If you’re parking up for any length of time, experts recommend to immobilise your vehicle this way
Car thefts are at an all time high and owners are being warned to be careful their vehicle is as secure as possible to deter thieves. Figures show that more than 129,000 thefts of cars occurred in a year in the UK amid record highs across the country.
And now motorists are being urged to use a little-known trick which can be done under the bonnet of the car to stop criminals in their tracks. The hack will immobilise your engine and is extra peace of mind for motorists if their vehicle is parked up for a longer period.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show more than 129,000 vehicles were stolen between April 2023 and March 2024, continuing a 15-year peak in car crime.
So it’s never been more crucial to secure your car as best you can.
The trick under the bonnet was originally shared by US mechanic and social media sensation Scotty Kilmer.
It involves removing a small but crucial component under the bonnet: the electronic fuel injection relay.
Now UK experts have backed the method, saying it could be particularly useful when leaving your car unattended for long periods – such as while on holiday.
Car repair finance experts at Bumper explained how it works – and why it’s so effective.
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 can typically be found in the fuse box just beneath the bonnet, though the exact location may vary depending on the make and model.
“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,” the Bumper expert continued.
“Most opportunistic thieves won’t have a replacement relay with them, and without fuel delivery, the engine won’t fire – no matter how they try to start it.”
However, Bumper’s experts note that while the trick is highly effective, it’s not intended for everyday use.
“This isn’t something to do every time you park up at the shops,” they added. “It’s a practical option for longer-term protection – for instance, if you’re leaving your car at an airport, storing it over winter, or parking somewhere remote.”
With car theft remaining a concern for UK motorists, particularly in urban areas, Bumper encourages drivers to layer up on security by combining digital and physical deterrents.
The spokesperson added: “Relay theft, key cloning, and signal boosting are all on the rise.
“So it’s more important than ever to stay one step ahead. A simple manual trick like removing a fuse can be the difference between your car being there in the morning – or not.”
