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Check This Out: Engine Bay Paint

 

Here at Wilson Auto Repair we want to give you tips that can help you accomplish any project you’re working on. See how this old Bronco gets a new paint job on its engine bay.

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How A GPS Tracker Can Be Used to Prevent Classic Car Theft

Owning a classic car gives a sense of pride and satisfaction as no modern-day vehicle can provide. Installing a GPS tracking device in your classic car can prevent theft, and help you recover your vehicle if someone steals it. Unfortunately, that kind of design, power, and materials used in vintage cars is of premium quality and can be highly sought after by criminals. So, the fusion of new-generation safety technology incorporated with an old classic car gives an unbeatable safety experience for you as a car owner.

Regarding GPS tracking devices, there are two different types – wired and covert. You can place a wired GPS tracker anywhere in the vehicle, and it can run off the car’s battery. At the same time, you can easily hide a covert GPS tracker for vintage cars as there are no wires to trace, and it also uses its internal battery. A covert GPS tracker is the most commonly used one for classic cars. It also makes it challenging for car thieves to find. With a battery life of around four months between charges, a wireless GPS tracker is the number one choice for vintage vehicles.

5 Tips on how to better secure a vintage car

Unfortunately, classic cars and trucks are prized possessions that are occasionally attractive to thieves. People spend significant time and money to restore and maintain classic vehicles. It can be hard to take our eyes off a classic car as it cruises down the road, which is why these cars stand out among modern cars. But at the same time, today’s modern cars are designed with advanced safety features, making it hard for robbers to steal. That’s not the case with a classic car. Following are the tips to be taken care of while securing a vintage car:

  1. Replace old door locks: The first security tip a classic car owner should do is replace the worn-out door locks. A new lock will make it difficult for potential thieves to steal and prevent unauthorized access to your vehicle.
  2. Park your car in a secure place: Properly storing classic vehicles is essential for the general security of your car. Therefore, parking your car in a private garage is highly recommended, especially at night. You can also buy a good-quality padlock for additional garage door security.
  3. Protect the windows: Breaking a window is the quickest access for thieves to get into the car. Professional thieves can easily shatter the window without a single noise with their specialized tools. As a classic car owner, you can replace glass windows with high-quality security glass.
  4. Invest in car alarm system: Car alarms are an effective car-theft deterrent system that helps the owner know if any unauthorized person has tried to break into their vehicle. Some modern cars have a built-in factory alarm system by default. Adding a car alarm system adds another layer of protection for your vintage vehicle.
  5. Install a high-quality GPS tracker: If you want to secure your car with a device that also lets you recover after a theft, buy a high-quality GPS tracker. A GPS tracker will show your vehicle’s real-time location and alert you if someone is trying to tamper with your vehicle.

Things to consider while selecting a GPS car tracker

  • The overall cost of the GPS car tracker is typically a factor in why many owners have not installed one. When buying a GPS car tracker, make sure you know the upfront cost for each unit. Is there a monthly service charge? You need to know how the tracker works before purchasing. It is free to use the GPS signal. However, the tracker needs to send its information to monitoring software. Sometimes, you’ll need to use a cellular data service that requires a subscription. There is a chance that your GPS tracker will only communicate through a limited system like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi and can only track from a long distance or in real-time with a cellular service subscription.
  • Car tracker software features – Most of the available GPS trackers send their information through the internet so you can monitor them. The monitoring software is the actual product that you are using. Once you have installed a GPS tracker, you never touch that again unless you replace or charge the battery. It is the software that you frequently need to interact with. Be sure to learn how to access the GPS tracking data. Is it only through a website? Is there an app for it, and if so, does it work with operating systems like Apple IOS, Android, or Windows? Make sure that the monitoring software works with your mobile phone.
  • GPS car tracker installation and features – As stated above, a car tracker for classic cars comes in two types. Does the tracker need to be wired into the vehicle? If a GPS tracker needs a wiring installation, you might need to pay additional costs. Wired GPS trackers have their advantages, as do covert installations. If you are using a hidden tracker, you need to make sure that the tracker has a backup battery.
  • Discounts from insurance companies – Insurance companies will often offer discounts to those who own a GPS tracker. If someone steals your car, a GPS tracking system is your best chance of recovering it.

Now that you know it is a good idea to have a GPS tracker for your classic car, the next step is choosing the right tracker for your classic collector.

The nature of classic cars makes them a ‘limited edition’ by default, making them even more rare and valuable for car collectors and thieves. And one of the only solutions to monitor your precious high-priced collector car or truck is to install a GPS tracker. A GPS tracker protects your classic car and helps in easy recovery in the event of a theft or robbery.

Please consider subscribing to our monthly email newsletter to keep up with everything that’s going on at the Wilson Auto Repair garage. Also, follow us on Instagram, @carmechanic, and sign up for a LIVE, one-on-one Zoom consultation with Barry Wilson, our master mechanic to discuss any challenges you might be facing with your classic vehicle repair or restoration project. Finally, visit Wilson Auto.com, to find the tools we use and recommend to you for your classic car project.