After a perfect, sunny day spent hiking the outskirts of Seattle, the last thing you want is to find that your vehicle has been vandalized or robbed. This is the time of year, however, that vandals and thieves run rampant because they know you'll be away on a hike.
Don't believe us? Last weekend, some of Suburb Service's own customers hiked the Olympic National Forest's Duckabush Trailhead. When they returned to their cars at the end of their hike, they found broken windows, lost tires, and siphoned gas. Thankfully, all of the owners made it out safely.
At Suburb Service, we want to make it our mission to inform our customers of car safety-especially when they go on summer hikes near Seattle. Here's how to keep your Subaru (and yourself!) safe when you're hiking.
5 Tips for Keeping Your Subaru Safe When You're Hiking
1. Don't leave anything of value in your car.
First and foremost, don't leave anything of value in your car...even your car registration. Anything that seems valuable (even if it's not!) can lure in thieves. Bring your wallet, phone, and any small valuables with you on the trail. You have a better chance of keeping track of your possessions when you have them on you than unmanaged in your car.
2. Research break-ins and follow the news.
Pay attention to the news and keep track of break-ins. If you hear of break-ins occurring regularly on specific trails, avoid those on your next hike. Look up trip reports, talk to locals, and ask a ranger before you leave your car parked along a trail.
3. Don't show off and stay humble.
As a general rule of thumb, it's best not to take your newest or nicest car on a hike. If possible, drive an older secondary car to park on the trail. New cars are eye-catching and more likely to attract thieves.
4. Be smart about parking.
Remember to be smart about where you park. Don't just park anywhere; instead, find a spot in a well-trafficked area with the least amount of privacy. The more people that pass your car, the less likely you'll be a target for theft.
5. Lock it up.
This one might seem obvious, but lock your car doors every time you hike. Many times, car theft is a crime of opportunity. If you leave your doors unlocked, you're asking for someone to steal your belongings.
Suburb Service is Seattle's Trusted Subaru Technician
At Suburb Service, we're here to offer exceptional maintenance and repair service for Subaru owners in and around the Seattle area. Need an oil change? Time for your annual maintenance tune-up? Schedule an appointment online today or give us a call at (206) 705-8695 We're always here for you! Show your Subaru some love.