With the excitement and hype surrounding the consumer frenzy known as Black Friday, it’s easy to think of it as day that’s not like any other. For thieves, however, Black Friday is business as usual, and distracted shoppers rushing from one sale to the next can make easy targets. Edmunds.com offers three common-sense tips to keep in mind while shopping this Black Friday, to keep your purchases and your car safe.
Edmunds.com’s recommendations:
1. Keep Merchandise Out of Sight. For most car owners, it’s as simple as locking any new purchases in the trunk. Those with hatchbacks and SUVs will want to use a cargo cover. It’s also safe and convenient to store smaller items in the glove box or the center console.
2. Drop Off Items at Home. If you’ve purchased a big-ticket item or if you’ve completed a big shopping trip and need to go somewhere else, make a detour home to drop off your purchases. A few minutes of your time could save you lots of holiday disappointment.
3. Use Valet Keys and Valet Mode. If you don’t already carry a valet key with you, this is the season to start. Whether you’re valet parking at a mall for convenience or having dinner after shopping, this key will keep a prying valet or a larcenous passerby from getting into the trunk of the car. If you want to keep your infotainment data private, a number of newer models offer a valet mode, which locks the screen until a pin code is entered.
Additionally, the volume of cars on the road, especially around retail centers, dictates additional caution be used when driving. Pay extra attention to what the drivers around you are doing, and don’t be afraid to take a little bit of extra time. Wrecking your car is not the best way to kick off the Christmas season, after all!
“The stress and pressure that comes with the holiday season can lead people to behave more carelessly than they would otherwise,” says Edmunds.com Consumer Advice Editor Ronald Montoya. “That’s why it’s even more crucial to take steps like staying off your cell phone and using your vehicle’s backup cameras. You might even want to consider parking far away from store entrances so you won’t have to stress out or fight someone for a parking spot.”
