While no gas or diesel car or truck is theft-proof, there are a number of simple steps you can take to protect your vehicle from fuel filchers -- many are common sense and nearly all are free:
How to protect your vehicle from fuel theft
- If possible, park in an enclosed (preferably private) garage.
- If you have to use a public garage, park in a well-lit, highly trafficked area, e.g. near the entrance or exit, or near a stairwell.
- If you park in a driveway, park as close to your house as possible, ideally in a well-lit area.
- If your car has an alarm, arm it whenever you leave your vehicle.
- If you park on the street, orient your vehicle so that its fuel door is positioned into the street.
- Try to avoid leaving your car parked in one place for extended periods of time -- consider rideshare services or public transportation instead of leaving your car at the airport, for instance.
- Most modern cars have locking fuel doors and/or gas caps -- if yours doesn't, buy one -- they're available for $15 to $25 from most auto parts stores and online retailers like Amazon.
- Consider going electric with your next vehicle purchase -- EVs are essentially immune to power theft.
Fuel-theft signs
- Odor of gas or diesel near your vehicle
- Fuel puddled underneath your vehicle
- Fuel gauge is noticeably lower
- Vehicle fails to start
What to do if you're a victim of fuel theft
- File a police report immediately.
- Contact your insurance agent.
- Have your vehicle taken to a dealer or service shop for repairs.
How long will this surge in fuel theft last? It's hard to say, but with the AAA announcing Monday that the price of crude oil has dropped below $110 per barrel, gas and diesel prices could stabilize or decrease soon, lowering the incentive for gas thievery. (A barrel of crude rose to just over $123 shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.) Simultaneously, the Energy Information Administration noted a slight rise in demand over the same period, which could send prices north again.
Check out the entire article HERE and stay safe out on the roads!
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Austin Pattillo
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Homer Skelton Ford
