Items most stolen from vehicles

What item is most often stolen from vehicles?

Is it:

(A) Stereo

(B) Wheels

(C) Air Bag

(D) DVD System

Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right. But airbags have now surpassed stereos as the biggest target for theft – approximately 50,000 a year nationally in the United States. New airbags cost about $1,000 but go for $50 to $200 on the black market. Stolen airbags are making their way back into vehicles that have been in an accident. Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work right when you need them.

There are reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.

That is definitely a part you don’t want to take a chance with, so we recommend following these guidelines:

• Use a reputable collision repair center like Protech Auto Service in Tehachapi that employs ASE certified mechanics.

• Inspect the invoice to ensure that the Tehachapi repair shop purchased the airbag from a California manufacturer, dealer or recycler.

• If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer or recycler.

You will see the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light when you first start your vehicle up. This tells you that the airbag system is activated. If you do not see the SRS light, there is a problem with the airbag system. 

Stop by Protech Auto Service at 410 W. J St., Ste. G in Tehachapi or give us a call at (661) 822-1100.