Back to all

Which Item Is Most Stolen from Vehicles in Waukesha?

April 16, 2023


 

Which item is most often stolen from vehicles in Waukesha?

Is it:

  1. Stereo
  2. Wheels
  3. Air Bag
  4. DVD System

Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right. But airbags have now surpassed stereos as the biggest target for theft in Wisconsin – approximately 50,000 a year are stolen across the country. New airbags cost about $1,000, but go for $50 to $200 on the black market in Wisconsin.

Stolen airbags are making their way back into cars that have been in an accident. Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work right when you need them.

Contact us at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha for more information about where to get your airbags checked or replaced.
Find us at S31 W24721 Sunset Drive, Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189
You can reach us by phone at: 262-513-9500

There are reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.

That is definitely one car part you don't want to take a chance with, so Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha recommends following these guidelines:

  • Use a reputable collision repair center that employs ASE certified mechanics (we can offer recommendations at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha).

 

  • Inspect the invoice to ensure that the repair shop purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, dealer or recycler. If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer.

 

  • You will see the SRS light (Supplemental Restraint System) when you first start your vehicle up. This tells you that the airbag system is activated. If you do not see the SRS light, there is likely a problem with the airbag system.

 

Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Center Waukesha
S31 W24721 Sunset Drive
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53189
262-513-9500

More articles from Tuffy Waukesha

The Neglected Windshield (Windshield Care)

March 8, 2026

You look at it every day, yet you don't really see it. We're talking about your vehicle's windshield, and if you're not seeing it at all, that's probably a good sign. The fact is that unless our windshields get fogged up, hazy or cracked, we don't pay all that much attention to them. Consideri... More

Oh, Stop! (Disc Brake Service)

March 1, 2026

Every time you drive your vehicle, you wear down your brakes just a little bit. And after a while, that adds up. Gradually, your stopping power isn't like it used to be. Since brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety features, it just makes sense to keep them performing well. Mos... More

Rumble from Down Under (Muffler Replacement)

February 22, 2026

Weve all noticed them at one time or another on the street: a car or truck that drives by and the deep roar from their exhaust system sounds like a drag racer on the line. But what happens when that rumble is coming from under YOUR vehicle? Well, it could be a sign your muffler needs attention. ... More