Which are the most commonly stolen car parts?
Vehicle thieves only sometimes target the entire car. Often, they hunt for specific parts that are easy to remove and valuable to sell. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a skilled thief can strip a vehicle of its major parts in half an hour. So, the question most car owners ask themselves is, “How can I not be a victim?” If you’re wondering the same thing, you’re in the right place!
We spoke with automotive experts Frank De Mulder of Classic Car Maintenance and John Lin of JB Motor Works to identify the car parts thieves want most.
Without further ado, here are the car parts these bad guys are most likely to steal and ways to keep them safe!
1. Car rims and tires
Custom rims and tires are a hot target when it comes to commonly stolen car parts. According to Lin, high-end tires and rims can yield a decent price on the black market thanks to constant demand. Moreover, high-end aftermarket rims, in particular, can sell for thousands. With the right tools, these car parts can easily be removed in minutes.
De Mulder pointed out that tires and rims are commonly stolen car parts due to their high resale value. He recommends parking at an angle to make thieves’ jobs harder. For example, turning your wheels at a 45-degree angle can make it more difficult for bad guys to get to the lug nuts. This often deters those who don’t want to spend too much time at the crime scene.
Experts also suggest installing easily available tire locks.
2. Catalytic converters
Catalytic converters also top the list of commonly stolen car parts. This is because they contain precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. According to experts, these precious metals are relatively easy to remove, which makes them even more tempting to thieves.
Currently, rhodium sells for more than $5,300 per ounce, while platinum and palladium go for $900 and $1,150 per ounce, respectively.
Frank De Mulder agreed, pointing out that catalytic converters are indeed among the most commonly stolen car parts. To not become a victim, he advises etching your VIN number on the converter. This will help you deter theft while also ensuring you have adequate insurance, since a stolen converter can cost more than $1,000 to replace.
Also, when you park on the street, pull close to another car or next to a wall. This trick will make it more difficult for anyone to access the underbelly of your vehicle.
3. GPS and stereo systems
While not as common nowadays, GPS and stereo systems, while less widespread than they once were due to technological advancements, are still targeted, particularly in older vehicles. Custom aftermarket systems with extras such as DVD players remain valuable to thieves.
Car audio is among the most commonly stolen car parts because of its ease of removal. Experts recommend parking your vehicle in well-lit areas, using window covers or tints to obscure inside views, and installing alarms.
4. Airbags
Lin and Du Mulder identified airbags as an interesting choice, but they agreed that these car parts could be sold for good money. Airbags retail for about $1,000 but sell for $50-$200 on the black market. They’re challenging to steal compared to other commonly stolen car parts, but pretty profitable if a thief succeeds.
They’re an essential safety component, expensive, portable, and easily replaceable, making them a prime target, experts explained. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, it’s estimated that 50,000 airbags valued at $50 million are stolen annually.
Steering wheel locks will prevent your airbags from being stolen. And when it’s time to purchase replacement airbags, ensure you only purchase from the manufacturer, a dealer, or a certified recycler. Also, check that the airbag package is sealed so you know it wasn’t stolen from another car.
Read on to discover other commonly stolen car parts!
5. License plates
You may be surprised to learn that license plates are also among the most commonly stolen car parts. According to experts, thieves steal them to use on unregistered vehicles. What you should do to prevent this from happening to you is to use security screws to protect your plates. These screws are very affordable and take only minutes to install.
6. Batteries
Both car experts listed batteries as a frequent target. This item is the only thing under the hood that can be stolen easily and is worth something at the scrap yard or black market. One battery isn’t worth much, though, but thieves generally hunt multiple vehicles in the area at one time.
You can buy after-market hood locks for your vehicle to make it hard for bad guys to get access. Also, park in busy, well-lit places where anyone messing with the hood of your car would raise suspicion.
7. Garage door openers
If stolen from your vehicle, these give bad guys easy home access. There’s a simple solution for this one: Never leave openers in your car.
8. Third-row seats
This one may seem surprising, but it’s on the rise. As one of the most commonly stolen car parts, SUV third-row seats are now easily removed and valuable, making them a tempting target. Experts suggest using bike locks or removing seats when not needed.
9. Tailgates
Certain truck models, like the Toyota Tacoma, feature tailgates that thieves can swiftly remove without any problems. According to police reports, tailgate thefts are on the rise, with clusters of trucks often hitting in the same area.
Bad guys target trucks with removable tailgates, as they can slide under the truck bed and detach the tailgate in a matter of seconds using basic tools. Depending on the model, the tailgate can then be sold at top scrap yards or online, netting the thief a few hundred dollars.
Experts recommend attaching an aftermarket tailgate lock around the edges of the tailgate and truck bed. This is an affordable and effective option that will prevent the tailgate form from being removed. Most of these locks can be installed in a few minutes using simple tools and cost $100 or less.
How to protect your vehicle
Now that you know which are the most commonly stolen car parts, let’s see some things that can help you reduce the risk of becoming a victim. As already mentioned, parking in well-lit or monitored areas is a great way to deter theft.
Wheel-locking devices and car alarms (here are some options) also act as excellent deterrents. Don’t forget about the vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can etch on certain car parts to make them less tempting, as they’re harder to sell.
Car experts agree that although it’s impossible to prevent all thefts, proactive measures can considerably reduce the risk and ensure your vehicle remains intact. Also, make sure you have comprehensive coverage that includes theft of vehicle parts. Several platforms on the internet allow you to compare costs from different providers to find the best deal.
By identifying the most commonly stolen car parts and taking preventive action, you can reduce the risk of becoming a part of the theft statistics. And if it does happen, things like comprehensive insurance can really make the cost less painful.
If you liked our article on commonly stolen car parts, you may also want to read The Best and Worst Times of the Year to Purchase a New Car.
