Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to DotGuard’s official FAQ hub—your go-to resource for understanding how our advanced protection systems deter theft, safeguard inventory, and build customer trust. Whether you're a dealership, agent, or vehicle owner, we've got answers that matter.
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Q: How do DotGuard’s labels work?

Each label type offers unique protection:
‍QR Labels: Scannable codes link parts to VIN records for instant verification.
‍UV Labels: Invisible under normal light, visible under UV—ideal for  covert deterrence.
‍Window Etching: Permanent VIN-linked identifiers on glass discourage resale.
‍RFID Tags: Enable automatic scanning and inventory tracking without line-of-sight.

All formats are tamper-evident and come with theft deterrent warning decals.
 National Registration for the life for the vehicle is also included.

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Q: Is Vehicle Theft Really Increasing?

‍Yes. Industry data shows: Over $1 billion in parts theft annually across the U.S.
- Catalytic converter theft up 400% since 2020.
- Dealerships increasingly targeted due to inventory density.
- Motorcycle dealer smash and grab incident rates.
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DotGuard helps dealerships stay ahead with proactive deterrents.

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Q: Which vehicle parts are most commonly targeted by thieves?
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‍Thieves often strip high-value components that are easy to remove and resell:
Catalytic converters, Wheels and tires, Airbags, Infotainment systems, Batteries and navigation units.
DotGuard labels and etching systems are designed to protect these exact assets.

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Q: How easy is it to install DotGuard labels?

‍DotGuard systems are designed for plug-and-protect simplicity.
No special tools required with Labels applied in seconds.
Training materials provided for dealership staff.
Bulk ordering and VIN batch processing available.

Over 2m vehicles have been fitted with DotGuard protection by Dealers!

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Q: How do dealerships benefit from DotGuard?

‍Dealerships gain:
‍1) Reduced inventory loss from parts stripping and theft
2) Streamlined asset tracking across service bays and lots
3) Increased Revenue through F&I attachment to Theft Warranty programs.
4) Customer Loyalty with theft protection in focus
5) SEO-ready marketing materials to promote protection programs.

See how DotGuard compares to other technologies here.

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Q: Can customers verify protection themselves?
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‍Yes. QR and RFID labels allow: Instant ownership verification via smartphone VIN-linked traceability for resale or service Peace of mind knowing their vehicle is protected. Dealerships can also offer DotGuard protection as a value-added service through F&I departments attached to all leading theft warranty programs.

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Q: Does DotGuard help with insurance claims?
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Absolutely! Our systems: Provide proof of protection and ownership.
Support theft recovery documentation.
‍ May qualify for insurance discounts depending on provider.

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Q: How can I order DotGuard labels?

‍Ordering is simple: Choose your label type: QR, UV, RFID, or window etch.
Advise whether you want custom or standard labels and how many per vehicle.
DotGuard will manufacture and ship directly to an agency or dealer.

Order DotGuard labels here.

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Q: RFID vs QR Labels - Which to Choose?
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When it comes to theft protection and identification, RFID and QR labels each offer distinct advantages depending on dealership needs and operational priorities.

‍QR labels are highly visible deterrents that link directly to vehicle data, making them ideal for customer-facing identification, quick verification, and low-cost deployment. They’re perfect for labeling assets in away that’s easy to scan with any smartphone, reinforcing ownership and traceability.

‍RFID labels, by contrast, provide discreet, non-line-of-sight scanning and bulk tracking capabilities—ideal for secure inventory audits, service lane automation, and backend theft detection. RFID excels in environments where speed, automation, and stealth are critical to preventing unauthorized movement or tampering.

Dealers should lean toward QR for visual deterrence and public-facing identification, and RFID for automated security and internal asset control. Compare theft technologies here.

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Q: What is Treadmark Wheel Protection?
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Treadmark Wheel Protection is a traceability and anti-counterfeit solution designed for tires and wheels. It uses  high performance QR labels and specialized adhesives to create a unique identifier on each unit, helping manufacturers, dealerships, and consumers validate authenticity, deter theft, and manage warranty claims. Its modular framework makes integration simple for both OEM and aftermarket providers.

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Q: How does Treadmark use AI to enhance wheel security?

Treadmark leverages AI inyternally to automate authentication, detect tampering, and provide real-time scan analytics. Every QR scan activates data logging, which AI then processes to identify suspicious patterns, warranty risks, and usage trends. This enables smarter asset protection and predictive insights for manufacturers and dealerships.

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Q: Who should use Treadmark?

Treadmark is built for wheel manufacturers, auto dealerships, warranty providers, and fleet managers. Its scalable and customizable design allows easy implementation across diverse use cases—from consumer engagement and fraud prevention to lifecycle monitoring and regulatory compliance.

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Q: How durable are Treadmark labels and adhesives?

The high performance QR labels used in Treadmark are engineered to bond permanently with wheel surfaces during mounting. Combined with high-performance adhesives tested for moisture, heat, and rough terrain, Treadmark kits ensure robust durability in both urban and off-road conditions.

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Q: Can customers interact with the QR codes on their parts or wheels?

Yes. Customers can scan the QR code on their Dotguard protected-enabled wheels and parts to instantly verify authenticity, review warranty status, access usage tips, and receive customized updates. This self-service engagement improves trust and reinforces brand integrity.

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Q: Where is Dotguard & Treadmark data stored and how secure is it?

Treadmark data is hosted on secure cloud platforms in the Dotguard National Vehicle Database. Each scan event is timestamped, geo-tagged, and encrypted for audit-ready traceability. These records support regulatory compliance and provide transparency for manufacturers and service providers.

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Q: Can Dotguard or Treadmark be customized for different brands?
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Dotguard offers full white-label options for brands wanting custom QR frames, branded landing pages, and integration with their customer service or warranty workflows. This ensures consistent brand experience while maintaining the traceability core of the product.


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