Summary:
Car thieves are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting modern vehicles’ complex electronic systems to gain access. One emerging method involves tapping into the headlight wiring to connect a device called a CAN injector. Disguised as something innocuous like a Bluetooth speaker, this homemade tool allows thieves to interface with a car’s CAN (Controller Area Network) system. By accessing the network through the easily reachable headlight wires, thieves can send signals to disable anti-theft systems, unlock doors, and even start the engine. However, this method typically doesn’t work on older vehicles (2010 or earlier) or cars with smart headlights that don’t use CAN wiring.
To protect your vehicle, the best long-term solution is better encryption from automakers — a feature still in development. In the meantime, there are several preventive steps car owners can take. These include parking in well-lit areas, using steering wheel locks, installing immobilizers with PIN codes, and setting up cloud-connected dash cams with GPS and internal audio/video recording. A more hands-on deterrent involves physically disconnecting the car battery’s negative terminal when parking in risky areas or installing a hidden kill switch to disable the starter motor.
When purchasing a used car, verify the VIN across all visible locations and documents, and use a VIN lookup tool to check for red flags. Service records and ownership history can offer further assurance. Be extra cautious with private sellers — ensure their name matches the vehicle’s title, and don’t hesitate to call local authorities to confirm the car’s legitimacy.
Ultimately, a mix of old-school vigilance and modern anti-theft technology offers the best defense against today’s increasingly crafty car thieves.
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