Do Steering Wheel Locks Actually Prevent Car Theft?

When it comes to car security, it’s important to add layers of security as opposed to just one type, like a steering wheel lock, for example. Don’t get us wrong, the steering wheel lock can aid in preventing your car from being stolen, but it’s not without its flaws. Ultimately, we wondered if steering wheel locks really serve their purpose.

Steering wheel locks are effective, except when they are not
In case you’re not aware of what a steering wheel lock is, it’s a locking rod-type device made of metal and plastic that stretches across your car’s steering wheel to prevent it from being steered properly by the wrong hands. What that means is that if a thief gets your car started and attempts to drive it without removing the lock first, they won’t be able to properly drive the car, rendering it useless and hopefully deterring the theft altogether.

However, over the years, many car thieves and television shows have proven to debunk the effectiveness of steering wheel locks ever since “The Club,” which is one of the original steering wheel locks to hit the market, came out. Thanks to The Club, the popularity of the steering wheel lock soared, and many copies of it were invented and even revised to make theft even harder. But we’re not sure that those revisions actually helped.