Best Steering Wheel Locks: The Club is Back
Don’t let your car remain an easy target.
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A steering wheel lock could mean the difference between a discouraged thief or an easy swipe. With the rise of recent social media challenges, as well as tough economic times, vehicle theft seems to be on the rise. Not only are cars being stolen for both viral videos or quick cash, but some are being snatched simply because of how easy it is. Exploits in the security systems of select auto manufacturers have been discovered and are quickly being spread around online, leaving many drivers worried that while manufacturers work on providing a fix, their car could quickly become a target. While searching for strategies to prevent this, I researched and gathered some of the best steering wheel locks I could find to put them in a head-to-head comparison.
Disklok Security Wheel Lock
- Incredibly high-quality build
- Can withstand cuts and attacks
- Anti-drill and anti-pick lock design
- Spinning frame to make steering nearly impossible
- Higher price point.
- Heavy and bulky construction
The Club 3000 Twin Hooks
- High quality build
- Easy to use
- Recognizable and eye catching
- $500 deductible guarantee
- Lock can fail in extremely cold weather
- Its iconic design is also recognizable to thieves who may have the skills to defeat this lock
Zone Tech Universal Anti-Theft Steering Wheel Lock
- Affordable
- Universal fit
- Bright yellow and very visible
- Easy to install
- Struggles to fit on some models
- May leave marks or temporary indents on some wheels
Summary List
Best Overall: Disklok Security Wheel Lock
Best Value: The Club 3000 Twin Hooks
Honorable Mention: Zone Tech Universal Anti-Theft Steering Wheel Lock
Most Versatile: Kaycentop Steering Wheel Lock
Our Methodology
We all love our cars and want to protect our investments. As a fellow enthusiast, I strive to provide the most extensive and honest research I could provide, so that your vehicle stays right where you parked it.
I searched far and wide through countless manufacturer websites, YouTube videos, and customer reviews on sites such as Amazon to find steering wheel locks that will be both a visual deterrent and a useful security item. Overall, I chose products based on quality, price, manufacturer reputation, and customer feedback. While no product is perfect, the best on this list fit these roles to varying degrees. Any steering wheel lock that had poor build quality, easy bypass methods or overwhelmingly poor customer reviews were omitted from my list. On top of Amazon listings, I also used manufacturer websites to reference the specs and functionality of each lock. I recommend reading this for more information on how The Drive curates a buyers guide.
Best Steering Wheel Lock Reviews & Recommendations
Specs
- Construction: Hardened steel
- Style: Wheel cover with spinning feature
- Fit: Three size options
Pros
- Very high build quality
- Can withstand harsh damage
- Anti-drill/anti-pick design
- Has spinning frame to make almost impossible to crack
Cons
- High price point
- Heavy and bulky
Specs
- Construction: Chromoly steel
- Style: Twin hook
- Fit: Universal
Pros
- Good build quality
- Easy-to-use design
- Recognizable and visible
- $500 deductible guarantee
Cons
- Recognizable design may attract thieves who know its flaws
- Lock can stick in cold weather
Specs
- Construction: Heat-treated steel
- Style: Tri-point, semi cover with extension bar
- Fit: Mostly universal
Pros
- Affordable
- Universal fit
- Can be paired with another steering wheel lock
- Easy to install
Cons
- Struggles to fit on some models
- May leave marks and temporary indents on some steering wheels
Specs
- Construction: Heat treated steel
- Style: Tri-point, semi cover with extension bar
- Fit: Mostly universal
Pros
- Affordable
- Universal fit
- Bright yellow and very visible
- Easy to install
Cons
- Struggles to fit on some models
- May leave marks and temporary indents on some steering wheels
Our Verdict
My top pick is the Disklok Security Wheel Lock, which is an enclosed lock with multiple features that delay or stop thieves completely. The Club 3000 and Zone Tech Universal Anti-Theft Steering Wheel Lock are solid picks for those on a budget.
Things to Consider Before Buying A Steering Wheel Lock
Key Features
Fit
Modern steering wheels are similar in size, but some models have unique quirks that warrant a universal fit wheel lock to avoid guesswork. If you’re driving an 18-wheeler or similarly sized vehicle, consider finding a specialty lock.
Visibility
A key deterrent to theft is the visibility of an obstacle. That means you’ll want a lock with bright color and bulk that can be spotted from far away. If thieves can see what they need to deal with before coming close to your car, you’re much better off.
Construction
You’ll want a steering wheel lock resistant to physical attacks. If a thief decides to break into your car, even after spotting that wheel lock, assume that they’ve got the toolbox to tackle it. Hardened steel or steel alloys make it much harder for a thief to succeed.
Other Considerations
- Size: Although bigger is usually better when it comes to steering wheel locks, keep in mind how much space it will take when stored away. Choose a wheel lock that’s the right size so you won’t have to deal with the inconvenience of more bulk than you need.
- Ease of use: Some steering wheel locks have more connection points than others, making them more secure but also difficult to use. Balance convenience and security so that you’re never discouraged from using it.
- Guarantee: Some manufacturers offer a warranty or a guarantee that your car won’t be stolen. If you’re unlucky enough for it to happen, their guarantee pays for part or all of your insurance deductible.
- Locking mechanism: A poorly made locking mechanism can be easily broken with tools or brute force.
- Padding: If you’re worried about damage to your steering wheel from metal edges, find a wheel lock featuring soft padding around latch points.
Steering Wheel Lock Pricing
You may find some good steering wheel locks for under $50. You could spend several hundred dollars on one, but for the most part, you should be able to find a durable one for under $100. That’s not bad for peace of mind.
FAQs
You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.
Q: Will steering wheel locks damage my steering wheel?
A: An improperly sized lock can leave scuff marks or scratches, but one with the right size shouldn't be a problem with proper care and use. In any case, you can always put a fabric scrap or cloth between the lock and your steering wheel to avoid leaving marks and scratches.
Q: How do I properly install a steering wheel lock?
A: This will largely depend on the steering wheel lock's design. For the conventional bar type, just extend the lock until both hook-ends fix themselves on opposite spokes of the steering wheel, then lock it in place with the key.
Q: What do I do if I lose my lock’s key?
A: If you can locate your spare key, try that first. If you've managed to lose that too, then call a locksmith before attempting anything drastic like using a hacksaw.
Q: What kind of steering wheel lock works best?
A: Any steering wheel lock that's built strong enough to resist tampering will work well, but we feel that a well-constructed wheel-to-pedal lock is particularly effective since it prevents both your steering wheel and pedal from being used.
Why Trust Us
Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
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