MACON, Ga. — If you're leaving your car unattended, it's important to make sure it isn't vulnerable to theft.
Recent social media videos have circulated online that show people how to hotwire certain models of Kia's and Hyundai's.
Michael Walter knows that all too well. On Saturday, he went to start his car when he realized something wasn't right.
"I see my, my steering wheel cover is just kind of pulled off and kind of broken apart," Walter said.
Thieves left his Hyundai Sonata behind but not before damaging it.
"Luckily the damage on my car wasn't, wasn't making it un-drivable. I just didn't have windshield wipers," Walter said.
Walter said he got recall papers from Hyundai just a few weeks before his car was broken into, but put it off not thinking his car could be affected.
Both Kia and Hyundai sent out recall letters to drivers whose car could possibly be affected.
The makes, models, and years vary, but for Hyundai, it's some of their 2021 and older cars.
Kia models range from about 2013 to 2021.
The newer cars already have anti-theft software installed, but the older models need a free software upgrade.
Macon insurance agent Christopher Walker said it's better to do that sooner than later.
"Those vehicles are becoming hard to insure. Some carriers have chosen not to insure them because they're at such a high risk of being stolen," Walker said.
After Hyundai dealerships upgrade the software, they said they'll put an anti-theft sticker on the car, alerting potential thieves that it can't be hotwired.
Walker said it's a problem that's not unique to just Macon.
"I've had a client within the past two weeks, came out, her Hyundai was gone. And it's just, you know, that's kinda just what's been going on," Walker said.
If you want to make sure your car isn't on the list of recalled cars, you can call your local Hyundai or Kia dealership.
Their free upgrades take about an hour to install if you call ahead and make an appointment.