The Best Anti-theft Steering Wheel Locks of 2019

Bottom Line: Disklok Is Serious about Security

Most of the steering wheel locks we researched had the same design problems: they could be defeated with a well-placed kick, a sharp hacksaw blade, or an experienced lockpicker. The Disklok was the only car steering wheel lock with a design that withstood these common auto theft techniques. 

Its steel shell has no obvious weak points that say “Cut here!” and its lock is so resistant to picking that even Disklok owners report having to do some key wiggling to get it to unlock (which is actually an intentional safety feature). Its weight and size make it less convenient to carry with you than some of the other locks we studied, but it outperforms the competition when it comes to security. If you want a lock that’s more than just a deterrent and gives you real car theft protection, Disklok is the clear choice.

Compare the Best Steering Wheel Locks

Data effective 3/28/2019. Offers and availability subject to change.

Best Steering Wheel Lock Reviews

Disklock: Best Overall

When it’s not on your steering wheel, the Disklok looks (and feels) kind of like a Frisbee the Hulk might use, but on your wheel it looks more like an impenetrable steering wheel lock fortress. It weighs about as much as a bowling ball (11 lb.) and it operates like a childproofing doorknob cover. You lock it in place over the steering wheel, and if you try to turn, the Disklok spins freely, making it impossible to steer. It takes two hands to put it on, but it’s easy to lock and doesn’t require you to ratchet up the tension for a tight fit like club-style locks. 

The Disklok isn’t without its weaknesses—we saw a guy with a metal grinder cut it off in about three and a half minutes. But in car theft time, that’s pretty long, and using power tools would be noisy enough to draw quite a bit of attention. Because the Disklok is different from most normal bar-style steering wheel locks, it takes longer to figure out, so it’s a good deterrent. With manual tools, it would be impossible to remove. Just make sure you select a Disklok device that’s the right size for your steering wheel, because if it’s too snug it won’t work correctly. 

The Club 3000: Budget Pick

The Club 3000’s bright yellow plastic coating makes it easy for a thief to spot, and its double hook design makes it hard for a thief to remove. It was the locking device’s twin-hook design that put it in our top three, because the two hooks automatically make it twice as hard for a would-be thief to cut it off your steering wheel. The reinforced housing around the lock helps protect against drilling, but someone with lockpicking skills can easily pick the wafer lock and remove the device. The lock can also be defeated by sheer force—a hard hit or kick can bend the chromoly steel tubing enough to remove it. 

Fortunately, The Club 3000 manufacturers offer a guarantee of $500 toward your insurance deductible if the device fails, but you have to get through quite a bit of red tape before you see the money. Still, with a price tag of around $20, you can get a highly visual theft deterrent without having to spend a lot of cash.

The Club 2100: Best for Trucks and SUVs

If you drive a larger vehicle and yellow isn’t your color, you may want to try the red Club 2100 on for size. Just like its Club cousins, the 2100 uses hooks on either end and a steel ratcheting system to lock on to your steering wheel. The clubbed end extends out to prevent a would-be thief from turning the wheel. 

A determined thief can hacksaw through the chrome-covered ratcheting column in the center or drill through the lock to remove it, but The Club is still a good visual deterrent. We like the universal fit this device offers and the $1,800 deductible reimbursement guarantee from the manufacturer. Unfortunately, the guarantee is good only up to a year and all the paperwork has to be done via snail mail. 

More Steering Wheel Locks That Are Worth a Look

The CL303

The CL303 works a little differently than the other Club products on our list. One hook loops around your steering wheel while the other hooks onto a clutch, gas, or brake pedal. Once you get the steering wheel locked, turning the wheel or pressing the pedal just tightens the lock. 

It’s a unique design that might thwart a thief, but it’s not as easy to attach as a steering wheel locking device, and it doesn’t fit larger vehicles. If you do go with this design, make sure to attach it with your steering wheel in the lowest position. Also, keep some graphite on hand to lubricate the locking mechanism as the lock can stick and the key won’t turn. 

Monojoy

We like that this Monojoy steering wheel lock is designed with a pointed end that can be used as a safety hammer to break glass in case of an emergency. The unique lock and keys on this device are another plus: the lock spins if someone tries to drill it, and the keys have a wavy pattern to them that makes them hard to duplicate. 

The insides of the hooks have a foam grip to prevent the lock from sliding. Even if a car thief cut the steering wheel, it would still be hard to slide the Monojoy lock off. Keep in mind that this lock isn’t as large as some of the others on our list, so it may not work with trucks and SUVs.

Car Theft Prevention Tips

Steering wheel locks are just one element of car safety; there’s more you can do to avoid getting your car stolen. Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas, lock your doors, and use remote car starters only when you’re in sight of your vehicle. Taking precautionary steps ahead of time like installing devices such as GPS trackers and kill switches can make all the difference in stopping car thieves and getting your vehicle back right away. 

Steering Wheel Locks FAQs

Isn’t my steering wheel locked without the key in the ignition?

Most cars with power steering have a device called an ignition lock cylinder that locks the steering wheel in place unless your keys are in the ignition. An experienced car thief will know how to remove the ignition lock assembly (even without a key) and unlock the steering wheel, so an additional steering wheel lock is still a good idea.

Where should I keep the key to my steering wheel lock?

We recommend keeping the key to your lock on a different key ring than the one holding the keys to your car. That way, if your car keys get stolen, the thief might be able to turn your ignition switch, but they won’t be able to unlock your steering wheel to drive away.

How should I care for my steering wheel lock?

If possible, keep your lock in a dry place when you’re not using it so it won’t rust. If you want to store it under your seat or on the floor of your car, wrapping it in a small towel or keeping it in a case will protect it from moisture. If the master lock starts sticking, use graphite rather than a liquid lubricant, since liquid oil-based lubricants can attract dirt and debris and gum up the lock even more over time. 

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• The Best Aftermarket Remote Car Starters