Back to all

Which Item Is Most Stolen from Vehicles in Royal Oak?

May 12, 2019


 

Which item is most often stolen from vehicles in Royal Oak?

Is it:

  1. Stereo
  2. Wheels
  3. Air Bag
  4. DVD System

Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right. But airbags have now surpassed stereos as the biggest target for theft in Michigan – approximately 50,000 a year are stolen across the country. New airbags cost about $1,000, but go for $50 to $200 on the black market in Michigan.

Stolen airbags are making their way back into cars that have been in an accident. Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work right when you need them.

Contact us at TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires for more information about where to get your airbags checked or replaced.
Find us at 1735 N Main St, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
You can reach us by phone at: 248-541-8300

There are reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.

That is definitely one car part you don't want to take a chance with, so TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires recommends following these guidelines:

  • Use a reputable collision repair center that employs ASE certified mechanics (we can offer recommendations at TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires).

 

  • Inspect the invoice to ensure that the repair shop purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, dealer or recycler. If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer.

 

  • You will see the SRS light (Supplemental Restraint System) when you first start your vehicle up. This tells you that the airbag system is activated. If you do not see the SRS light, there is likely a problem with the airbag system.

 

TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com

Need Service?

More articles from TLC Auto Care

Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)

October 25, 2026

The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashb... More

Ready, Set, COLD! (Getting Vehicle Ready for Winter)

October 23, 2026

When the temperatures plunge, your vehicle better be ready because it faces a whole new set of challenges. Rubber stiffens, glass fogs, fluids freeze. Just thinking about it can get your heart beating faster. So here are some tips for getting ready for those inevitable colder temperatures. Ma... More

Why Timing Belt Maintenance Can Save Your Engine

October 11, 2026

One part of your vehicle you probably never think of is the timing belt. It coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft (which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into rotation motion) and the camshaft (which opens and closes your engines valves). Its vital that the timing of these mov... More