Security
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Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Before spending anything on tuning a car, and perhaps even before you get insurance, it's essential to look seriously at security. According to government figures on car crime, the Impreza is not a car which is stolen as often as might be expected. This is however down to the fact that most owners take security very seriously indeed and fit their cars with top-notch security features.
[edit] Alarms
Absolute minimum should be an alarm/immobiliser which is approved to Thatcham category 1 status. Subaru only started fitting these as standard in '99, so earlier cars absolutely must have one fitted. Most insurance companies will insist on it anyway.
[edit] Immobilisers and physical locks
Such electronic immobilisers are undeniably effective, especially against the opportunist rather than the professional thief. Many owners nevertheless like to supplement them with a mechanical locking device such as a steering wheel or gearbox lock. These provide a highly visible deterrent and are extremely difficult to remove quickly or quietly.
The very effectiveness of immobilisers means there is a worrying trend for cars to be stolen with the keys instead. Thieves can obtain the keys as simply as by putting a fishing rod through the letterbox and lifting them off the hook. Simple precautions can be taken, such as keeping them out of sight, to help you keep your pride and joy.
It's worth noting that sometimes the keys are taken forcibly from their owners, and here the popular wisdom is that although your car is worth protecting, it's not worth protecting with your life. Keeping the car in a garage and driving with all doors locked are simple but effective ways to reduce the chances of this happening to you.
[edit] Trackers and anti-hijack
If the worst does happen and your car goes missing, all is not necessarily lost. An increasing number of insurance companies now insist on the fitting of a tracking device, giving a better chance of recovering the car, and newer models are now sold with one as standard. Another increasingly popular option is an anti-hijack device, which gradually brings the car to a halt if it is taken by anyone other than the legitimate owner, but which nevertheless allow the thief to drive a safe distance away before immobilising the car.
[edit] Alloy wheels
A set of locking wheel nuts is a good investment on any car, and is much cheaper than waking up to find your car on bricks.
[edit] Import cars
Imports can come with no security devices at all, so it's essential to address this issue even before registration. An insurance approved alarm/immobiliser is a requirement for passing the SVA test.
[edit] IMPORTANT MESSAGE
It's important to stress that violent crime against Subaru owners is mercifully rare. Although it can and does happen most do manage to sleep comfortably at night having taken sensible precautions.
