Steering Wheel Locks - Any good recommendations please?

[HGUS]

I'm in the process of getting a new Lexus and having read comments on this forum about thefts I am considering a steering wheel lock.

Are they worth it?  Any good recommendations please?

[LenT]

8 hours ago, HGUS said:

I'm in the process of getting a new Lexus and having read comments on this forum about thefts I am considering a steering wheel lock.

Are they worth it?  Any good recommendations please?

There have been a few threads recently on steering wheel locks - and similar systems.  Maybe worth seeking out?

Are they worth having?  Well that probably depends on the age of the car and where it’s located.  As a visible deterrent they can be very effective against the casual thief.

Personally, I have had a couple of Diskloks in the past.  They are probably the gold standard  - often defeating serious, mechanised attempts to defeat them.

But they are large, a bit cumbersome, and can be awkward to store when not in use.   But faced with one, it would probably be easier to tow the car away!

Apart from the Disklok, the Milenco has had very good reviews.  The latest version has additional pads to prevent the lock marking soft-rimmed steering wheels.  I’m tempted myself - except I’m not convinced that an eight year-old IS250 is on anyone’s ‘to nick’ list.  😊

[HGUS]

10 minutes ago, LenT said:

There have been a few threads recently on steering wheel locks - and similar systems.  Maybe worth seeking out?

Personally, I have had a couple of Diskloks in the past.  They are probably the gold standard  - often defeating serious, mechanised attempts to defeat them.

But they are large, a bit cumbersome, and can be awkward to store when not in use.   But faced with one, it would probably be easier to tow the car away!

Apart from the Disklok, the Milenco has had very good reviews.  The latest version has additional pads to prevent the lock marking soft-rimmed steering wheels.  I’m tempted myself - except I’m not convinced that an eight year-old IS250 is on anyone’s ‘to nick’ list.

Many thanks for your comment.  I'm very happy to hear from someone who has had first hand experience.  I'll try and seek out the threads you mention.

[LenT]

18 minutes ago, HGUS said:

Many thanks for your comment.  I'm very happy to hear from someone who has had first hand experience.  I'll try and seek out the threads you mention.

Here’s another - or additional - option depending on how mechanically inclined you are.

Many years ago I fitted a Kill Switch to the low tension lead of my two seat convertible.  This is a modern and ingenious version of that which isolates the fuel pump.

So if the thief defeats your steering lock and manages to start the engine, it will just churn over impotently.  It’s a low cost DIY job if you are able to do it - or get an auto electrician to do it for you.

 

[HGUS]

3 hours ago, LenT said:

Here’s another - or additional - option depending on how mechanically inclined you are.

Many years ago I fitted a Kill Switch to the low tension lead of my two seat convertible.  This is a modern and ingenious version of that which isolates the fuel pump.

So if the thief defeats your steering lock and manages to start the engine, it will just churn over impotently.  It’s a low cost DIY job if you are able to do it - or get an auto electrician to do it for you.

 

Very clever, like the idea! Wouldn't be too sure if it might effect the warranty though.

[LenT]

7 minutes ago, HGUS said:

Very clever, like the idea! Wouldn't be too sure if it might effect the warranty though.

An interesting point…if anyone could find it!

On the other hand, if you install an anti-theft system such as the Ghost - a popular addition to a new car which links into the Canbus - it has an even more significant effect.  Does that effect the warranty?

On the positive side, would it reduce the Insurance?  Unfortunately, these are questions above my pay grade.  😊

[HGUS]

5 minutes ago, LenT said:

An interesting point…if anyone could find it!

On the other hand, if you install an anti-theft system such as the Ghost - a popular addition to a new car which links into the Canbus - it has an even more significant effect.  Does that effect the warranty?

On the positive side, would it reduce the Insurance?  Unfortunately, these are questions above my pay grade.  😊

So much to consider.  Why can't manufacturers just make it as easy for the consumer as they do for the thief  !!