Kia plans to supply a brand new “theft deterrent device” to house owners to assist guard in opposition to their cars being stolen. The machine is a steel casing that mounts to the automotive’s ignition cylinder and is already out there for set up freed from cost.

The new ignition cylinder protector, proven above, is designed to forestall would-be thieves from eradicating the cylinder physique from the automotive’s steering column, a theft methodology popularized by social media shops like TikTok. It’s meant to suit into Kias that aren’t eligible for the security-minded software program improve the corporate despatched out again in February 2023, such because the 2011-2021 Rio, the 2011-2016 Forte, and the 2011-2016 Sportage (a full listing of the vehicles eligible for the machine may be seen under). 

“Vehicle security is a top priority for Kia and we continue to take action to support our customers by helping to protect their vehicles from thefts, which have been encouraged by content spread across social media,” Kia America service operations VP Greg Silvestri stated in a statement. “Reinforcing the ignition cylinder body is the latest step to help guard against these methods of theft and we strongly encourage owners of vehicles that don’t have engine immobilizers and are not able to receive our security software upgrade to have this free security measure installed.”

In the 11 months because the safety replace was launched, Kia says it is put in the change on practically 960,000 autos. It’s additionally given out over 330,000 free steering wheel locks to additional deter thefts, a rudimentary answer the corporate carried out in July 2023. This ignition cylinder guard is one more enchancment Kia hopes house owners will make the most of.

Kia says it is already begun notifying eligible house owners concerning the new machine with directions to deliver their automobile to the closest dealership to have it put in freed from cost. If you suppose your automotive could also be eligible, head on over to Kia’s website and punch in your VIN.