Having your car stolen is more than just an inconvenience and a financial burden; it also deeply undermines your sense of security.
Often, crimes happen because the target is easily accessible, providing criminals an opportunity to strike. However, a simple yet effective device can serve as a strong deterrent, causing potential thieves to reconsider before attempting a break-in.
This is where the steering-wheel lock comes in. By taking proactive measures, you can reduce the chances of your vehicle being targeted.
We tested several steering-wheel locks available on the market to determine their effectiveness in preventing theft once criminals have gained access to your vehicle.
Things to Consider
Before purchasing a steering-wheel lock, there are several important factors to consider.
Installation
Since a steering-wheel lock is an extra step in your car routine, it should be quick and simple to install. Choose a lock that is easy to set up to save time and avoid frustration.
Keys and Locks
Most steering-wheel locks require a key to function, and losing that key could leave you with a locked steering wheel and no way to drive. While most locks come with multiple keys, be sure to make copies if necessary.
Storability
Much like an ice scraper, a steering-wheel lock needs to be easily accessible, but it can be cumbersome when left floating around the footwell.
When selecting your lock, think about its size and how easily it can be stored in your vehicle.
Fit and Compatibility
Since steering wheels come in various shapes and sizes, ensure you do your research to find a lock that is compatible with your wheel.
How We Selected and Evaluated Steering-Wheel Locks
To thoroughly test the locks, we wanted to push them to their limits. Instead of trying to remove them from our own cars, we visited Regal U-Pull It in Howell, Michigan, on a rainy Friday afternoon.
Amid the rows of salvage cars, we installed each lock and subjected them to rigorous testing. For this evaluation, our key parameters were:
- Installation and design
- Durability (how well it resists breakage)
- Special features
After installing each lock as per its instructions, we tested its durability by shaking, hammering, drilling, and using bolt cutters to see if the locks could withstand pressure. Here’s what we found.
The Best Steering-Wheel Locks
Best Overall
1. Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock
Now 23% Off
- $54 $41 at Amazon
- $49 $7 at Walmart
Pros
- Comes with three keys
- Difficult to cut or break
Cons
- Installation might be challenging for people with mobility issues
- Large size
If security is your number-one concern, the Tevlaphee is our top recommendation. Unlike many other steering-wheel locks, the Tevlaphee locks the wheel against the brake pedal, preventing both the steering wheel from turning and the brake pedal from being depressed.
Where to get it: Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel Brake Lock
Installation is relatively easy, but it does require some maneuvering into the footwell, which might be uncomfortable for people with mobility challenges.
Overall, it’s the most secure and user-friendly lock we tested. Our Gear Team confidently recommends it as the best option available.
How We Broke It: We didn’t! During our testing, the Tevlaphee lock was not broken by any of the methods we applied.
Easiest to Install
2. Kaycentop Seatbelt Wheel Lock
- $29 at Amazon
- $61 $52 at Walmart.com
Pros
- Easily storable
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Cables can be cut easily
- If you lose the key, the seatbelt becomes unusable
The Kaycentop uses a flexible cable that loops through the steering wheel and secures into the seatbelt to prevent the wheel from turning.
The seatbelt latch features a locking shell that covers the buckle, making it impossible for a thief to disengage the seatbelt and remove the lock, even if they manage to enter the vehicle.
Where to get it: Kaycentop Seatbelt Wheel Lock
While the design, ease of use, and compact size of the Kaycentop impressed us, our bolt cutters quickly cut through the connector cables, freeing the steering wheel with ease. This means the lock didn’t live up to its intended level of security.
However, it did leave the seatbelt cover behind, which could still make the thief vulnerable to a “click-it-or-ticket” violation.
Best Classic Lock
3. Cartman Vehicle Steering-Wheel Lock
- $25 at Amazon
- $25 at Walmart
Pros
- Withstood bolt cutters well
- Acts as a strong visual deterrent
Cons
- Doesn’t stow easily out of the way
For those who appreciate a more traditional design, the Cartman may be an appealing choice. This classic steering-wheel lock features two hooks that secure it onto the wheel.
One end is longer, which restricts the steering wheel’s movement when it makes contact with an obstacle inside the cabin, effectively preventing any significant turns.
This longer end can be positioned in various ways; we chose to wedge it between the A-pillar and the windshield, though there are many other positions where it can be installed.
Installation is straightforward, though it requires a firm pull on the center ratchet to achieve a tight fit.
Where to get it: Cartman Vehicle Steering-Wheel Lock
When testing its removal, shaking by hand, hammering, and drilling proved ineffective. However, our bolt cutters managed to snip through the center aluminum shaft.
While not many steering-wheel locks could withstand our bolt cutters, the Cartman resisted better than all except for the Tevlaphee, which was virtually impenetrable.
Best Visual Deterrent
4. Winner International The Club 3000 Twin Hooks
Now 11% Off
- $34 $30 at Amazon
- $39 at AutoZone
Pros
- Bright yellow and large size
- Easy to install
Cons
- Easy to remove
The Club 3000 Twin Hooks, from the company that introduced the original The Club wheel lock back in the 1980s, retains the classic steering-wheel lock design: two anchor points on the wheel, a ratcheting mechanism between them, and a long arm that prevents the wheel from turning completely.
The key distinction between this device and the Cartman model we also tested is that the Club 3000 features two hooks on each end instead of just one.
During installation, the hooks felt somewhat loose against the wheel, even when the arm was extended to its maximum length. We initially questioned whether we were installing it incorrectly, but the instructions confirmed that this looseness was normal.
Where the Club 3000 stands out is in its deterrent factor. The vibrant yellow hooks and its large size make it impossible to ignore; its bold, eye-catching presence practically shouts “Keep out!” This makes it a practical choice for discouraging theft.
However, removing the lock proved alarmingly simple. A single swing of a hammer was enough to loosen it enough for easy removal.
Where to get it: Winner International The Club 3000 Twin Hooks
We repeated this process several times, and each time, one swift strike was enough to dislodge the Club 3000 and release the wheel.
We also tested the lock with bolt cutters, which effortlessly snapped the aluminum shaft. Any determined thief intent on stealing your car would likely be able to bypass this lock with minimal effort.
Biggest Dud
5. Vechkom Steering Wheel Lock with Alarm
Now 18% Off
- $80 $66 at Amazon
- $69 at Walmart
Pros
- Easy setup once you figure it out
- When correctly installed, tools are required to remove it
Cons
- Won’t work if installed incorrectly
- Difficult to understand the installation process
- Subpar alarm performance
- Requires batteries (sold separately)
The Vechkom relies on an alarm system to provide protection. The installation process involves closing the clamps over a half-turned steering wheel, with the motion-sensor arm resting on the dashboard.
The idea is simple: any tampering triggers the alarm, which is intended to scare off potential thieves.
However, in practice, the device fails to meet expectations. Installing it correctly is surprisingly difficult. Vechkom did not provide clear installation instructions in the package, and there was no website or social media presence available to assist.
After some searching, we discovered the installation instructions buried on the product’s Amazon listing. This might not be a big issue in some cases, but in this case, if the Vechkom isn’t installed correctly, it simply won’t work.
(For reference, the steering wheel must be turned 180 degrees, and the device needs to be clamped onto a spoke or a small portion of the wheel.)
The alarm sensor’s sensitivity is another major flaw. We manipulated the wheel fairly aggressively during our test, but the alarm never went off.
When it finally did trigger, its sound reached only 96 decibels well below the claimed 130 decibels and it could easily be muffled by placing a hand over the small speaker.
We covered the speaker and measured just 76 decibels, roughly equivalent to the sound of a handheld vacuum. Even more concerning, the alarm only lasts for 20 seconds, meaning a determined thief could simply wait it out.
Where to get it: Vechkom Steering Wheel Lock with Alarm
However, once the device is installed properly, the lock itself is sturdy and would require tools to remove.
Despite many Amazon reviewers praising the Vechkom for its performance and loud alarm, rating it 4.2 stars, our experience was far from ideal.
This is a prime example of why we buy and test the products we feature ourselves and don’t solely rely on manufacturer claims or Amazon reviews to determine their effectiveness.
How We Tested Steering-Wheel Locks
Since steering-wheel locks are advertised as anti-theft devices, we wanted to push them to their limits. To do so, we took the locks to Regal U-Pull It, where we could test them without fear of damaging our cars.
For each test, we unboxed and installed each lock according to the instructions, assessing the installation process, the fit on the steering wheel, and any unique features the lock might offer.
When testing breakability, we first tried to remove the locks by hand. If that didn’t work, we moved on to a chisel and hammer.
If the lock still wasn’t compromised, we used a drill bit. Finally, we resorted to bolt cutters, which usually serve as the ultimate test for any lock.
