Experts reveal Tip that Makes Cars ‘Nearly Impossible’ to Steal

Amid a 15-year high in car-related crime, experts shared a tip that makes your car nearly impossible to steal.

According to the Office for National Statistics, more than 129,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK between April 2023 and March 2024.

Experts say a simple trick shared by a US mechanic and now backed in Britain could make your car nearly impossible to steal.

The hack involves removing a small component from the engine bay known as the electronic fuel injection relay.

Scotty Kilmer, an American mechanic with decades of experience, first introduced the method online.

Car finance repair firm Bumper said it is “particularly useful” when leaving a vehicle unattended for long periods, such as during holidays.

A spokesperson said: “The electronic fuel injection relay is a small fuse located in your vehicle’s engine bay.

“It controls power to the fuel pump, which delivers petrol or diesel to the engine. Without it, your car simply won’t start, it’s essentially immobilised.”

The relay is usually found in the fuse box under the bonnet. Its precise location depends on the car’s make and model.

The spokesperson added: “If you’re heading away for a few days or parking in a high-risk area, removing this relay can act as a simple but powerful anti-theft measure.”

Thieves are unlikely to carry a replacement relay.

Without it, they will be unable to start the engine – even with cloned keys or boosted signals.

However, experts warn that the method is only intended for longer-term protection.

The spokesperson said: “Relay theft, key cloning, and signal boosting are all on the rise.

“A simple manual trick like removing a fuse can be the difference between your car being there in the morning or not.”

Vehicle Crime on the Rise

Figures from the ONS show a steady increase in vehicle thefts across the UK.

Criminals have adapted to electronic security systems, often using relay devices and key cloning technology.

While high-end security devices such as trackers and immobilisers remain popular, simple manual methods are gaining attention due to their effectiveness.

How to Locate the Relay

Most cars have a fuse box located beneath the bonnet. Inside, the electronic fuel injection relay can often be removed by hand or with a small fuse puller.

Drivers are urged to check their vehicle handbook or consult a mechanic to identify the correct component.

Experts stress the relay trick should not be used daily, but reserved for situations where the vehicle is left unattended for an extended time.