OWN THE ROAD WITH AUTOTRADER, EPISODE 42: CAR THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

EV Channels Review

This episode of AutoTrader's 'On the Road' tackles the critical issue of car theft in Canada, a crime that has seen a significant surge. Hosts Dan and Jodi discuss the evolving nature of car theft, moving from joyrides to organized crime for overseas export and re-VINing. They highlight the financial impact, with $1.2 billion in claims in 2022, and explain how this drives up insurance premiums for everyone. The show debunks the myth that VIN etching on windshields is a significant deterrent and emphasizes that recovered re-VINed vehicles are often destroyed due to safety recall tracking issues. A key cautionary tale involves a Lexus RX owner whose aftermarket anti-theft device voided their warranty, leading to costly repairs. The hosts strongly advise against tampering with complex electronic systems, recommending steering wheel locks as a more reliable, warranty-safe deterrent. For carjacking situations, the paramount advice is to comply and prioritize personal safety over the vehicle. They also touch upon key fob signal relay attacks and recommend Faraday pouches or boxes to block signals. The episode also briefly addresses why EVs might have lower top speeds than comparable ICE vehicles, citing battery preservation as the primary reason.