Unethical staff at car washes and service stations can quietly prepare a vehicle for theft after a customer leaves. This concern was highlighted by Andrey Kondrashov, who heads the Anti-Theft Copyright Protection Laboratory and shared his insights with socialbites.ca. Kondrashov points out that theft preparation can happen in both informal car services and official dealerships, making vigilance essential across the entire car service ecosystem.
One common tactic involves interfering with the vehicle’s blocking relay. If a service worker has access to the car’s electrical system, they might disable the relay that prevents the car from starting. In garages equipped with security cable hood locks, the technician could observe how the locking cable is routed or physically reposition it. By doing so, a thief could pull the cable and gain access to the engine compartment, enabling further theft actions. Kondrashov stresses that these seemingly minor manipulations can create opportunities for serious theft without immediate detection.
To counter these risks, Kondrashov urges automakers and service providers to build security into the very design of the vehicle’s systems. A vehicle should offer a secure service mode that can be activated if the car ends up in the wrong hands. This service mode would allow authorized technicians to perform necessary maintenance without compromising overall security. In addition, a built in self-diagnostic feature should monitor for external interventions and alert owners or managers when unauthorized access is detected. Such safeguards can significantly reduce the chances of theft during routine servicing.
Beyond technical safeguards, operators in the automotive sector should implement clear procedural controls. This includes strict access protocols for any employee who handles electrical or locking components, routine monitoring of service bays, and independent verification steps before a vehicle is returned to the owner. Regular staff training can help ensure that workers understand the importance of preserving security settings and avoiding any action that could enable a theft. The goal is a layered approach that combines hardware protections, software safeguards, and disciplined human practices.
Historically, the industry has faced recurring concerns about vulnerabilities that emerge during vehicle maintenance. Kondrashov’s analysis emphasizes that no matter how advanced a vehicle is, lapses in process or oversight can create openings for theft. Implementing a robust service workflow, keeping firmware and security systems up to date, and conducting periodic audits of service procedures are all part of a proactive defense strategy. When customers know their vehicles are handled within a secure framework, confidence in service providers grows, and the risk of theft during servicing declines.
In Canada and the United States, drivers should be aware of these potential weak points and advocate for transparency from service centers. Before handing over a vehicle, it can help to inquire about the service mode options, how technicians access the vehicle’s security features, and what kind of monitoring is in place during maintenance. For fleet managers and individual owners alike, establishing a standardized checklist for pre service and post service inspections can provide an extra layer of protection. The checklist might include verifying that security locks are intact, confirming that any relay modifications are documented, and ensuring that diagnostic tools used during service do not bypass essential protections. By combining smart design with careful practices, the industry can reduce the risk of theft during routine service while maintaining convenient, reliable maintenance for customers. Attribution: Kondrashov, head of the Anti-Theft Copyright Protection Laboratory, as reported by socialbites.ca.