Steering wheel locks were popular in the 1970s and 1980s when the standard of car security meant many cars could be unlocked using a paperclip, a front door key or a coat hanger. If nothing else, they provided a visual deterrent, helping to ward off opportunist thieves and slowing down more determined criminals.
The humble steering wheel lock fell out of favour when car manufacturers upped their game. Improved locks, smart immobilisers and efficient tracking systems levelled the playing field. But those were the days before the keyless car theft ‘epidemic’.
Following years of a downward trend in the number of vehicle thefts, car crime is on the up. Keyless car theft, also known as a relay attack, is to blame. In turn, this has rocketed the demand for RFID and Faraday key pouches to block the key’s relay signal.
The best car steering wheel locks of 2025 – our picks
It might seem odd to fit a steering wheel lock to a high-tech new car that costs tens of thousands of pounds and may even have its own car tracking device. We’re not saying it will stop your car from being stolen, but a steering wheel lock could add valuable minutes to the seconds it might take to steal a car using a relay attack, and a criminal will think twice about stealing a car if they see a steering wheel lock. You might even get a small discount on your car insurance.
How we test
Fitting a steering wheel lock is just one of the things you can do to keep your car safe. Keyless car theft means that this old-school security device is enjoying a renaissance alongside the rise in Faraday boxes.
If you own an older car with poor locks, no alarm and a basic immobiliser, a steering wheel lock is a must-have and that’s what we looked to when testing steering locks on our list. Some cars are stolen to order, while others are taken to be stripped for parts. Either way, a steering wheel lock could encourage a thief to keep walking, even if you’ve got a fairly vulnerable vehicle like a Range Rover. If nothing else, it will slow them down, which could mean that they’re caught in the act.
While testing steering wheel locks we looked at how each fit the car, and the ease of putting the lock into action. A determined criminal will defeat even the best lock, before taking the plunge read our reviews to see how each performed. For a car that’s parked up for long periods of time, a wheel clamp can add an even greater layer of security.
The best steering wheel locks:
Editor's pick
Made from hardened steel and featuring a pick-proof lock, it'll act as both a visual deterrent and should put up a good fight against any attack. Milenco claims it is resistant to sawing and freezing. They tell us that it is tough enough to resist 300 seconds of attack, that's five minutes, which is probably a lot more time than the average opportunist thief would want to spend in that situation.
Despite being tough-looking and made of thick steel it's still reasonably easy to manoeuvre around the cabin. It couldn't be described as lightweight (it weighs 2.45kg), so just take care not to hit it against any of the trim, switches or fittings (they're sure to come off worse). Its shape makes it reasonably easy to store in the passenger footwell when it's not in use, although it can have a tendency to move around, which can be an even bigger pain if you have a passenger.
The main benefit of this lock is that it takes seconds to lock in place, secure your steering wheel, and provide that big visual deterrent.
What really endears me to the Milenco is the efficient use of space. It’s an expertly packaged and compact option. It’s not too ungainly to store, easily slotting away when it’s not needed. I’d heartily recommend this, going so far as to call it the best steering wheel lock a motorist could need for everyday use.
Review by Ryan Gilmore
For more information, see our full Milenco HS Steering Wheel Lock review here.
Pros
- Simple to install
- Sold Secure Gold rating
- Great quality lock
Cons
- Doesn't cover the full steering wheel
- Not the most obvious visual deterrent
Best Stoplock steering wheel lock
Having owned a previous design of the classic Stoplock steering lock for many years, I can say that the Stoplock Pro Elite is a noticeable improvement on the original in terms of being easier to fit. It comfortably and much more easily accommodates the more bulbous airbag steering wheel designs we have today, especially the rather oversized one on our Dacia test car.
This type of steering lock seems to be preferred by the majority of motorists because it is one of the most common I see, particularly with models at high risk of theft like the Ford Fiesta and Range Rover. While steering locks won't stop a determined thief, they will slow them down. Stoplock says the Pro Elite is extremely difficult to remove or damage, even with heavy-duty tools.
The bend is designed to comfortably attach to steering wheels fitted with airbags, and thanks to the coated exterior, it shouldn't leave scratches. Like the Milenco, it's easy to fit. It's also worth noting that I use a Disklok on another car, which I find heavy to lift on and off the steering wheel, requiring the use of both hands and strength from both arms to use - the Stoplock Pro Elite is light and easy to lift with one arm. It even comes with two keys and a handy storage bag for when it's not in use.
Review by David Kirby
Pros
- Excellent visual deterrent
- Great build quality
- One of the best Stoplock steering wheel locks
Cons
- Still hefty
- Check it fits
Disklok Diamond Security Edition
The best rugged full steering wheel lock
To use, it's certainly quite heavy. Reassuringly so, as I doubt anyone would ever trust a lightweight lock. And it's nice that it comes in a storage bag, so you can keep things tidy when you take it off. To lock in place is a different story in my experience - you do have to fiddle around with the key and locking mechanism in order to… well, get the steering wheel locked.
Because of its size and opening mechanism, you do have to allow a lot of room to take it on and off. The driver's door had to be quite wide open on our test, and I can imagine trying to faff around in a tight parking space for one's apartment would be tricky. Nevertheless, if you want top-level security and ultimately the best peace of mind for keeping your car safe, you can't really better the big Diamond.
Review by Aaron Hussain
Pros
- Robust rugged protection
- Police, Sold Secure approved
- Diamonite construction to foil angle grinders
Cons
- Can be fiddly to lock
- Needs a lot of room for fitting and removal
Best for thick steering wheels
Rrp: $65.09
Rrp: $65.09
Pros
- Quick and easy to fit and remove
- High visible deterrent
- Good value for money
Cons
- It's important to check vehicle compatibility
- Not as many security features as rivals
The best budget full cover steering wheel lock
As well as covering the entire steering wheel, the bar attachment would make contact with interior surfaces, preventing the wheel from turning. It comes with two keys and a storage bag.
Pros
- Full wheel covering
- Highly visible
- Acts as a great deterrent
Cons
- Difficult to store
- Won't fit every wheel
Best wheel and brake lock
It adds an extra step to the security level as two major components are locked tightly rather than just the wheel. It comes with two keys and takes just a few seconds to fit and lock in place.
Pros
- Clever and secure design
- Locks onto whichever pedal you decide
- Easy to fit
Cons
- Not the most secure thing available
- Not a visual deterrent
Best budget steering wheel lock
It acts as a great visual deterrent, although the level of security is arguably reflected in the price. It's a lot easier to cut into for instance, than the more premium locks we have on this list.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Great visual deterrent
- Fits most modern steering wheels
Cons
- Not as secure as some may want
- Basic security features
Steering wheel lock FAQs:
-
How does a steering wheel lock work?
A steering wheel lock works by physically preventing the steering wheel from turning, by using an external bar that spans across or on top of the wheel, making it impossible to steer. This acts as a theft deterrent by making it difficult to drive the vehicle.
-
Are steering wheel locks effective?
Steering wheel locks are moderately effective as a theft deterrent, as it makes it harder and more time-consuming to steal a vehicle. However, determined thieves with plenty of time and the right tools can bypass them. Steering wheel locks work best as part of a layered security approach.
-
Why do I need a steering wheel lock?
A steering wheel lock adds extra security by making it harder for thieves to steal your car. It acts as a visible deterrent and provides an additional obstacle, especially in high-theft areas or for cars without advanced anti-theft systems.
-
What steering wheel locks do the police recommend?
The Disklok full steering wheel covers are approved by the police and the independently tested 'Sold Secure' team. Currently, the Gold one is the top model, but a Diamond Edition with even more security was released in May 2024.
-
Do steering wheel locks really prevent theft?
Not absolutely. Thieves can do anything and everything to get access to a car. However, in a world where cars can be stolen in seconds, steering wheel locks can delay the thieves' getaway time which can either be a deterrent to them or buy you extra time for a police response.
-
Do steering wheel locks damage the steering wheel?
They shouldn't do. As long as you're gentle with taking them on and off, no damage should really be caused. The full cover steering wheels should do the least damage since no real stress is being placed on the rim of the wheel.
-
What are the most stolen cars in the UK?
According to DVLA records, the most stolen cars in the UK in 2023 was led by the humble Ford Fiesta, with nearly 6,000 stolen in that year. The list follows on with popular cars like the VW Golf, BMW 3-Series, Mercedes C-Class, and Range Rover Sport amongst a few small Vauxhalls like the Corsa and Astra.
The situation is so bad for JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), that a security update had to be issued to cars registered between 2016-2019 in an attempt to combat the massive increase in thefts. It also introduced its own insurance scheme as many owners are affected by either high premiums or not being able to be insured at all.
Sign up to the Parkers Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews, news, and recommendations from the Parkers team.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
