Choosing the Best Steering Wheel Lock
April 10, 2017
Worried about your car being stolen or broken into? You might be surprised to learn that it's not the high-dollar cars that are most at risk. Car theft statistics show that Honda Accords top the list nationwide, followed by Ford Pick-Ups, Honda Civics and the Toyota Camry1. What's one of the easiest and cheapest ways to protect your vehicle? A steering wheel lock can be a huge deterrent. Our review gives you a lowdown of the best steering wheel locks, as well as tips on how to prevent car theft and break-ins.
Best Steering Wheel Locks
Best Overall Steering Wheel Lock: The Club Original
Best Overall
The Club Original
- MSRP $42.99
- 90 day warranty
- Guaranteed (for 1 year) up to $1,800 against owner's comprehensive insurance deductible (not valid in Hawaii, New York, Texas and Wisconsin due to state insurance laws)
The Club anti-theft device first hit the consumer market in 1986, and nearly two decades later it still dominates. Although there are now a number of different Club products, The Club Original 1000 has maintained its status for years, and it's hard to beat. The combination of simplicity, sturdiness, security and affordability make this product our choice for the best overall steering wheel lock.
Pros
New and improved solid steel hooks- Universal fit for most cars, SUV's and minivans with maximum opening at 16.3"
- Self-locks with one easy pull
- Comes in blue or bright red for theft deterrence
- Comes with 2 keys for unlocking your device
- If you lose your keys, you can contact customer service for replacements
Cons
Not entirely secure against multiple steering wheel cuts- Warranty is shorter than other brands
- Doesn't protect against air bag theft
Best total security steering wheel lock: FJM High Security
Best Total Security
Yes, it's comparatively expensive, but the FJM High Security Steering Wheel Lock with Air Bag Protection Plate takes anti-theft car security to a higher level. First, this lock is built to withstand multiple cuts to the steering wheel - one of the easiest ways thieves disable steering wheel locks is by sliding them off the cut steering wheel. The FJM Lock also prevents thieves from inserting a smaller, replacement steering wheel - another way professional thieves steal cars.
Pros
- Multiple security devices that other products don't offer
- Dual steel hooks
- Pick proof high security patented Pagoda lock
- Airbag protection plate (comes with, but optional to use)
- Fits most cars, light trucks, minivans and SUV's if only using the lock without the airbag plate
- Prevents thieves from inserting their own steering wheel if they break through yours
Cons
- Expensive compared to most other products
- Limited fit if using the airbag security plate (up to 15" diameter)
- Even when the fit is right, it feels loose
- Lock placement is in an awkward location – not easy for the owner (but could further deter thieves)
Best budget steering wheel lock: AUTOLOCK200
Best buget lock
A top seller, the SVAT AUTOLOCK200 is popular for its ease of use and affordable price. When you park, all you have to do is snap the steering wheel lock in place and it self-locks. The AUTOLOCK200 fits many models of cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and minivans and has an adjustable arm that extends to fit up to 16″ diameter. It’s made of solid steel that’s virtually impossible to saw, drill, hammer or pry apart. It’s not the best steering wheel lock out there, but if your budget is limited, consider the AUTO LOCK 200.
Pros
- Installs in seconds with self-locking system
- High security pick resistant lock & key system
- Comes with 2 keys
- Bright red color to help deter car thieves
- 24/7 customer support
- Comes with 2 warning window stickers to deter thieves
Cons
- Keys are difficult to insert into lock
- Too short to fit some automobiles
- Can be removed by cutting the steering wheel
- A number of customer complaints about it breaking and/or becoming loose after multiple uses
Best steering wheel lock for pickup trucks and larger SUVs: The Truck SUV Club
Best for trucks and large SUVs
The Truck SUV Club
- MSRP $59.99
- 90 Days Warranty
- Guaranteed (for 1 year) up to $2,000 against owner's comprehensive insurance deductible (not valid in Hawaii, New York, Texas and Wisconsin due to state insurance laws)
Although many steering wheel locks claim to be a universal fit, the truth is some simply don't fit the steering wheels of larger pickup trucks and SUV's. Here's where The Club, yet again, delivers ahead of the pack. The Truck SUV Club device is our top choice for larger passenger vehicles due to its impressive features, safety measures and ease of use.
Pros
- Made of solid steel, resistant to sawing, hammering, prying and Freon attacks
- Extended length fits up to 19" diameter steering wheel
- New and improved solid steel hooks
- Quick installation with self-locking feature
- Comes with 3 laser encrypted keys
- Bright red color to deter car thieves
Cons
- If you lose all 3 keys, they can't be replaced
- Only 90 days warranty
- Doesn't prevent air bag theft
- Not full-proof against multiple steering wheel cuts
How to prevent car theft
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) recommends a "layered approach" to preventing car theft. The more layers of security you have, the harder you make it for criminals to steal your vehicle.
- Layer 1: Use common sense. Don't leave your car when it's running; park in a well-lit area.
- Layer 2: Use warning devices, such as a steering wheel lock, an audible alarm or window decals.
- Layer 3: Install an immobilizing device. A number of car theft prevention devices, like kill switches or smart keys, prevent thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring your car.
- Layer 4: Employ a tracking device that gives you and the police the ability to locate your car if it's stolen.
Low cost, high deterrent
According to a FBI crime report, there were nearly 700,000 motor vehicle thefts in the United States in 2013, and 73.9% of these were passenger vehicles. If you live in an area prone to car thefts and break-ins, why not consider using a steering wheel lock? The relatively low cost could end up giving you greater peace of mind and saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Do you use a steering wheel lock? Have you or someone you know found it an effective deterrent?
Sources: [1] NICB
