Tips to Prevent Your Lexus From Being Stolen
Club Lexus members chime in on the most effective ways to keep you precious ride where it belongs – in your garage!
Most likely, you’ve worked hard in life to obtain your precious ride. You probably lusted over various Lexus models before choosing the perfect one. Then, you plucked down some hard-earned cash for the right to slip behind the wheel of luxury. Unfortunately, the same convenient modern technology you’re now treated to also allows thieves a much easier (and quicker) route to Lexus ownership.
That dreaded outcome is one of the first things that popped into Club Lexus member 3isIexus‘s mind after purchasing a new IS 200T. Some may call it paranoid, but in reality, you can never be too careful. So the OP headed to the forums seeking advice on how to prevent it from happening.
“One of the things my dealership warns about is rampant theft for any car that has touch unlock, proximity unlock, etc. Is that these cars are – prone to be stolen using a signal magnifier if you have the car fob on your person? What can be done to prevent this scenario?
I’ve heard that you can purchase the LoJack system and hope cops will find it immediately. Or purchase a steel wheel lock. Or put your key fob in an RFID blocker that prevents it from sending a signal. I heard in some cars, if you click lock and lock + hold to shut off the car’s headlights (essentially locking twice), it will reset the code so the proximity unlock won’t work until you’re near the car.
What are ways that you lower the chance that your car will be stolen?For criminals with these technologies, is it enough to buy a wheel lock? I’m guessing they won’t bring a hacksaw with them if they’re using this high tech equipment.”
Despite our love for modern key technology, thieves will always find a way to ruin it for us. But brendanf has some easy tips to keep that from happening.
“Because of the RFID nature of our vehicles, the best thing you can do is never use the lock/unlock buttons on your remote. Always use the touch features of the door handle.
As for the signal boosters, when a thief sits next to you in a restaurant with the booster in his pocket and his buddy is outside next to your car, the best thing to do is turn off your fob whenever you get out of the car. There is a key press that you can do which keeps it from transmitting, which is what it normally (constantly) does.”
Thankfully, route66 chimes in with the exact key press to make that happen.
“From page 152 of the PDF I have of the user manual:
Electronic Key battery-Saving Function
- When battery-saving mode is set, battery depletion is minimized by stopping the electronic key from receiving radio waves:
- Press <KEYFOB UNLOCK BUTTON> twice while pressing and holding <KEYFOB LOCK BUTTON>
- Confirm that the electronic key indicator flashes 4 times.
- While the battery-saving mode is set, the smart entry & start system cannot be used.
- To cancel the function, press any of the electronic key buttons.
I have this activated on my spare key that I leave hidden in the house – should mean the battery will last longer.”
Raghza provides some more useful (and interesting) insight on how modern thieves operate.
“On many occasions, the thieves will boost your car when you’re at home and the car is parked outside. They will creep behind your front door and use the signal amplifier from there. Meanwhile, the other dude will get in the car, start it, and drive away. Of course, this only works if you tend to keep the car keys right near your front door.
So after buying my IS, my first car with keyless entry, I started keeping the keys further from the front door. Approximately 3-4 meters so that the signal magnifiers would not work. As for the wheels, I’m using McGard lock nuts. They sit deep enough that it would probably take too long for the thieves to get them off. Without seriously damaging the rims. But despite all these measures, you’re never really safe. You should have your car covered by insurance in case it does get stolen.”
All of which is simple, brilliant advice. But we want to know, what are your tricks for preventing your Lexus from being stolen? Head over here and chime in with your tips and insights!
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