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Smart Accessories for Your Car

There are many ways to improve a vehicle. Some of these improvements include the installation of theft deterrent and prevention accessories. Other improvements include being prepared for a wide range of emergencies. In some cases, these improvements can even save you money on car insurance. Contact your specific insurance provider to see if the addition of theft or safety accessories will reduce your premiums.

Theft deterrents and prevention

• Car alarm:  There are numerous makes and models of car alarms. Drivers can choose between siren-based alarms and those that report break-ins directly to a monitoring company or to the driver via a pager. Some car alarms even feature a kill switch that further prevents the theft of your car. Make sure to contact your insurance carrier to see if your specific choice of car alarm is covered and recognized.
• Locks:  There are many additional locking mechanisms that can be purchased for your vehicle in addition to the factory installed door locks. The most popular lock is of course the wheel lock. This lock, accessible by either key or code, prevents thieves from being able to drive and steer your vehicle if they do happen to gain entry inside your vehicle. Other lock options include pedal locks and hood locks. Pedal locks function much like wheel locks whereas hood locks prevent thieves from gaining access to the car battery and electrical system.
• Electronic system disabling:  This system allows drivers to disable the electronic system in the vehicle when it is not in use. A special key, card, or code is required to restart the vehicle. This type of system is gaining popularity due to its inconspicuous nature.
• Theft recovery:  If a car thief does manage to bypass all of the theft prevention accessories installed in your vehicle, there is always the possibility of recovery. Drivers can choose from many systems that track stolen vehicles. This tracking is possible due to the installation of a GPS device located in the vehicle. Drivers also have the option of activating a remote kill switch once a theft occurs. Of course, this is only possible on select models.

Safety accessories

• Emergency road assistance kit:  It is essential that every car have an emergency kit. There are many different styles of emergency kits available. Some kits include basics like a small first aid kit and road flares. Others contain a variety of useful items like tools and an air compressor.
• Do-it-yourself repair kit:  Cars break down for a variety of reasons. Of course, the most popular reason for a car to break down is a flat tire. Most cars do carry a spare, but if not, there is always a tire repair kit. These kits enable drivers to fix their flat, without having to remove the faulty tire. Other repair kits include fan and serpentine belt repair.
• First aid kit:  If your emergency kit does not include a first aid kit, it is vital that you purchase one for your vehicle. Proper first aid kits should include a variety of bandages including trauma bandages.
• Self-contained battery recharge:  In the unfortunate event of a break down due to a bad battery, there will not always be other drivers whom can stop and help. In these cases, it is important that your vehicle has a battery recharge device. This device gives you enough power to jump your car without the use of another battery.
• Jumper cables:  While typically included in an emergency kit, jumper cables are necessary in any vehicle. There are not only helpful when your car breaks down due to battery issues, but are also helpful in the case of a fellow driver breaking down.
• Gas can:  Neither electrical nor mechanical issues cause every break down. In fact, sometimes it is driver error. This is the case when a car runs out of fuel. However, with a handy gas can in the trunk you will be back on the road after a walk or ride to the gas station. You can avoid calling a tow-truck or service company.
• Flashlight:  A working flashlight is another essential item to have in your vehicle. Without one, working on your car at night would be virtually impossible.