Stealing cars in GTA 6 will be very different from previous Grand Theft Auto games. Instead of jumping into any parked vehicle and driving away, you will need to pay attention to its security and choose the right way to get inside.
Some cars will be easy to steal, while others will have alarms, electronic locks, and tracking systems that make the job more difficult. You may even need special tools before you can drive away in certain vehicles.
Rockstar has already revealed several details about these changes through gameplay footage and developer interviews. Here is everything you need to know about GTA 6 vehicle security systems, including how to check a car before stealing it.
Do Vehicles Have Different Security Levels in GTA 6?
Yes, GTA 6 will have different levels of vehicle security. The tools you need to steal a car will depend on the type of vehicle and the security systems it uses.
In the GTA VI Extended Look, Jason was shown stealing a car using a Slim Jim. He could also choose to smash the window instead. Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson has explained that some parked vehicles will require specific tools, and certain cars will remain out of reach until you make progress through the story.
Older cars with basic locks should be easier to steal. Newer and more expensive vehicles may have electronic security systems that require better equipment.
This means you will need to think before stealing a car. You might have to check its security, find the right tool, and decide whether the risk is worth taking.
1. Slim Jim for Older Cars
A Slim Jim is a tool used to unlock certain vehicles without breaking a window. In GTA 6, it gives you a quieter way to get inside compatible cars.
The Extended Look showed Jason using a Slim Jim to open a parked vehicle. The process involves a small gameplay challenge rather than simply pressing a button and taking the car.
Using the tool can help you avoid the noise caused by smashing a window. However, it will not work on every vehicle, so you should check the car’s security before trying it.
If you need a quick getaway, an older car with basic security could be a better choice than a luxury vehicle that requires advanced equipment.
2. Smashing Car Windows
Sometimes, you may not have the right tools to unlock a vehicle. In that case, smashing the window can be another way to get inside.
This method is simple, but it can attract unwanted attention. Breaking a window may trigger the car alarm, making it easier for nearby people or the police to notice the theft.
You will need to decide whether getting inside quickly is worth the extra risk. If you have the right equipment, using a Slim Jim may be a better option for a compatible car.
Keep in mind that entering a vehicle does not always mean you can drive it away. Some modern cars have electronic security that requires an additional tool to start the engine.
3. Key Cloners for Modern Vehicles
Some modern and expensive vehicles in GTA 6 will have electronic locks that make them harder to steal.
For these cars, you may need a key cloner to access the vehicle and start its engine. Breaking the window might let you climb inside, but you will not necessarily be able to drive away without the required equipment.
This is a major change from older GTA games, where stealing a parked car was usually a quick and simple action.
Certain tools will become available as you progress through the story. As a result, you may have to wait before you can steal some high-end vehicles parked around Vice City.
If you find an expensive sports car early in the game, you might need to leave it alone for now or look for an opportunity to take a similar vehicle from a driver on the road.
4. Car Alarms
Car alarms are another security feature you will need to consider when stealing vehicles in GTA 6.
Breaking a window or using the wrong method to enter a car can trigger an alarm. This may draw attention while you are trying to escape.
Thankfully, you will not have to guess whether every vehicle has an alarm. You can use the WAINK app on your phone to scan a car and check its security details before attempting to steal it.
For example, if a vehicle has an alarm and you do not have the right tools to enter it quietly, you could look for another car instead.
The exact behavior of every alarm has not been fully explained, but the main idea is clear: the way you break into a vehicle can affect how much attention you attract.
5. GPS Trackers
Some vehicles in GTA 6 will have GPS trackers that can make escaping with a stolen car more difficult.
During gameplay previews, Rockstar described an advanced tracking system that could alert the police to a vehicle’s location if the player did not maintain enough speed.
This means stealing a car may be only the first part of the challenge. You could also need to deal with its tracking system before you can safely keep or sell it.
However, the exact rules for every type of tracker have not been fully explained. We still need more details about how they work and which methods can remove them.
Specialized car fences may play a role in handling stolen vehicles, but the complete tracker-removal process and its requirements should not be treated as confirmed until more details become available.
How to Check a Vehicle’s Security in GTA 6
One of the most useful new tools in GTA 6 is the WAINK phone app. It allows you to scan vehicles and learn about their security before attempting to steal them.
According to Rockstar North co-studio head Rob Nelson, the app can reveal information that helps you decide whether a vehicle is worth stealing and what equipment you need.
Depending on the vehicle, WAINK can show:
- Lock status: Whether the car is locked.
- Alarm status: Whether the vehicle has an alarm.
- Tracker information: Whether it has a tracking system.
- Required tools: Whether you need a Slim Jim, key cloner, or other equipment.
- Resale value: How much the vehicle could be worth if you sell it.
- Registration cost: How much it would cost to register the vehicle as your own.
This information can help you avoid wasting time on a car you cannot steal with your current equipment.
For example, you might find a luxury vehicle with an electronic lock and a tracker. If you do not have the right tools, it may be smarter to look for an easier target.
WAINK also lets you compare a car’s potential sale price with the cost of keeping it as a personal vehicle, helping you make a better decision before taking the risk.
Can You Steal Any Car in GTA 6?
You will still be able to steal vehicles, but not every parked car will be immediately accessible.
Rockstar has explained that some vehicles require specific tools that become available as you progress through the story. This means you may not be able to walk up to every parked sports car and drive away.
However, you can still carjack drivers on the road. If you need a vehicle quickly, taking one from someone who is already driving can be an option.
Be careful, though. Stealing a vehicle from an NPC can still attract attention, and you will need to deal with the consequences of your actions.
The best approach will depend on your situation. If you want a quick getaway, taking a car from the road may be convenient. If you want a particular parked vehicle, scanning it with WAINK and getting the right tools could be the smarter choice.
Conclusion
GTA 6 is making car theft more detailed by introducing different security systems and tools. Older vehicles may be easier to open with a Slim Jim, while modern cars can require a key cloner. Alarms and GPS trackers can also make stealing certain vehicles more challenging.
The new WAINK app brings these systems together by letting you check a vehicle’s security, required tools, resale value, and registration cost before stealing it.
Some details, such as the exact number of security levels and the full process for removing trackers, still need further confirmation. However, these changes suggest that choosing the right vehicle and planning your approach will matter much more than before.
Want to learn more about GTA 6’s vehicle mechanics? Check out our guides on whether you can register a stolen car in GTA 6 and how vehicle trackers work in GTA 6.
