How to Protect Your Car From Gas Thieves

Due to world events like the war in Ukraine, gas prices across the country are going up. This is especially true here in California, where gas prices were already high. Unfortunately, this rise has also led to an increase in gas siphoning.

Californians are getting into their vehicles to go to work and discovering their fuel tanks are empty. This is a horrible experience and the automotive technicians at Silver Star Motors want to help you avoid it. Here is a quick guide to help you avoid getting robbed by gas thieves.

How Are Gas Thieves Stealing Fuel?

The first step in protecting your vehicle from gas thieves is to understand how they work. Here are a few ways thieves steal your fuel:

1. Siphoning: The easiest way for a thief to steal your gas is to open your gas cap, stick a plastic tube into your tank and pump out the gas. Communities across California have experienced this crime.
2. Drilling: Some thieves take a more advanced method and drill a hole in the gas tank to directly drain your fuel away.
3. Cutting Hoses: If they can reach your fuel lines, some thieves will cut those lines to tap into your tank.

How To Tell if Someone Is Siphoning Your Gas

Now that we know how thieves steal gasoline, we need to figure out how to detect that a theft has occurred. This is important because vehicles damaged by gas thieves can be dangerous to drive.

• The first and most obvious ways to tell if someone stole your fuel is to check your gas cap. If the refueling door and cap are open, you may have been a target.
• The next method is to turn your key and check your fuel gauge. If it reads less than when you left it, you may have been struct by a fuel burglar.
• Do you smell gas as you are approaching your car? This could also be a sign that someone siphoned your gas.
• Check around your vehicle for gas puddles. Gas siphoning is often not a clean crime and criminals may leave a spill.

If you find any of these signs, try to avoid driving the vehicle and call the police to report the theft. You’ll need that police report when you file for insurance. You can also call an auto repair shop like us to get a tow and repair.

What Can I Do to Prevent Gas Siphoning?

So, we’ve looked at how thieves steal gas and how to detect gas theft. Next, lets discuss prevention.

1. Where You Park: Thieves by nature want to avoid drawing attention. So, if you park your vehicle in a place where others can see it, criminals are less likely to target it. Park in gated parking lots or garages. Park under street lights and near major thoroughfares. Park in a way that faces your fuel cap toward passersby.
2. Surveillance: Park under or near a security camera. These cameras not only deter thieves but can also help catch them.
3. Use an Alarm: Do you have a car alarm? Make sure to arm it. Most alarms have proximity sensors and fuel tank monitors. So, be sure to take advantage of that extra security.
4. Take Security Measures: Your local auto shop may have handy devices like gas cap locks (you should get one). However, you local auto repair shop may have even better solutions. For example, our shop can help you install fuel hoses that are hard to cut, or fuel tanks that are resistant to drilling. There are many fuel protection devices that we can help you install.

Still Have Questions? Consult Our Automotive Specialists

At Silver Star Motors, we want to help keep your vehicle safe. Whether this means keeping your vehicle running well, or preventing thieves from siphoning gas. We are here to help, so give us a call at (916) 269-1522 or fill out our online contact form.