► How tough are steering wheel locks?
► We’ve tested them to see how easy they are to use
► Sold Secure ratings explained and what they mean for the products
Steering wheel locks are a low-tech, mechanical solution to the world of high-tech car crime alongside the high-tech faraday pouches and car trackers. Modern steering wheel locks are now packed with advanced car security features including drill-proof locks, hardened steel and advanced locking mechanisms, the perfect way to fight back against car crime.
Once commonplace on cars in the not-too distant past, a slab of yellow metal across the steering wheel was the biggest protection method money could buy. There was a time when it didn’t take much to unlock a car and drive it away; a coat hanger, some skill in hotwiring, and sometimes a teaspoon to slot into the ignition, that was all it took to take someone’s pride and joy.
Advances in locks and security measures such as magnetic car trackers saw them fall out of favour in the 2000s, but with the rise of keyless entry and, with it, keyless entry thefts, the police are now recommending the steering wheel lock for total peace of mind. So, much like baseball jackets and trench coats, these once-popular items of the past are now coming back into fashion.
The best steering wheel locks at a glance:
We’ve rounded up the best steering wheel locks on sale, looking at these criteria. We’ve also factored in price and ease of use, two non-security features that’ll still make a big difference. You’ll be placing a lot of trust in a steering wheel lock, so make sure you get the best one you can afford. If you want to add an extra layer of security, have a look at our recommendations for the best wheel clamps.
1. Disklok Gold Edition
Disklok is perhaps the ultimate benchmark when it comes to steering wheel locks. They’re designed to withstand angle grinder attacks as well as boasting independent body, Sold Secure’s Gold Rating – hence the name.
The police have independently recommended it, too. This is found via the the ‘Secured by Design’ label which adds to its durability and toughness. Upon testing the Gold Edition, we found that its enormous size would make it tricky to use day-to-day and it takes up a fair amount of room in the boot or footwell.
With that being said, the satisfaction of the mechanical clunk and the obvious deterrant warning makes the Gold Edition a solid addition to protecting your cherished vehicle.
2. Disklok Diamond Edition
The design of the Diamond Edition is exactly the same as the Gold Edition, except for one thing: Sold Secure have a higher rating than Gold, called Diamond, and this lock is exactly that. In essence, it’s tougher than the Gold Edition and costs a mighty £100 more.
It’s fair to say then, you can’t beat the Diamond Edition. It’s the most secure and unbreakable steering wheel lock on the market and cannot be faulted if you want the ultimate in car security. We have tried it ourselves, and we love the durability of it. The sense of weight and bank vault-like toughness make it one of the most satisfying things to ever put on your car. There are however, a few drawbacks.
The main one is usability. Like the Gold Edition, it could be quite tricky to live with day-to-day. We tested the Diamond on a Mazda MX5, and you have to have the door fully open to be able to take it on and off – not easy in shopping centre car parks. And we wouldn’t recommend having it without the fabric wheel cover, because the metal of the lock could end up damaging the surface of the steering wheel. For outright security purposes though, it’s rather excellent.
3. Milenco HS Lock
A slimmer, more basic design than the Diskloks. The Milenco HS represents two things: a more affordable steering wheel lock (under £100, in fact), and one that can be used day-to-day more easily.
Sold Secure have given it its Gold rating. So on paper, it’s just as good as the Disklok Gold Edition. What mainly stands out is the ease of getting it on and off; it is quite heavy, but it’s still much friendlier to the casual user and its more compact size means you can stow it away without taking up too much room. To take on and off, we found it to be immensely simple, and you can do the full process in a matter of seconds.
4. Stoplock Pro Elite
Sporting a more traditional lock, the Stoplock Pro Elite is what most people would first think of when buying such an item. Its design has been superseded by the likes of Milenco and Disklok, but is the Pro Elite still a viable option for vehicle security?
Having tested it, we believe it is. Not only is it easy to remove and store away when not in use, but it wraps around modern steering wheels rather nicely. Because of its coated surface, it shouldn’t scratch the wheel, either. What’s more, it even has a Gold Rating from Sold Secure, so it’s still as tough as the Milenco and Disklok Gold edition on paper. And for around £50, it’s the best value option you can get.
5. Armaplate Resolute Gold Steering Wheel Lock
Also stamped with Sold Secure’s Gold rating, the Armaplate Resolute lock is an option that covers both the wheel and the pedals of your vehicle – making things extra tricky for chancing thieves.
Armaplate claims it’s both drill and saw-proof and universal enough to fit most cars, vans and even motorhomes. However, like the Disklok products, it is quite expensive. You won’t get much change from around £340, making this the costliest option on our list. With that being said, if you’re securing the second most expensive purchase next to a house, such investments may well be worth every penny.
FAQs
Are steering wheel locks effective?+
Yes, steering wheel locks are great security tools which are effective against car theft. They may be old-fashioned, but few measures have beaten them. A physical deterrent like it may deter thieves from trying to steal your vehicle, as it will delay their getaway.
Are steering wheel locks any good?+
The simple answer is yes. The steering wheel locks we've tested have proven to be excellent. You should also trust the judging of independent body, Sold Secure, that rate these products depending on their level of secure-ness. Diamond is the top rating and Gold comes just below.
Are steering wheel locks universal?+
Yes, most steering wheel locks are universal to most vehicles. However, you should always make a note of the wheel diameter before making your purchase. A wheel of an old MK1 Cortina is considerably larger than a Mondeo's, and one steering wheel lock won't necessarily fit both.
Which steering wheel lock is best?+
Based on ratings and security, nothing can top the Disklok Diamond Edition steering wheel lock. Sold Secure say its angle grinder-proof and can withstand a number of criminal attacks. With its Diamond rating from the independent body, the highest score a product can get, it's hard to beat it.
What is Sold Secure?+
Sold Secure is an independent body that puts automotive security products through a series of tests before giving them ratings, based on their toughness. The ranks are Silver, Gold, and Diamond and the level of security is higher in that chronological order. You can almost think of it as a Euro NCAP, but for automotive security products.