Primary Navigation Mobile

The best steering wheel locks to prevent car theft in 2025

  • Physical deterrents that can prevent car theft 
  • From bar designs to full covers 
  • The best locks for every budget 

Written by Ryan Gilmore Updated: 13 March 2025

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 car steering wheel locks of 2025 – our picks

Best Stoplock steering wheel lock
Stoplock Pro Car Steering Wheel Lock HG 149-00
Editor's pick
Milenco HS Yellow Steering Wheel Lock
The best rugged full steering wheel lock
Disklok Diamond Security Edition
Best for thick steering wheels
Stoplock Airbag 4x4 HG 134-66

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
Price: $67.76
A name synonymous with steering wheel locks, the Stoplock Pro is the brand's most robust offering, sporting a Sold Secure Gold rating. Made from hardened metal and sporting an anti-drill lock for extra protection, it'll be hard work to remove without the key.

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

Rrp: $95.93

Price: $91.51
Another authenticated Sold Secure steering wheel lock, the Milenco Steering Wheel Lock is simple to fit and designed to fit 90% of all steering wheels.

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 claims it 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.

For more information, see our full Milenco HS Steering Wheel Lock review here.

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
3

Disklok Diamond Security Edition

The best rugged full steering wheel lock
The Diamond Edition of the fabled Disklok full steering wheel cover is the latest addition to the brand's range. It's the flagship unit which promises anti-angle grinder levels of protection - and should deter thieves to the point of giving up trying. So, if you have a Land Rover and live within the borders of the M25, you may end up thanking your lucky sins for investing in one of these.

21
Disclock and storage bag
Disclock and storage bag

To use, it's certainly quite heavy. Reassuringly so, as I doubt anyone would ever trust a lightweight lock. And it's nice that it comes in a storage bag, so you can keep things tidy when you take it off. To lock in place is a different story in my experience - you do have to fiddle around with the key and locking mechanism in order to… well, get the steering wheel locked.

21
Disclock Diamond Edition close up
Disclock Diamond Edition close up

Because of its size and opening mechanism, you do have to allow a lot of room to take it on and off. The driver's door had to be quite wide open on our test, and I can imagine trying to faff around in a tight parking space for one's apartment would be tricky. Nevertheless, if you want top-level security and ultimately the best piece of mind for keeping your car safe, you can't really better the big Diamond.

Pros

  • Robust rugged protection
  • Police, Sold Secure approved
  • Diamonite construction to foil angle grinders

Cons

  • Can be fiddly to lock
  • Needs a lot of room for fitting and removal
Best for thick steering wheels

Rrp: $74.36

Price: $65.13
A more affordable option from Stoplock, the Original may not boast the same features as other examples, but that doesn't mean it won't serve as the perfect deterrent. It boasts resistance to power tool attacks and a flashing LED light that adds another layer to the deterrence. The shallow bend in the lock means you'll need to double-check it fits your car, but it is really easy to fit to a compatible car.

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
If you're after a visible deterrent and something that will make it more difficult for a thief to steal your car, the X-Lock Full Face is just the ticket.

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
Price: $71.42
Some steering wheel locks extend to more than just the wheel itself. Milenco also offer the Classic Brake Lock, which latches onto the bottom of the wheel and the leg of the brake or clutch pedal, depending on your preference.

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
On the budget end of the spectrum, we have this. Streetwize's steering wheel lock has a maximum diameter of 70cm when fully extended and is designed to lock onto a wheel and simply make it un-steerable - which is ultimately what you want.

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

Steering wheel lock FAQs:

How does a steering wheel lock work?

A steering wheel lock works by physically preventing the steering wheel from turning, by using an external bar that spans across or on top of the wheel, making it impossible to steer. This acts as a theft deterrent by making it difficult to drive the vehicle.

Are steering wheel locks effective?

Steering wheel locks are moderately effective as a theft deterrent, as it makes it harder and more time-consuming to steal a vehicle. However, determined thieves with plenty of time and the right tools can bypass them. Steering wheel locks work best as part of a layered security approach.

Why do I need a steering wheel lock?

A steering wheel lock adds extra security by making it harder for thieves to steal your car. It acts as a visible deterrent and provides an additional obstacle, especially in high-theft areas or for cars without advanced anti-theft systems.

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.

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, but 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.

Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.