Free D.C. clinic will install anti-theft upgrades on Hyundai cars

The big picture: The unusual step to host a temporary public clinic comes after a TikTok challenge showed users how to steal some Kia and Hyundai vehicles.

• The design flaws in the cars are forcing owners to resort — for now — to an old-fashioned steering wheel lock if they want to keep their vehicles safe, Axios' Annalise Frank reported last year.

• Car thefts in dozens of cities have increased this year.

By the numbers: Among the more than 4,000 cars stolen in D.C. this year, 1,400 of them were Hyundais, DCist reported.

Driving the news: Hyundai technicians at the D.C. clinic will install anti-theft upgrades for eligible vehicles at the RFK Stadium Parking Lot 8. It will be open from 8am to 7pm today through Monday.

• The software upgrade takes less than an hour, officials said. Appointments aren't necessary.
• Many models from 2011 to 2022 are eligible. A full list is here.

What they're saying: Some stolen "vehicles are later used to commit acts of violent crime in our city," said acting D.C. police chief Pamela Smith last week.

How it works: The Hyundai fix will modify the vehicle controls so that once its doors are locked with the key fob, an "ignition kill" feature will activate so that would-be thieves cannot start the car, according to the District.

• Anti-theft decals will be placed on the front windows of the cars to further deter thieves.
• The software upgrade is available for about 3.8 million vehicles.