Choosing the Best Steering Wheel Lock

Best Steering Wheel Locks
Best Overall Steering Wheel Lock: 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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
- 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.
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
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.