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Cheap Steering Wheel Lock: A Low-Cost Deterrent That Keeps Car Thieves Away

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -cost-deterrent-that-keeps-car-thieves-away.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 7:35 GMT by Daily Express

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A Motoring Expert’s Low‑Cost, High‑Impact Trick to Keep Thieves at Bay

Every year, thousands of cars in the United Kingdom are stolen, and the cost to owners can be staggering. The 2023 crime statistics released by the Office for National Statistics reported a 19 % increase in vehicle thefts compared with 2022, with an estimated loss of £2.2 billion to the automotive industry and consumers alike. For many car owners, the most affordable and practical way to protect their vehicle is to use a deterrent that doesn’t require a pricey alarm system or a full‑spectrum immobiliser.

That’s exactly what the Express article “Motoring expert’s cheap and effective deterrent to stop car theft” highlights: a cheap steering wheel lock that can be purchased for under £30 and used to secure a car against opportunistic thieves. While a steering lock is not a fool‑proof solution, it can significantly raise the level of difficulty and risk for a would‑be burglar, often causing them to move on to an easier target.

What the Expert Says

The article introduces the motoring specialist, Mark Bennett, a veteran of the UK’s car‑security industry who has spent the past 15 years advising both dealers and private owners on how to make their vehicles harder to steal. Bennett’s recommendation is a simple “steering wheel lock” that can be purchased at major retailers such as B&Q, Halfords, or online marketplaces like Amazon. The lock is described as “compact, easy to install and remove, and cheap enough that most people will have no hesitation to try it out.”

In a short interview, Bennett explains why he recommends this approach over more expensive options:

“A cheap steering lock gives you an instant, visible deterrent. If a thief sees a lock on the wheel, they’ll instantly know that the job will take longer and they’ll face a higher risk of damage to the vehicle. That alone can dissuade many criminals who are looking for a quick win.”

He goes on to say that while a professional thief might still find a way around the lock, the added time and risk usually force them to move on, thereby reducing the chance that the car will be stolen.

How It Works and Why It Matters

The steering wheel lock works by clamping over the wheel and securing it to the steering column. When locked, the driver cannot turn the wheel, which effectively renders the car immobile and, in many cases, also prevents the steering from being fixed back into place using a standard key. The lock is typically made of high‑strength steel and can survive a forceful attempt to break it, but it is not meant to stop a professional thief with specialized tools. Its value lies in the deterrent effect – making the vehicle visibly “protected” in a way that reduces the likelihood of a burglary.

Bennett points out that the lock is especially useful in high‑risk urban areas, where parked cars are often targeted at night. The cheap cost of the lock means that most owners can keep a spare on hand and install it whenever they leave their car in a public space.

Installation, Use and Practical Tips

The Express article provides a step‑by‑step guide to installing the lock:

1. Choose the Right Size – The lock must fit your car’s steering wheel circumference. Most locks are adjustable, but you’ll want to ensure that the clamp will grip securely without slipping.
2. Position the Lock – Place the lock on the steering wheel’s top or front side, ensuring that it is not obscuring the driver’s view or interfering with the seat belt.
3. Secure the Lock – Fasten the lock’s locking mechanism (usually a lever or screw) and tighten it until the wheel can’t move.
4. Store a Spare – Keep a spare lock in a hidden location, such as a small lockbox or a dedicated compartment, so that you can swap locks quickly if your current one is lost or broken.

Bennett also advises owners not to rely on the lock alone. He recommends combining it with other low‑cost security measures such as:

• Parking in well‑lit, high‑traffic areas – Criminals are less likely to target cars that are easily visible.
• Using a steering wheel cover or dashcam – These can serve as additional deterrents.
• Keeping the car’s keys and fob secure – Locking the fob in a small battery pack or safe reduces the risk of remote‑control theft.

Where to Buy and Price Point

The article lists several reputable sources where the lock can be purchased:

• B&Q – The “B&Q Steering Lock” costs £28 for a standard 4‑in‑1 model.
• Halfords – Their “Halfords 4‑in‑1 Steering Wheel Lock” is priced at £24.
• Amazon – A range of third‑party brands such as “SteerLock” or “WheelGuard” can be found for as low as £15, though buyers are cautioned to read reviews and check product specifications.

Bennett stresses that while cheaper brands may save a few pounds, the cheapest lock often compromises on durability or ease of use. He suggests investing in a lock with a solid steel frame and a locking mechanism that has a good track record of security in independent tests.

Expert Advice on When to Use It

Bennett explains that the lock is best suited for “opportunistic theft,” which accounts for roughly 60 % of all car thefts in the UK. These are cases where a thief simply steals a car that is parked for a short period in a high‑traffic area. In contrast, sophisticated thieves who plan to target a particular make or model usually use high‑tech methods such as signal jamming or remote‑control hacks. For those cases, Bennett recommends a more advanced immobiliser or a GPS tracking device – but for most everyday users, a cheap steering wheel lock is a cost‑effective first line of defense.

Real‑World Impact

To give readers a tangible sense of the lock’s impact, the Express article quotes a few users who tried the device. One owner, Laura G. from Manchester, reports:

“I left my car on a busy street last week, and a thief was about to grab it when they saw the lock on the wheel. They ran away immediately. I feel a lot safer now.”

Another user, David R. from Edinburgh, says:

“I was skeptical at first, but the lock made it clear to me that my car wasn’t an easy target. I’ve seen two cars with no lock left on the same street last week – one of them was stolen, the other wasn’t.”

These anecdotes underline a key point: even a low‑cost lock can alter the decision calculus of a thief.

Bottom Line

The Express article’s central takeaway is simple: buy a cheap steering wheel lock, install it whenever you park, and you add a visible, effective deterrent that costs less than the price of a small alarm system. While it won’t stop every thief, the time, effort, and potential damage required to bypass the lock often cause criminals to abandon their attempts and move on to an easier target.

For car owners who are looking for a quick, inexpensive upgrade to their vehicle’s security, a steering wheel lock is an excellent starting point. By combining it with sensible parking habits and basic safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of being a victim of car theft – all without breaking the bank.