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The best steering wheel locks for car safety
Over 700 thousand cars are stolen every year in the US; you don’t need to wait to be a victim. Get a steering wheel lock to protect your car from theft.
Every day, daring thieves target car owners for their prized four-wheeled possession, with traditional security measures like deadlocks and electronic alarms failing to deter them. Consequently, Americans suffer over $7 billion in losses due to vehicle theft every year.
Thankfully, there are measures you can take to protect your personal property. The old-school car steering wheel lock is the solution you need to reinforce your car’s security. It’s a great deterrent if your car is vulnerable to electronic car theft, which involves hacking your key fob’s signal.
Once the lock is in place, it will take time, effort, and brute force to get it out or break it — car criminals have no time for that. This post lists and reviews some of the best steering wheel locks for car safety — one of these could be a lifesaver for you.
Read more: Browse our recommendations of the best car accessories
Our top picks for best steering wheel locks
Best lock with built-in alarm
Vechkom Anti-Theft Alarm Car Steering Wheel Lock Vehicle Security Tool
Best-selling steering wheel lock
Specifications
Lock type: Key lock
Material: Alloy steel
Dimensions: 1.2 x 3.5 x 16.3 in
Pros & Cons
High-quality steel construction
Features a security escape tool
Easy to install and unlock
Doesn’t tolerate hot temperatures well
Key can stick in the cylinder
With over 5,000 customer reviews on Amazon, the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock for Cars is one of the best-selling locks, and for good reason.
It works with 99% of cars with an inner wheel diameter of 6.6-12.5 inches and features a precision double-row crescent-shaped key cylinder to deter professional thieves.
Its U-shaped bayonet supports quick locking, whether you have a steering wheel cover or not. This lock is made of high-quality round steel and premium aluminum/alloy to resist hammering, sawing, and prying.
It also includes a metal car safety escape tool for smashing the window in the event of entrapment.
Best lock with built-in alarm
Specifications
Lock type: Key lock
Material: Alloy steel
Dimensions: 16.73 x 5.91 x 4.09 in
Pros & Cons
Compact for easy storage
Installs in seconds without using the key
Offers 3-year warranty
Offers no setup instructions
Not compatible with some cars
For most people, a silent deterrent will do, but you can always opt for a lock that includes an alarm system, such as the Vechkom Anti-Theft Alarm Car Steering Wheel Lock Vehicle Security Tool.
With the Vechkom anti-theft lock, the alarm function activates in 8 seconds after installing the lock and it triggers when there’s a slight shake to alert you.
It has three-direction locking, allowing you to set it on three points on your steering wheel for secure protection. The lock is made of a heat-treated steel bar to prevent rusting and cutting and the head is made of high-density alloy steel to prevent violent unlocking.
The points of contact with the steering wheel have wear-resistant holsters to prevent scratches.
Best universal-fit steering wheel lock
Specifications
Lock type: Key lock
Material: Chromoly steel
Dimensions: 23 x 4.5 x 2 Inches in
Pros & Cons
Works on all vans, cars, and SUVs
Heavy-duty construction for durability
Highly visible for physical deterrent
May leave marks on steering wheel
Heavier than most comparable options
You don’t need to get another steering wheel lock when you upgrade or replace your car.
The Club LX Clear Steering Wheel Lock fits all vehicles, making it a flexible option for car safety. It boasts sturdy Chromoly steel construction to resist hammering, prying, sawing, and freon attacks.
Its patented, keyless-locking mechanism allows you to quickly install the lock without using the key, while the high-security, laser-encrypted key prevents duplication and picking.
With two solid steel hooks, the Club LX lock attaches to two points on the steering wheel for optimal protection.
Top heavy-duty anti-theft steering wheel lock
Specifications
Lock type: Key lock
Material: Steel
Dimensions: 1.3 x 1.9 x 13.7 in
Pros & Cons
Portable and compact design
Compatible with all cars
Durable and sturdy construction
Difficult to use for some customers
Costs more than comparable options
If you prefer a heavy-duty option, then the SPRING PARK Steering Wheel Lock should definitely interest you.
This adjustable lock hooks your brake or clutch pedal and the steering wheel for secure protection. Its telescopic road has a tooth design to resist sawing and violent unlocking.
The sturdy steel construction resists freon attacks and hammering. Plus, this lock also doubles as a safety tool, allowing you to break your car window when trapped inside.
Best budget steering wheel lock
Specifications
Lock type: Key lock
Material: Chromoly steel
Dimensions: 5.3 x 6.5 x 24.8 in
Pros & Cons
Works on all vehicles
High visibility to deter thieves
An affordable option for car owners
Can leave marks on steering wheel
For a cost-friendly option that gets the job done, you can pick The Club Twin Hook Steering Wheel Lock.
Its patented self-locking feature allows you to lock it in place with just one pull, and it has a twin-hook design for tougher protection against thieves. The lock features improved lock housing for optimal strength.
With its sturdy Chromoly steel construction, this lock withstands hammering, freon attacks, prying and sawing to keep your car safe. Whether you have a van, car, or an SUV, it holds firmly to your steering wheel.
Plus, its high-visibility design makes it a perfect deterrent to stop would-be thieves.
Best steering wheel lock — FAQs
Here are some common questions that drivers ask when shopping for car steering wheel locks.
How does a car steering wheel lock work?
A car steering wheel lock works in two ways: it’s a physical deterrent and a car anti-theft device. It completely secures the wheel using a hardened steel or aluminum alloy bar, making it difficult for thieves to steer the car, even if they get the engine running.
You can potentially scare thieves away by simply having one in your car. Most car criminals aim to spend minimal time and effort when stealing a car. So, if they spot a steering wheel lock in your car, they’re more likely to give up quickly.
In case a determined thief opts to steal your car when the steering lock is in place, they’ll still have a hard time. With the lock in place, they could easily spend a lot of time trying to gain control of your car, which is time law-breaking thieves don’t have.
How secure is a car steering lock?
While a steering wheel lock isn’t a 100% guarantee that your car won’t be stolen, having one is better than nothing — since it makes the job of stealing a car much more difficult and time-consuming.
Plus, some locks have additional features like alarms and phone alerts to warn you in case of a possible theft attempt. A good example is the Vechkom Anti-Theft Alarm Car Steering Wheel Lock Vehicle Security Tool, which triggers an alarm when shaken.
That said, no lock is absolutely secure, even if you get the best anti-theft steering wheel lock.
Depending on how likely it is for your car to be stolen in your area, you may need multiple layers of auto security to prevent theft, such as wheel clamps, alarms, kill switches, brake locks, GPS trackers, and battery disconnect switches. Also, to defend your car from theft, you should always park it in well-lit or open areas.
Our verdict
Given a car is a huge investment, it’s worth spending $100 or less on a car steering wheel lock to deter thieves.
If you’re on a budget, we believe The Club Twin Hook Steering Wheel Lock makes the best car steering lock, thanks to its twin-hook design. Or, you can opt for the Vechkom Alarm Car Steering Wheel Lock, which alerts you in the event of a possible theft attempt.
If you’re concerned about your car being broken into and potentially stolen, shop one of the best car steering wheel locks from our list of recommendations for added peace of mind.
Prices updated on 05/03/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Odinga Fanuel
With over nine years working within media, Odinga Fanuel is passionate about sharing reliable information with everyday readers. For Smart Shopper, Odinga specializes in writing about tech products, household appliances, travel, automotive and more.
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