Anonymous wrote:Should all drivers in the DMV have some sort of steering wheel lock? I drive a 2009 Toyota Highlander with nicks and minor dents and Baby on Board stickers and I've been telling myself we're safe since no one would want to carjack/steal this. Am I naive? I'm hearing about stolen cars so frequently.

I would for your car, because its so common on the roads. Blends in very easily for a black market resale.

Further, insurance payout on your vehicle won't be enough to get you into a new or similar used vehicle. So you'll need to put up more cash to quickly buy a replacement if your car is stolen. And you'll be forced to buy whatever is available on the market at that moment in time in your area.

In short, if you have a used older car that runs reliably + well maintained + you want to keep it for a while, I'd definitely get a steering wheel lock. Because getting a replacement will be expensive and more than what your insurance will pay out.

Anonymous wrote:Should all drivers in the DMV have some sort of steering wheel lock? I drive a 2009 Toyota Highlander with nicks and minor dents and Baby on Board stickers and I've been telling myself we're safe since no one would want to carjack/steal this. Am I naive? I'm hearing about stolen cars so frequently.

Apparently there's a problem with specific brands and models of certain years. I don't think they care too much about stickers and light damage.

Should all drivers in the DMV have some sort of steering wheel lock? I drive a 2009 Toyota Highlander with nicks and minor dents and Baby on Board stickers and I've been telling myself we're safe since no one would want to carjack/steal this. Am I naive? I'm hearing about stolen cars so frequently.

Since you have a target car, I would get a sturdy steering wheel club. Otherwise other thieves are going to try again and damage something.

Definitely get a high-quality steering wheel lock or Club. It's a good deterrant and they will just move on to the next car.

Definitely buy a two-pack and have your ex-DH reimburse you. You can't afford to have him without a car.

My buddy had his Kia sedan broken into earlier this year. They damaged the steering column and it took him 2.5 months to get the car fixed because local DMV dealership keeps running out of parts due to the recall.

Anonymous wrote:Many cars have been stolen after the update, google it. Glad yours was not one. The "free" club that was distributed was also poor quality and can literally be bent. Best to buy a better quality one and not rely on the ineffective software.

Are they getting stolen due to the fact that the update only works if you use your keyfob to lock the car?

My dad gave me a steering wheel lock, it looks sturdy. I think it will overall deter people at least.

Many cars have been stolen after the update, google it. Glad yours was not one. The "free" club that was distributed was also poor quality and can literally be bent. Best to buy a better quality one and not rely on the ineffective software.

Also lucky because my child's dad lives in the same gated apartment complex and his Hyundai wasn't stolen (same apartment complex makes co parenting easy). My car is further down the lot since we live on opposite sides, so he's lucky that they drove past his and choose mine instead. His doesn't have the update yet, now he will be sure to get it...

If you've been following the news the last few years you probably know that people are stealing Hyundais and kias with USBs since the company did not install the correct anti theft software that most cars have. They sent out a recall so that the cars are updated, nothing fancy, just makes them like normal cars that are harder to steal.

I kept putting it off, but finally made an appointment, which was 3 months out (that's another topic, these dealerships are SO booked!). Well last night, exactly 7 days after I got the anti theft warranty update, someone attempted to take it. I'm not sure how they got in, I know I locked the door with the fob, because as far as I know this software only works if you lock your door with your fob, that's how it's activated. No windows were broken.

My ignition is not blown, car starts, still taking it in because the key area is messed up. I wonder if they stopped trying to start it because of the sticker that is now on the window saying that it has anti-theft. The ignition didn't have the USB in it yet. Either way, if it was the actual software or the sticker, I'm so glad I got that done last week. I am a single mother and cannot afford another 2016 Santa Fe. This is your sign to go get your update if you haven't already!