new-york-offers-free-car-tools:-how-to-access-the-benefitNew York offers free car tools: how to access the benefit
Avatar of Jorge Vázquez

By Jorge Vazquez

28 Oct 2023, 12:34 PM EDT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a clinic on October 28-29, 2023, offering free anti-theft software updates and other tools to Hyundai car owners as part of ongoing efforts of the administration to combat car thefts.

“Violent crime is down in New York City, but we’re not going to take our foot off the gas when it comes to combating car thefts,” said Mayor Adams. “This event will provide a free and easy way for Hyundai owners to protect themselves from becoming victims of auto theft, and I encourage residents to take advantage of this clinic as we continue to attack this problem from all angles.”

The clinic will be held from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 28 and 29, 2023 at the GNYADA Center for Automotive Education and Training, located at 15-30 Petracca Place in Queens.

Owners of 2013 to 2022 Hyundai vehicles with turnkey ignitions are eligible to receive a free anti-theft software update, which will be performed on-site by Hyundai service technicians.

The update usually takes about 15 minutes to complete, not including waiting time. Hyundai owners with vehicles that are not eligible for the software update are eligible for a free steering wheel lock (while supplies last) courtesy of Hyundai.

No appointment or pre-registration is required to participate, and vehicle owners do not need to provide any documentation to receive the software update.

Hyundai vehicles eligible for upgrades are:

· Accent 2018-2022
· Elantra 2011-2022
· Elantra GT 2013-2020
· Genesis Coupe 2013-2014
Kona 2018-2022
· Palisade 2020-2021
· Santa Fe 2013-2022,
· Santa Fe Sport 2018
· Santa Fe XL 2019
· Sonata 2011-2019
· Tucson 2011-2022
· Veloster 2012-2017 and 2019-2021
· Venue 2020-2021

Despite an overall decrease in major crimes so far this year, grand theft auto theft has increased approximately 19% through September so far this year.

This increase is largely due to an increase in theft of specific Hyundai and Kia models, which are vulnerable to theft due to software vulnerabilities. This trend, fueled by viral videos on social media, emerged in the city in September 2022, skyrocketed three months later and continues to this day.

Keep reading:
· Not even the police are safe from having their cars stolen in New York: crime overflowing
· Hyundai is already beginning to investigate why the interior of the Palisade smells bad
· 25% more car thefts in New York: very young thieves and with preferred brands

By Scribe