Keeping your car secure can be as simple as anchoring it in place with a good wheel clamp. Devices like steering locks are another simple protection device, but for pure protection, a wheel clamp cannot be beaten.
Wheel clamps will render your car immobile when attached and are nearly impossible to remove without making a big noise and using some seriously powerful tools. In short, unless you’ve locked up a very expensive car, a would-be thief will more than likely give up.
The best wheel clamps at a glance:
Editor’s pick: Maypole MP9065 Wheel Clamp – Buy now on Amazon UK
Best wheel clamp for caravans: Nemesis Wheel Clamp – Buy now on Amazon UK
Best budget over-wheel clamp: Stoplock Wheel Clamp – Buy now on Amazon UK
We’ve put together a list of the best wheel clamps currently on the market to give you total peace of mind that your car will be where you left it when you return.
The best wheel clamps in detail
Editor's pick
Rrp: £33.24
Rrp: £33.24
Pros
- Wheel nut protection
- Tamper-proof lock
- Weather-resistant
Cons
- Not suitable for larger wheels (17"+)
Quick protection
Pros
- Easy to attach
- Lightweight option
Cons
- No wheel nut protection
Best wheel clamp for caravans
Pros
- Ultimate protection, including wheel nuts
- Protects wheels from scratches
- Cool name
Cons
- Designed for caravans
Best budget over-wheel clamp
Pros
- Offers wheel nut protection
- Good value option
- Two keys supplied
Cons
- Only suitable for up to 15" wheels
- Not ideal for SUVs
Best for larger wheels
Pros
- Wheel nut protection
- Fits larger wheels
- Sold Secure approval
Cons
- Can be tricky to fit
What you need to know about wheel clamps
What different types are there?
All wheel clamps that work with cars will attach to the tyre, and so are called tyre clamps. These wrap around the wheel and prevent the car from moving. Axle clamps are available for trailers and caravans, but they will not work with powered vehicles.
What features should you be looking for?
The best wheel clamps will cover the wheel nuts giving you extra protection. That’ll make it harder to remove the wheel if a persistent thief tries to take the car by removing the wheel. With any clamp that covers the wheel nuts, make sure it has a rubber pad to protect your wheel from scratches.
Make sure that the lock is weather-resistant if you’re planning on leaving it outside. The last thing you’ll want is your car to be permanently immobile because the lock has seized.
The final thing to look for is a Sold Secure approval. This means that the wheel clamp has gone through independent testing, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. After that why not consider a car tracker for an extra layer of security?
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in cleaning and hand tools. With an MA in Automotive Journalism, when he’s not testing buckets, he can be found looking at old Porsches
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