With the ever increasing price of gas and diesel, thefts of the "go faster juice" are also on the increase. Thieves will do just about anything for a quick buck while it will end up costing you a lot more money & time to repair your vehicle. While some of the following tips may be common sense, taking a few extra steps to secure your vehicle may be just enough to deter would-be-thieves from causing you headaches and wasted money.

Preventing Fuel Theft

• One of the easiest things you could do is to park your vehicle in an enclosed or private garage.
• If you have to park in an open or public garage, park in a well lit and highly trafficked area. For example, try to park near the entrance or exit or near a stairwell.
• If your vehicle is equipped with an alarm system, don't forget to turn it on when parking your vehicle. It is worth investing in one if your vehicle does not have it as it will deter thieves from also breaking into your vehicle.
• Some modern vehicles have locking gas doors. But others don't. If your vehicle does not, consider purchasing a locking gas cap from your local automotive parts store. Canadian Tire near Eagle Ridge GM in Coquitlam sells them for as little as $10.
• Try to avoid leaving your vehicle parked for extended periods in one place such as the airport or on a city street. If you can, leave your vehicle parked in a secure garage and take public transit or ride share.
• If you have to leave your vehicle parked on a city street, leave it in a well lit area and try to orient it so that the fuel door is positioned into the street.
• If at all possible, consider looking into an electric vehicle as your next purchase such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV or EUV.

Signs of Fuel Theft

If your vehicle has been targeted by a fuel thief, some signs of the theft may include:

• Your vehicle being unable to start or starting briefly and then shutting off shortly afterwards.
• Your fuel gauge being noticeably lower than when you last drive your vehicle.
• An odor of gasoline or diesel fuel near your vehicle.
• Fuel puddled underneath your vehicle

Unfortunately if your vehicle has been the target of a fuel thief, it will cost you as little as a jerrycan with $10 worth of fuel to as much as hundreds of dollars for a new gas tank plus labor. If a fuel thief cannot siphon gas from the fuel fill tube, they may drill a hole in the vehicle's gas tank and drain it that way. If you find traces of fuel underneath your vehicle or a smell of fuel, do not try to drive it to your local dealership or repair shop. Call a tow truck.

Schedule a service appointment online: GM Certified Service

Eagle Ridge GM – Coquitlam, British Columbia

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