With high-tech car thefts on the rise, a low-tech car security measure is seeing a huge resurgence. Steering wheel locks add an extra layer of protection to a car, immobilising the steering wheel and acting as a visual deterrent. The Disklok Gold Edition is one of the toughest options available, and we’ve put it to the test.
Made from hardened steel and available in three different sizes, it covers the full steering wheel, developing it in a protective layer that’ll spin freely on the wheel if attacked, a clever line of defence against tool attacks. It’s a police-recommended device developed to resist angle-grinder attacks and be the last line in car protection.
Parkers Deputy Commercial Content Editor Ryan Gilmore has been testing the Disklok Gold Edition. While he didn’t try his hands at breaking into his own car, he has spent the last six weeks living with the Disklok day-to-day to see whether this security device is the shield that you need.
Verdict score: 4.5/5
Verdict: Money well spent to keep a car safe, but not the last word in portability.
Pros
- Designed not to be defeated by thieves
- Outstanding build quality
- Awesome visual deterrent
Cons
- Bulkier to store than other wheel locks
- You'll want the optional steering wheel sleeve
What’s good?
The Disklok has the ability to turn any car into Fort Knox on wheels, the ultimate compliment of a steering wheel lock. With two independently verified security rankings to its name, you’ll be buying something you know can put up a fight against car attacks.
The first is the Sold Secure Gold accreditation, meaning this Disklok could provide resistance against ‘a dedicated tool list’ which would be used in a dedicated attack. This includes battery-powered angle grinders, normally the folly of steering wheel locks. The ‘Diamonite’ reinforced steel is designed to withstand this common attack, and such accreditation shows it works.
The Secured by Design rating means the Police approve it as an effective security measure. This again means independent testing and re-testing to ensure continued quality. In short, with both of these awards hanging in its home, the Disklok is one tough item to break open.
To run a hand across every piece of equipment, you’ll be met with nothing more than hardened steel and a 4.5kg weight. There’s not a single piece of the Disklok that doesn’t feel purposeful and heavy. It hinges to open, and the locking mechanism is latched into place using a spring-loaded locking pin mechanism. It’s another low-tech solution, but it ensures the device is locked up properly. It also allows for a small level of size adjustment.
The yellow finish is particularly eye-catching. You could have a neon green interior, and this giant orb of yellow metal would still stand out, making it the ultimate visual deterrent. From my first-floor home office, I could easily identify the steering wheel lock when my car was parked 30 metres away. The benefit of this peacocking colour scheme is that it places the security device front and centre, hopefully making the would-be thief think twice. A silver version is also available for a more retiring look.
Really, the Disklok stands out as the ultimate mechanical protection for a car. Partnered with a Faraday box, if your car is fitted with keyless entry, and a thief will think twice before trying to steal your pride and joy.
What’s okay?
A steering wheel-sized device like this isn’t going to be the easiest of things to apply. With a steeper windscreen or cramped interior space, the Disklok will begin to test your nerves as you try and apply it. The combination of ungainly design and steel construction means it’s not the easiest device to attach and remove.
With a steeper windscreen, you’ll also more than likely need to lock and unlock the device blind; not a major issue, but it may require some jiggling to release the key after the cleaning has occurred. Cars with more spacious areas swallowed up the Disklok’s disembarking manoeuvres with no issue, but the VW T-Roc and Fiat 500E did require some smart thinking to avoid damaged interior surfaces or trapped fingers.
Any negatives?
All of that 39cm needs somewhere to go, and it’s not a compact device. While attaching and securing the device can be a bit of a faff, storing it while not in use is a real pain. Disklok do offer a storage bag as an optional extra, which makes storage easier, but it’ll still eat up a fair bit of room no matter where you keep it. It swallowed up my passenger footwell and it may be a better choice to keep it in the boot so it doesn’t eat away at interior space. The handle can at least be tucked inside the body to cut down on some bulk.
The protective steering wheel cover is an essential accessory if you want to avoid scratching the finish on your steering wheel. There’s a small sliver of padding on the standard unit, but repeated use will inevitably lead to rubbing and marking, especially on leather steering wheels. The elasticated protective cover solves this issue by providing another layer of protection, it’s a pity that it’s an optional extra.
Other products to consider
Pros
- Features the same independent security ratings
- Easier to attach and remove
- Stilla visual deterrent
Cons
- This doesn't cover the full steering wheel
- It's deceptively heavy
Pros
- Excellent visual deterrent
- Great build quality
- One of the best Stoplock steering wheel locks
Cons
- Double check it fits steering wheels with airbags
- Doesn't offer full wheel coverage
Pros
- Full wheel covering
- Highly visible
- Acts as a great deterrent
Cons
- Still big and heavy
- Security isn't proven
Who tested it?
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Parkers, and has three years of experience testing automotive products. The owner of an older car, he’s often used a steering wheel lock to keep his car extra-secure, so teh DIsklok interested him.
How this product was tested
The Disklok Gold Edition has been used daily as a security measure. As part of this, it was applied and removed before each journey over the course of six weeks. This allowed me to gauge how easy it was to live with.
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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