $500 or $250 deductible coverage on this- some coverage is better than no coverage if your car gets stolen. I would highly recommend this coverage- especially in Detroit!
I believe collision covers only damage caused to the vehicle as a result of an accident or other incident that damages the vehicle. Comprehensive is for theft and vandalism- if your car gets stolen you might be SOL if you don't have comprehensive. Go with a $2000 deductible if you can't afford a $500 or $250 deductible coverage on this- some coverage is better than no coverage if your car gets stolen. I would highly recommend this coverage- especially in Detroit!
07-14-2012, 12:29 PM
#38
Drifting
^ I have a $500 deductible on my comprehensive coverage and it's only $42 a year. I figured it was a cost thing that would keep you from having such coverage- at these costs it's a no-brainer to have this type of coverage. Ironically the comprehensive of the TL is less than our older Honda Pilot for some reason.
I have a $1000 collision deductible that cost me $146 a year for that coverage.
I have a $1000 collision deductible that cost me $146 a year for that coverage.
07-14-2012, 12:38 PM
#39
Drifting
When I bought my TL I was super paranoid (because I had one of the nicest <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">cars</a> on the street) until i bought a viper 5901 start/security system... it is worth it...
It comes with 1 shock sensor that will warn if it is slightly hit, and blast the alarm when it is hit harder... and you can buy addons proximity sensor so if people are to close to your <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">car</a> for too long they will be warned, and another shock sensor. All of this comes with a 2 way remote that lets you know exactly when something is happening. and you can request alarm reports..
I sleep with my keys/remote right next to my pillow. and trust me i sleep much better since i got it. The only thing i dont like about it is alot of the time the remote cannot communicate with the car if you dont have a good line of sight or if there are buildings in the way... but on that not there is another viper system that uses your <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">cell phone</a> so you can control the system from anywhere. GET IT.
Plus the viper can do cool stuff like right now I have to programmed to close all my windows and sunroof with the 2 way remote. BOSS.
It comes with 1 shock sensor that will warn if it is slightly hit, and blast the alarm when it is hit harder... and you can buy addons proximity sensor so if people are to close to your <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">car</a> for too long they will be warned, and another shock sensor. All of this comes with a 2 way remote that lets you know exactly when something is happening. and you can request alarm reports..
I sleep with my keys/remote right next to my pillow. and trust me i sleep much better since i got it. The only thing i dont like about it is alot of the time the remote cannot communicate with the car if you dont have a good line of sight or if there are buildings in the way... but on that not there is another viper system that uses your <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">cell phone</a> so you can control the system from anywhere. GET IT.
Plus the viper can do cool stuff like right now I have to programmed to close all my windows and sunroof with the 2 way remote. BOSS.
The best defense against theft is to drive a car model that has low comprehensive claims rate. Fortunately the TL appears to be in this category already.
I had VW Scirocco way back and had the best alarm possible (Clifford) at that time and it did not stop thiefs from breaking in and stealing radios. That car had 10 breakins in my short 4 year ownership experience and that was it for me. I changed car makes (Honda Prelude) and parked the Honda in the same areas and events- not a single problem with no alarm.
The thiefs simply snip wires to the siren and go to town. You'll need an aux. hood lock to have a fighting chance.
07-15-2012, 12:41 AM
#40
well my apartment is about 2 blocks from school, so I won't be driving it there. The lot at my place is gated and filled with imports (VW, Merc, BMW, etc), so my TL won't stand out, and the rent in the building for me to worry about anyone from there vandalizing my car.
MY GF is from Detroit and she said not to worry too much about my car there. As long as I keep everything out of the car, park it in a well visible area when I go out during the day and keep it in my lot at night, it'll be ok. Plus if I have a steering wheel lock, no one will try to steal it. She has a POS dodge neon (her words not mine) and its been stolen 3 times, so they don't just hit nice cars. She's not worried about vandalism. People in D-town want to steal it, not just mark it up (for the most part).
And honestly, the TL is nice, but there's a shit ton of them out there. Mine's not type s, nor does it have nice rims, just the stock, scratched up ones lol. Tints are 35 so you can see into the car easy enough. I"ll make sure my front plate is always out (mines retractable), and the LEDs aren't too conspicuous.
I don't think the rates on an older car would be low enough to justify buying a beater that I risk breaking down and/or putting more money into to ensure it runs. I know my car, it runs and is safe.
We'll see.. Also thanks for all the congrats on med school. I'm really looking forward to it!
MY GF is from Detroit and she said not to worry too much about my car there. As long as I keep everything out of the car, park it in a well visible area when I go out during the day and keep it in my lot at night, it'll be ok. Plus if I have a steering wheel lock, no one will try to steal it. She has a POS dodge neon (her words not mine) and its been stolen 3 times, so they don't just hit nice cars. She's not worried about vandalism. People in D-town want to steal it, not just mark it up (for the most part).
And honestly, the TL is nice, but there's a shit ton of them out there. Mine's not type s, nor does it have nice rims, just the stock, scratched up ones lol. Tints are 35 so you can see into the car easy enough. I"ll make sure my front plate is always out (mines retractable), and the LEDs aren't too conspicuous.
I don't think the rates on an older car would be low enough to justify buying a beater that I risk breaking down and/or putting more money into to ensure it runs. I know my car, it runs and is safe.
We'll see.. Also thanks for all the congrats on med school. I'm really looking forward to it!