Do Steering Wheel Locks Work?

In 2024 alone, the UK saw 62,980 cars stolen. While this number presents a 4.5% decline in UK car thefts from 2023, there are tools you can use to keep your car from being the next statistic! One well-known tool – the steering wheel lock.

As car theft is a growing concern, many drivers turn to steering wheel locks as a simple yet effective deterrent. But do steering wheel locks work, or are they just a visual scare tactic? In this article, we’ll explore how do steering locks work, their effectiveness, and whether they’re worth adding to your car’s security arsenal.

Understanding Steering Wheel Locks

So, what is a steering wheel lock how does it work? Steering wheel locks are anti-theft devices designed to prevent a car from being driven by restricting the movement of the steering wheel. They come in various styles, such as bar locks that extend across the wheel or enclosed locks that cover the steering mechanism. By making it difficult for thieves to steer the vehicle, these locks act as a visible deterrent and an added layer of security.

How Do Steering Wheel Locks Work?

Various models of steering wheel locks function by preventing the steering wheel from turning, making it difficult or impossible to drive the vehicle. To answer how does a steering wheel lock work – the answer will differ for various steering models. Some models range from traditional to advanced designs, from mechanical to digital.

Steering wheel lock types include:

• Bar-Style Steering Wheel Lock: This is a long metal bar that stretches across the steering wheel, preventing it from turning and locks in place with a key or combination which must be removed before driving.
  
• Enclosed Steering Wheel Lock: This reinforced metal cover completely encases part of the steering wheel which makes it impossible to grip or turn and provides added security against cutting tools.
• Pedal-to-Wheel Lock – This model connects the steering wheel to either the brake or clutch pedal, stopping both from being used. Since the wheel cannot turn and the pedal cannot be pressed, it prevents the car from being driven.
  
• Wheel-to-Dashboard Lock – This design is a bar-style lock that extends from the steering wheel to the dashboard, restricts movement, and makes it difficult to turn the wheel or tamper with the vehicle’s controls.
  
• Electronic Steering Wheel Lock – This modern tool uses an electronic locking mechanism instead of a traditional key, often featuring alarms or biometric access, adding an extra layer of security and convenience for vehicle owners.

Effectiveness of Steering Wheel Locks

Are steering wheel locks effective? Simply put, steering wheel locks serve as a strong visual deterrent, making thieves think twice before attempting to steal a vehicle. Since car theft is often a crime of opportunity, the added time and effort required to remove a steering wheel lock can discourage criminals from targeting a locked vehicle.

However, while they add an extra layer of security, they are not foolproof, as determined thieves may use specialised tools to bypass them. The effectiveness of a steering wheel lock depends on its design, material strength, and locking mechanism – which all increase security value. Above all, an added deterrent is better than no deterrent at all.

Potential Limitations and Issues

While no single device can guarantee total security, a steering wheel lock adds an important barrier that makes stealing a car more difficult and time-consuming. Despite their limitations, steering wheel locks can be a worthwhile investment, especially when combined with other anti-theft measures. Some limitations of steering wheel locks to be mindful of include:

• Vulnerability to Skilled Thieves: Experienced car thieves can sometimes bypass or remove steering wheel locks if the locks are poorly fitted or low-quality, while cheaper models may be vulnerable to sawing, drilling, or even freezing techniques.
• Damage to the Vehicle: Improper use or forced removal can lead to scratches, dents, or damage to the steering wheel, dashboard, or ignition system.
• Inconvenience: They can be time-consuming to install and remove each time you drive, which may discourage consistent use.
• Limited Effectiveness When Used Alone: While they act as a deterrent, steering wheel locks cannot prevent other forms of theft, such as breaking into the car to steal valuables, or theft of the entire vehicle if the thief manages to bypass the lock.
• Compatibility Issues: Some steering wheel locks may not fit well with certain vehicles, particularly those with unique steering wheel designs or airbags.

Risks of Damage to Vehicles

While steering wheel locks are an effective deterrent against theft, they can also pose risks of damage to a vehicle if not used properly. The most common damage occurs when a lock is installed or removed forcefully. This can lead to scratches or dents on the steering wheel or dashboard.

With each steering wheel lock, here are some of the important considerations to avoid accidental damage:

• Bar-style locks: These locks are often made of hard, metal materials, which can leave marks on the wheel’s surface if they are not securely fitted or if they rub against the wheel during use.
• Enclosed Steering Wheel Locks: If not fitted well or over-tightened, this design can put pressure on the steering column and lead to internal damage to the mechanism or dashboard area. If forcibly removed, it could damage the steering wheel and ignition system, or cause minor issues with the vehicle’s electrical components.
• Pedal-to-wheel and Wheel-to-dashboard Locks: Though effective, these designs can also cause wear and tear on vehicle surfaces with frequent use or incorrect installation. The additional force needed to fit or remove these locks can strain certain parts of the vehicle, potentially damaging the locking mechanism or surrounding areas.

Alternative Security Measures

If you are still wondering, “Do steering locks work? The answer is – they work best in supplement to another system. Reinforcing your car’s security involves applying additional measures, deterrents, and tools alongside steering wheel locks. The next few tools can significantly reduce the risk of vehicle theft when used in conjunction.

Car Alarm Systems

Car alarm systems work by using sensors to detect unusual activity – such as movement, vibration, or unauthorised entry. These sensors are connected to a control unit, which activates an alarm when a threat is detected. The alarm may consist of a loud sound, flashing lights, or both, to draw attention to the vehicle tampering and alert the vehicle owner or those nearby

Immobilisers

These security programmes, such as the Ghost Immobilisers, use advanced technology to block unauthorised access, preventing car theft even for keyless entry vehicles. Unlike traditional car immobilisers, this particular technology does not emit radio frequencies or use external alarms, making it invisible to thieves. The system requires a unique PIN code or Autowatch Ghost Bluetooth connection to start, ensuring that only authorised individuals can operate the vehicle.

GPS Trackers

Vehicle tracking is another advanced way to ensure your car is monitored to avoid it falling into the wrong hands. GPS trackers are devices installed in vehicles to monitor and track their location in real-time. Using satellite signals, these trackers transmit the vehicle’s exact position to the owner or a monitoring service to track the vehicle if it’s stolen.

Many modern GPS trackers come with additional features like:

• Geofencing: This alerts the owner if the vehicle moves outside a designated area and real-time alerts for unauthorised movement.
• Stealth Mode: A special feature that allows the owner to turn off the tracker’s signal remotely to avoid detection by thieves.

While GPS trackers can’t physically prevent theft, they significantly increase the chances of recovering a stolen vehicle quickly and with minimal damage – by about.

Van Locks

Another variation of security includes van locks for commercial vehicles, which work by securing access points, such as doors or windows, to prevent unauthorised entry. They typically feature a heavy-duty mechanism with a high-security key or digital entry system, that requires a key or code to unlock. Some van locks are designed to be extra resistant to tampering, with reinforced materials and anti-pick features, making them more challenging for thieves to bypass.

Pro tip: For added protection in commercial or industrial vehicles, you can opt for deadbolt locks or internal locking systems that secure cargo areas separately from the main doors.

FAQs

Do steering wheel locks actually prevent theft?

While steering wheel locks cannot prevent thefts entirely, they work as effective theft deterrents. As stolen vehicles are often crimes of opportunity, adding lock systems helps to reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted.

Can thieves break a steering lock?

Yes, thieves can break a steering lock. They could attempt to do so by cutting the lock or steering wheel. However, successfully stealing your car by driving it away will require more time and additional force than a vehicle without a steering wheel lock mechanism.

What is the best anti-theft device for cars?

The best anti-theft device for cars is typically a combination of security measures. Steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and car alarm systems are effective deterrents and provide added protection. For comprehensive security, consider combining these with an immobiliser to prevent the vehicle from starting without its key.