A steering wheel lock bar is a theft prevention device that locks onto your steering wheel to act as a deterrent against car theft. The bar prevents a thief from being able to turn the steering wheel, because the bar would jam against the car door, preventing the steering wheel from turning. A lock bar is a simple and cost-effective theft prevention device, but it has its disadvantages as well. Knowing its strengths and weaknesses help you make an educated decision on if you want to invest in one to protect your car.


ProperUsage

Keep the lock bar in the car at all times. Once the car is parked, bring the lock bar up to the steering wheel and extend it so that it locks into your wheel. Once the bar is properly extended into the steering wheel, lock it using a key. You then use that key once you get back to the car to unlock the bar and collapsed it until its next use.

The key to using a steering will lock bar is consistency. It is only effective if you use it every time you park your car. If you are not going to use it every time, then there is really no point in investing in one.

Advantages

One of the biggest advantages of a steering wheel lock bar is cost-effectiveness. You can usually get a basic model for under $50. The bars are made out of steel, so they are difficult to cut. They are also highly visible from outside of the vehicle, making them an effective deterrent for thieves that are not prepared for them.

The lock bar also does not take up a lot of space. It is designed to collapse when not in use, so you can easily fit it under a car seat or in your trunk when you don’t need it.

Disadvantages

Steering wheel lock bars can be inconvenient. If you are only parking for a few minutes, you may be tempted to not put it on the steering wheel. It only takes seconds to engage and disengage the lock bar, but this can still feel like a hassle over time. The lock bar is also designed to be highly visible when in place, but you may not find it aesthetically pleasing.

The biggest disadvantage is how easy it is to get off the steering wheel for a thief that is prepared. The bar itself is difficult to cut, but the steering wheel is not. Cutting the steering wheel allows a thief to remove the bar quickly and effortlessly. The bar is an effective deterrent against crimes of opportunity, but is not enough by itself to prevent a determined car thief from taking your vehicle.

Alternatives

A steering wheel lock bar is best used in conjunction with other car theft prevention devices. A basic car alarm is better for overall prevention, especially if it has a kill switch. A lock bar with a car alarm is ideal. Another alternative is a brake lock device. It works similar to a steering wheel lock bar, but it locks over the brake pedal and braces against the car seat. It is typically much more difficult for a thief to remove than a steering wheel lock bar is. While using both would make your car much harder to steal, you likely won’t want to go through the hassle of locking both devices every time you use your car.

Steering wheel lock bars have been around for decades, and this is because they have been proven effective against low-level car thieves. If you are on a tight budget, the steering wheel lock bar is certainly better than having no additional theft prevention devices. Make sure to always lock your vehicle and to park in safe, well-lit areas whenever you can. The best defense against car theft is regular diligence.