Steering wheel locks were popular in the 1970s and 1980s when the standard of car security meant many cars could be unlocked using a paperclip, a front door key or a coat hanger. If nothing else, they provided a visual deterrent, helping to ward off opportunist thieves and slowing down more determined criminals.
The humble steering wheel lock fell out of favour when car manufacturers upped their game. Improved locks, smart immobilisers and efficient tracking systems levelled the playing field. But those were the days before the keyless car theft ‘epidemic’.
Following years of a downward trend in the number of vehicle thefts, car crime is on the up. Keyless car theft, also known as a relay attack, is to blame. In turn, this has rocketed the demand for RFID and Faraday key pouches to block the key’s relay signal.
The best steering wheel locks 2024 at a glance
It might seem odd to fit a steering wheel lock to a high-tech new car that costs tens of thousands of pounds and may even have its own car tracking device. We’re not saying it will stop your car from being stolen, but a steering wheel lock could add valuable minutes to the seconds it might take to steal a car using a relay attack, and a criminal will think twice about stealing a car if they see a steering wheel lock. You might even get a small discount on your car insurance.
The best steering wheel locks:
Best Stoplock steering wheel lock
The bend is designed to fit steering wheels fitted with airbags comfortably and it shouldn't leave scratches thanks to the coated exterior. Like the Milenco below, it's easy to fit, hampered only by the weight. It even shifts with a handy storage bag.
Pros
- Excellent visual deterrent
- Great build quality
- One of the best Stoplock steering wheel locks
Cons
- Still hefty
- Check it fits
Editor's pick
Made from hardened steel and featuring a pick-proof lock, it'll act as both a visual deterrent and should put up a good fight against a fight. Milenco claim is resistant to sawing and freezing. The big benefit to this lock is that fitting it takes seconds. It's still a hefty unit thanks to its construction, but it locks in place quickly.
Pros
- Simple to install
- Sold Secure Gold rating
- Great quality lock
Cons
- Doesn't cover the full steering wheel
- Not the most obvious visual deterrent
Best for thick steering wheels
Pros
- Quick and easy to fit and remove
- High visible deterrent
- Good value for money
Cons
- It's important to check vehicle compatibility
- Not as many security features as rivals
The best budget full cover steering wheel lock
As well as covering the entire steering wheel, the bar attachment would make contact with interior surfaces, preventing the wheel from turning. It comes with two keys and a storage bag.
Pros
- Full wheel covering
- Highly visible
- Acts as a great deterrent
Cons
- Difficult to store
- Won't fit every wheel
Best wheel and brake lock
It adds an extra step to the security level as two major components are locked tightly rather than just the wheel. It comes with two keys and takes just a few seconds to fit and lock in place.
Pros
- Clever and secure design
- Locks onto whichever pedal you decide
- Easy to fit
Cons
- Not the most secure thing available
- Not a visual deterrent
Best budget steering wheel lock
It acts as a great visual deterrent, although the level of security is arguably reflected in the price. It's a lot easier to cut into for instance, than the more premium locks we have on this list.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Great visual deterrent
- Fits most modern steering wheels
Cons
- Not as secure as some may want
- Basic security features
What to consider when choosing a steering wheel lock
Fitting a steering wheel lock is just one of the things you can do to keep your car safe. Keyless car theft means that this old-school security device is enjoying a renaissance alongside the rise in Faraday boxes.
If you own an older car with poor locks, no alarm and a basic immobiliser, a steering wheel lock is a must-have. Some cars are stolen to order, while others are taken to be stripped for parts. Either way, a steering wheel lock could encourage a thief to keep walking, even if you’ve got a fairly vulnerable vehicle like a Range Rover. If nothing else, it will slow them down, which could mean that they’re caught in the act.
Do your research before buying a steering wheel lock. Not only do you want to make sure that it fits your car, you’ll also want to see evidence of the lock in action. A determined criminal will defeat even the best lock, so check the reviews before taking the plunge. For a car that’s parked up for long periods of time, a wheel clamp can add an even greater layer of security.
Steering lock FAQs:
What steering wheel locks do the police recommend?
The Disklok full steering wheel covers are approved by the police and the independently tested ‘Sold Secure’ team. Currently, the Gold one is the top model, but a Diamond Edition with even more security was released in May 2024.
Do steering wheel locks really prevent theft?
Not absolutely. Thieves can do anything and everything to get access to a car. However, in a world where cars can be stolen in seconds, steering wheel locks can delay the thieves’ getaway time which can either be a deterrent to them or buy you extra time for a police response.
Do steering wheel locks damage the steering wheel?
They shouldn’t do. As long as you’re gentle with taking them on and off, no damage should really be caused. The full cover steering wheels should do the least damage since no real stress is being placed on the rim of the wheel.
What are the most stolen cars in the UK?
According to DVLA records, the most stolen cars in the UK in 2023 was led by the humble Ford Fiesta, with nearly 6,000 stolen in that year. The list follows on with popular cars like the VW Golf, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Range Rover Sport amongst a few small Vauxhalls like the Corsa and Astra.
The situation is so bad for JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), that a security update had to be issued to cars registered between 2016-2019 in an attempt to combat the massive increase in thefts. It also introduced its own insurance scheme as many owners are affected by either high premiums or not being able to be insured at all.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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