Everyone wants to keep their vehicle safe from theft. Over the years, “The Club” brought many eyes to the steering wheel lock for protection.
While these devices are increasingly touted, many people still wonder how effective a steering wheel lock actually is. Do steering locks actually deter or prevent car theft?
In this article, I fact-check how effective steering wheel locks are and demonstrate when to look for a steering wheel lock. I even offer some suggestions to keep your vehicle safe.
What is a Steering Wheel Lock?
The steering wheel lock is a device that prevents vehicle theft by locking the steering wheel in place.
Steering wheel locks feature a locking mechanism and an exterior device that attaches to your steering wheel. One of the more popular steering wheel locks is “The Club.”
Do Steering Wheel Locks Work?
Overall, the steering wheel lock does provide some protection. However, it can be defeated with enough time and motivation. What thieves will do, is pick the lock (which takes time) or cut the steering lock, which most thieves won’t take time to do.
Since locking mechanisms were invented, people have been trying to defeat them. It only takes a thief a couple of seconds of skill to get the lock open.
On the other hand, cutting the device will take a lot longer and will draw more attention to the thief. In general, thieves are not looking to hang out in stolen cars for any longer than they have to.
How Does A Steering Wheel Lock Work?
The steering wheel lock limits a driver’s capacity to steer by locking the steering wheel with a long bar.
The long bar makes it impossible to steer the vehicle without first removing the lock, so the wheel is incapable of turning at all. Many steering wheel lock models have a bar that locks the brake pedal as well.
Steering Wheel Lock Types
#1. Traditional Lock.
The classic and most popular steering wheel lock type. It’s shaped like a bar that stretches across the wheel, like The Club.
On either end, there are hook ends to latch to the steering wheel spokes, preventing it from being turned while it is secure.
#2. Enclosed Lock.
The enclosed steering lock is a device that covers the entire steering wheel giving it another layer of security. The enclosed steering wheel locks are much heavier and bulkier than the traditional lock.
You may have to find a place in your trunk or back seat when you take it off to store it while not in use.
#3. Wheel-to-Pedal Lock.
The wheel-to-pedal lock can be the most sophisticated of the steering wheel locks. It hooks into the steering wheel and also either the brake pedal or clutch of your car.
This double layer of protection gives you even more security, but it is not as visible to the thief so often they won’t see it till after they break in.
How to Choose a Steering Wheel Lock
#1. Compatibility.
A steering wheel lock is a waste of time if it doesn’t fit your vehicle. If it doesn’t fit, it’s impossible for it to protect your car from being stolen. Before buying a lock, check that it works for your make, model and steering wheel size. This will not just be a matter of diameter; the fit has to be right.
When looking at a lock on a website, check the compatibility and fitment. Entering the make, model and year of your vehicle should help determine fitment.
#2. Construction.
To ensure maximum anti-theft security, make sure the steering wheel lock is made from the right materials. Lightweight things will not resist the attempts of someone determined to break it.
Stay away from things that are mostly plastic because they are so easy to break or defeat. If the price is within your typical budget, get something made from heavier, durable materials.
You should also check the locking mechanism. Make sure it is not made of cheap materials or else you could end up with stuck locking cylinders, and with no way to get it off.
#3. Visibility.
When protecting your car, you want a lock that is highly visible. This may seem counterintuitive but thieves will tend to not bother attempting to break in if they can visibly see a steering wheel lock.
Thieves are looking for fast and easy targets, not something that is going to take them a ton of time and effort.
There are products that boast about their inconspicuous look, this is NOT what you want. GO with the most obvious look from a reputable brand.
#4. Budget.
When purchasing new car accessories or security products, it is always best to try to stick to a budget. There are always times when trying to save a buck is never a bad thing.
However, purchasing a steering wheel lock is NEVER the time to cut corners. Instead, you want to focus heavily on what will best protect your vehicle, not save some money! If your car is stolen, how much money will you be out of?
Look into what brands you have available and choose the ones that have high ratings and reviews. While they may cost more upfront, you will save time and hassle later down the road.
Do Steering Wheel Locks Damage the Steering Wheel?
If the lock isn’t properly sized for your vehicle, it may not fit well. If it does not fit well, it can leave scratches and marks on the wheel.
If you have a lock that fits a steering wheel correctly then you should not have any issues. You may also add a layer of insulation between the lock and sticker wheel to protect it as well.
How to Prevent Your Car From Stolen?
#1. Keep Valuables Hidden.
Your car is valuable, regardless of its age. Older cars can also sell for a lot once the parts are ripped off and sold.
Thus, you don’t want to give a thief any more rationale to be interested in your vehicle. If you leave valuables out in the open, then you will increase interest in your car.
#2. Use More than one Method.
A steering wheel lock is an excellent device to prevent theft, but that shouldn’t be all the way you protect your vehicle. If you want to protect your vehicle, you need to use multiple layers of security.
Install a security alarm that alerts you if someone tries to break in your car. Many of these can be installed for little cost and provide you with peace of mind. Many newer models automatically come with good alarms installed from the factory.
#3. Lock the Doors.
This step may be obvious to some, but many people walk away from their vehicle without locking it. Before leaving the vehicle, check and make sure that all doors are locked.
Additionally, make sure you pay attention to the windows. If there is a crack in the window at all, a thief can still get into the vehicle.
#4. Park in a Well-Lit Area.
Consider the area you are parking in. If it seems shady or hidden, that’s probably not a good spot for your vehicle.
Instead, choose an area that is populated, as it would probably garner attention for any thief. If you are parking in an area at night, consider an area that is well-lit. You don’t want to park in a dark corner for thieves to do all of their work in privacy.