The 8 best steering wheel locks you can buy for your car in 2022
CAR THIEVES are sharper than ever, which is where the best steering wheel locks come in.
While they can't completely prevent a thief from taking your car, this old school method is a visual deterrent — a would-be carjacker is far less likely to try and steal your motor if they know they will have to spend an extra few minutes disabling a steering wheel lock.
However, not all steering wheel locks are created equal: some just lock the steering wheel, while others will obstruct the pedals, too.
We’ve identified the best steering wheel locks for a range of budgets, indicated what level of security our recommendations offer and have made suggestions as to how you can ramp up your car theft protection.
Bear in mind that some of these options may also help you to reduce your car insurance renewal.
What's the best anti-theft device for a car?
Car thieves like low-risk targets, such as cars that are left unlocked, still running, or with the windows open.
You can immediately reduce your theft risk by making sure your car is locked up with all the windows shut when you leave it for any significant amount of time; even having the windows open a crack can be enough for a thief to quickly gain access.
Car thieves also like cars that are parked in dark, secluded areas as they'll attract less attention when stealing than if a car is left in a busy, brightly-lit area.
In terms of devices to keep your car safe, a good steering wheel lock is among the best as it's immune to signal-boosting theft, where thieves relay the signal from your wireless fob through an amplifier to unlock your car without needing the key.
Anything that will slow a thief down, such as a steering wheel lock, an immobiliser or a kill switch will make a car thief consider stealing an easier target.
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1. Streetwize Double Hook Steering Wheel Lock
- Streetwize Double Hook Steering Wheel Lock, £13.95 from Amazon -
Designed in bright yellow to deter would-be car thieves, this lock receives excellent user reviews for its simplicity.
It's one of the cheapest options available and is incredibly easy to use. It's also more compact than other steering wheel locks, making it easier to store when not in use.
This double hook steering lock doesn’t get along with Peugeot’s new multi-compact steering wheel (it's a little too small for the fit) but other vehicles can make swift use of this reasonably priced device.
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2. Stoplock Pro
- Stoplock Pro, £45.00 from Amazon -
All-round industry champion, Stoplock is a name synonymous with car security since the days before electronic systems were even a thing.
This Hi-Vis lock offers a visual deterrent and feeds through your steering wheel easily, locks and removes just as quickly.
Its design makes for easy storage in the vehicle and while it isn’t the cheapest in this list, it's an award-winning product that can only be defeated with noisy machines.
Thieves know better and just won’t bother cars with a Stoplock Pro fitted.
3. Disklok
- Disklok, £130.00 from Halfords -
Disklok is Stoplock’s main rival and its products are equally tough to remove.
With a steering wheel cover design and anti-drill and anti-pick technology, the Disklok holds police-preferred accreditation.
It can be a bit fiddly to set up initially, but once you’re familiar with the locking mechanism, it’s fairly straightforward.
The Dislok will suit more compact steering wheels, which struggle to accommodate other styles of steering wheel lock, since there are various sizes available - be sure to purchase the right size for your car.
Though pricey, some insurers do offer a discount if you let them know your car is protected by Disklok.
4. Carpoint Steering Wheel Lock Elephant
- Carpoint Steering Wheel Lock Elephant, £24.08 from Amazon -
The Carpoint “Elephant” steering wheel lock is easy-to-fit, since it’s just a "pull to expand" installation into the gap of your steering wheel.
Fans of the Elephant like it for its versatility, but it isn’t suited to cars with larger steering wheels (i.e. bigger than 36cm diameter), as it can’t expand enough to make the device more than a deterrent.
Just shy of £18, it’s not going to break the bank either.
The soft plastic coating prevents any damage or scratches to the steering wheel and the red colour is highly visible, even in the dark.
5. Streetwize Urban X Steering Wheel Lock
- Streetwize Urban X Steering Wheel Lock, £39.00 from Halfords -
This more affordable Urban X steering wheel lock from Streetwize is unmissable. The bright yellow disc covers the steering wheel.
Though Streetwize claims this offers a higher level of security, we'd put it behind the Disklok - no doubt reflected in the cheaper price.
What’s more, it’s not suitable for new Peugeot drivers.
That said, if you’re on a budget, you'll have peace of mind at a more reasonable price.
6. Stoplock Pulsar With Flashing Light Steering Wheel Lock
- Stoplock Pulsar With Flashing Light Steering Wheel Lock, £34.99 from Halfords -
Another lock that is better suited to deterring opportunists, rather than providing any real security, the Stoplock Pulsar has a better price point than others in this list.
The light doesn’t glow as brightly as we’d like, and seasoned criminals are going to be savvy to this lock’s weaknesses.
That said, combined with the other products suggested, such as the V-Auto device, this Stoplock could be an effective device for warding off trouble.
It comes with a five-year guarantee and stores easily too.
7. Stoplock Van Lock
- Stoplock Van Lock, £29.99 from Halfords -
Van drivers are more likely to be targeted for the contents of their vehicles, rather than the vehicles themselves.
This easy-to-use lock can fit rear or side doors and comes with a tamper-proof mechanism.
A chrome-plated hardened steel padlock with three keys ensures your tools are going nowhere fast and this affordable Stoplock Van Pro can also be used on sheds. The fitting bolts are included and the device comes with a one-year guarantee.
8. Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock
- Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock, £35.89 from Amazon -
This Tevlaphee lock hooks the brake pedal to the steering wheel, immobilising any thief’s ability to gain access to the car and then drive it away.
Simple to use, its chrome finish provides an obvious deterrent for any potential attackers.
It's made from aluminium alloy and steel for maximum resistance to cutting and hammering and priced well, offering good value-for-money.
Arguably better suited to smaller cars, the device can also double up as a way of stabilising bikes on a rack in transit.
Do steering wheel locks prevent theft?
Anything that will slow down a thief during the course of stealing a car will help to deter them.
Car thieves rely on being able to complete their task quickly, so will consider stealing a different car if they're faced with a steering wheel lock.
While in-depth statistics are notoriously hard to follow, it's proven that steering locks work as deterrents as it adds another level of protection to your vehicle.
How effective are car steering locks?
Depending on the one you buy, car steering locks can be very effective. Even if a thief manages to get into your car and start the engine, a good quality lock will prevent them from being able to steer, making it impossible to drive anywhere far.
That said, steering locks are not impossible to break. If a thief really wants your vehicle, they'll normally find a way.
But as steering locks are usually made from hardened alloy, they'd require an angle grinder, drill or heavy-duty hack saw to break, which would be loud and draw attention. Two things no thief wants.
So while steering locks aren't impenetrable, they ensure your car isn't an easy target. This more times than not means any potential thief would be put off. In short, if you want maximum protection for your motor, a steering lock is only going to help.
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