Sometimes after been stolen our car end-up in parts, you can go and buy a ''second hand'' door or windshield in a store with ''used parts'' which maybe is from a stolen car (not a crashed one).

Can a VIn etching or a Logo engraving make the thiefs to have a ''second thought'' after seen this in our car?

 

https://www.instaetch.com/owners.php

 

https://www.instaetch.com/dealerships.php

 

 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VIN_etching

 

https://affordable-auto-glass.com/our-services/vin-etching/

 

https://www.usedcars.com/advice/tips/what-is-vin-etching-and-is-it-worth-the-cost

 

What's your opinion?

Please note - I am not a mechanic or expert in anything.

 

Glass etching was quite popular a long time ago here the UK, the registration (plate) numbers were put on in earlier times, don't see etching so much now although it is still available.  Where a lot of the older (and newer) cars go after being stolen I do not think they would care about matching numbers on anything.

 

If it is not expensive to do then perhaps it might deter some, how many is a different matter you might be better asking vehicle thieves than those selling the service.

 

Edited 4 February, 20233 yr by nta16
ETA: Please note - I am not a mechanic or expert in anything.

How To Steal And Dodge And Other Cars With Just A Vin Number!

 

 

 

He says he can do it for BMW,Mercedes etc.

Some trying to protect their car use VIN Cover

Example: https://qualityscooterparts.com/-71671.html

 

Although the Police says otherwise.

https://www.ksat.com/news/2015/02/18/will-covering-your-vin-keep-thieves-from-stealing-your-car/

 

Officer Marcus Trujillo with the San Antonio Police Department explains why you don't want to cover it up.

"Another common myth that's been circulating around and now through the popularity of social media it seems to have resurfaced again is that operators of vehicles should, as a precautionary measure, cover their VIN on their dashboard to prevent anyone from copying down their VIN number and going to the dealer to get a copy of the key to that vehicle. However, number one, you can't do that unless you prove ownership and show a picture ID when you go to the dealer. Two, blocking your VIN from display is actually against the law. So you need to have your VIN number displayed."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the Department of Transportation can provide some informations to any one.

 

 

So it's a few minutes work from them to search for any brand-car

 

 

and unlock it.

 

 

My Felly had the windows etched when I purchased her from new in 1998, still going strong love it.