#2001 - Stolen Cars, Flood Damage & Maintenance Tips

If it’s due, the show recommends catching up on maintenance early—especially fluid services—so you know where you’re starting from. Many owners will change or exchange the main fluids soon after purchase and then stay on a consistent schedule. The goal is fewer surprises and a longer-lasting vehicle.

An Apple AirTag in the vehicle can “ping” off nearby Apple devices (like iPhones) without the owner knowing them personally. That location updates in the owner’s Find My network, which can help point police to the vehicle. It’s a reminder that small trackers can be a powerful recovery tool.

The episode notes thefts dropped significantly after the easy-to-steal Kia/Hyundai problem (certain model years) started getting addressed with immobilizer updates and other fixes. When a high-volume theft trend gets corrected, it can move the national numbers fast. Even so, staying alert and using good security habits still matters.

Because you don’t know what happened to the car while it was gone—how it was driven, what it hit, or what was carried in it. On the collision side, that uncertainty makes inspections and repairs harder, and many owners feel violated and don’t even want the vehicle back. In some cases, totaling the vehicle may be the cleanest path forward.

The show discussed how stolen cars can be used to transport drugs, and residue can be left behind. Some companies can test interiors for substances like fentanyl, meth, and heroin so families feel safer getting back in the car. If you’re ever in that situation, ask what inspection or testing options exist.

Keep doors locked, stay aware of your surroundings, and leave enough space in traffic to maneuver if something feels wrong. Be cautious in dark or isolated areas, and watch for distraction setups—like someone bumping your car to get you to step out. At gas stations, don’t leave the car open and unattended.

The episode talked about frequency/code-capture tools that can be misused to replicate certain signals. Some vehicles use rolling codes that change, but not every system is the same. The best defense is awareness—don’t ignore suspicious people nearby when you lock/unlock, and use extra layers like secure parking and anti-theft devices when possible.

Don’t send big money based only on photos and a promise. Make sure the title and payment process are legitimate, be careful with “escrow” accounts you can’t verify, and consider hiring someone who knows what to look for. If you’re not confident, a pre-purchase inspection can save you from a costly mistake.

Water can hide under carpet padding (jute) and come back as moisture, corrosion, or mold later. Electronics and modules can look fine on the outside but be corroded inside. If a vehicle has been underwater—or shows signs of flood exposure—the episode’s advice was simple: it’s often best to walk away.

The show highlighted how quickly attention slips when people look down at phones or interact with screens. Even short distractions can cover a lot of road at speed, and the consequences can be severe. Use hands-free features wisely, keep your eyes up, and treat driving like the main task—not the background activity.