Back to all

Which Item Is Most Stolen from Vehicles in Oswego?

July 2, 2023


 

Which item is most often stolen from vehicles in Oswego?

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 Illinois – 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 Illinois.

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 Oswego for more information about where to get your airbags checked or replaced.
Find us at 1555 US Highway 34, Oswego, Illinois 60543
You can reach us by phone at: 630-898-6220

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 Oswego recommends following these guidelines:

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

 

  • 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 Oswego
1555 US Highway 34
Oswego, Illinois 60543
630-898-6220

More articles from Tuffy Oswego

You Are the Fluid Detective! (Leaking Fluids)

January 18, 2026

When you see some liquid sitting underneath your vehicle, your mind starts churning. Is that normal? Is that something serious, or did I just spill my drink? Heres a quick list of what those fluids look, smell and feel like, as well as what they might be. No, we dont recommend you taste them to ... More

When Your Tires are Tired (Tire Replacement)

January 11, 2026

Tires are so reliable these days that few drivers pay much attention to them. But tires wear out. They have a tough job since they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. They have to get your vehicle going from a stop, keep it going, make sure it is headed in the dire... More

Rumble from Down Under (Muffler Replacement)

January 4, 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