Steering wheel Clamps, added security?

[gumdrop]

I have noticed more people using steering wheel clamps for extra security, especially on key less vehicles.

One in particular stood out, the Big Disc steering wheel clamp.

Does anyone here use a steering wheel clamp, would you recommend it?

 

[BTandSid]

I’ve used a Strongarm(?) bar that fits across the steering wheel for many years, similar to the Stoplock. Sits in the footwell behind my seat when not in use. Believe the Disklok is regarded as the top device and priced accordingly. But the money being asked is small compared to the value of your car and the inconvenience of having it nicked.
I don’t think you’ll find any vehicle is immune to theft, I take the view that anything visible may act as a deterrent as it’ll slow down the thieving scumbags. 

Edited 28 February by BTandSid

[gumdrop]

1 hour ago, BTandSid said:

I’ve used a Strongarm(?) bar that fits across the steering wheel for many years, similar to the Stoplock. Sits in the footwell behind my seat when not in use. Believe the Disklok is regarded as the top device and priced accordingly. But the money being asked is small compared to the value of your car and the inconvenience of having it nicked.
I don’t think you’ll find any vehicle is immune to theft, I take the view that anything visible may act as a deterrent as it’ll slow down the thieving scumbags. 

Thank you, it is as I thought, more a deterrent to be seen than taken seriously at the cheaper end of the range, the Disc being around £150.

 

[BTandSid]

8 minutes ago, gumdrop said:

Thank you, it is as I thought, more a deterrent to be seen than taken seriously at the cheaper end of the range, the Disc being around £150.

 

Believe Halfords got 10% off deal, code MOTORING10 plus £10 voucher for joining their club. May be worth a look? Without any deals they’re asking £150, less for the locking bars

Edited 28 February by BTandSid

[gumdrop]

15 hours ago, BTandSid said:

Believe Halfords got 10% off deal, code MOTORING10 plus £10 voucher for joining their club. May be worth a look? Without any deals they’re asking £150, less for the locking bars

Thanks for that but I'm not a fan of Halfords.

[BTandSid]

5 hours ago, gumdrop said:

Thanks for that but I'm not a fan of Halfords.

Neither am I and wouldn’t use them as my first choice but they’re local. Something like the Disklok might be cheaper on line

Edited 29 February by BTandSid

[skomaz]

I use one of these (or at least a previous version of it - called 4TRESS) in my MX5 - it's a lot less bulky than the disclock and probably not a resistant but is still a good deterrent...

 

High Security Steering Wheel Lock - Milenco, Europe's leading manufacturer of award winning caravan products

[gumdrop]

Apparently the Disc is best as the baddies just cut the steering wheel into pieces to remove the hooked on or over varieties.

[rum4mo]

I've had and used a Disklok for over 10 years, I'd rather not need to mess around with that sort of thing, but as long as there are nasty people willing to take your car away, I'll continue to feel the need to use it when away from "home territory", my own car is a 2011 Audi S4 and it seems even now some people like to grab them even ones of that age, which is a bit annoying and surprising.

 

One really good thing about using my wife's 2015 Polo 1.2TSI is that it tends to get overlooked, well so far, so parking it in town is easier and causes less worry than using my car, and if taken it would be easier to replace.

 

If you are concerned about having a keyless system in your car, buying and using a Disklok is a good plan, none of our cars have keyless system,  I've also fitted a physical OBD2 barrier/blocker to avoid someone reaching in and plugging in a bit of kit to generate a new key, although you can also just remove a fuse that provides a 12V supply to that OBD2 port, which nasty people to power up their kit when generating a new key - it seems. Doing that works best on cars that have fuseboxes at the ends of the dash area as these get protected by the dead locked side doors.

 

Really, I suppose all I'm trying to do, at least with my own car, is to hope the Disklok is spotted and they move onto some other poor sucker's less protected car, I have sort of missed a trick when buying that Disklok as I opted for the standard sliver painted version - at one time there was the option to buy a bright yellow version, logic to me suggests that that version would have been the smarter buy, but I think now that lack of interest in the bright yellow one means that only the silver painted version gets made and sold.

[BTandSid]

On 29/02/2024 at 17:56, skomaz said:

I use one of these (or at least a previous version of it - called 4TRESS) in my MX5 - it's a lot less bulky than the disclock and probably not a resistant but is still a good deterrent...

 

High Security Steering Wheel Lock - Milenco, Europe's leading manufacturer of award winning caravan products

Think it’s the 4TRESS that I’ve got , not Strongarm as I originally suggested. Been using it so long the letterings worn off 😏

[bazz2004]

I decided to buy a steering lock when my new car was on order.

 

The adjustable sliding bar type was my first purchase based on euphoric Amazon reviews.  It was of Chinese design and came with stick on foam pads to protect the steering wheel.  It was inevitably going to mark the steering wheel which on a new car was a big no no.  If you go for something on these lines choose an expensive well thought out product.  The large Disklok cover looks very secure but I suspected it of being heavy and awkward to store and use. 

 

In the end I went with a Stoplock Pro after checking with the makers that it would fit the Mk 4 Fabia.  It does the job and so long as you make sure the steering wheel is close to straight on parking you'll get it on and off OK.  It takes some careful practice first. The device comes with a bag which seemed a good idea but isn't really useful in practice.  With no passenger you can rest it on the passenger seat but if it goes in the boot it will slide around and make noises.  I haven't decided how best to sort that yet.

 

Do you need extra security to secure a vehicle?  Yes of course plus a faraday type case for your key if the car has the latest digital starter button technology,

[Norton Ian]

The problem with all the ones that don't cover the steering wheel completely is that the baddies can just cut a piece out the steering wheel really easily and remove them. We had that happen to my wife's car outside our home. We then bought a Disklock for the replacement car and have used it since. It is quite heavy & cumbersome but is pretty secure. You soon get used to using it. Ours is also yellow so is a very visible deterrent. All these things just buy you time if the thieves are determined enough to take your car they will. We are just trying to make ours less attractive to them. 

[bazz2004]

The baddies hopefully will be attracted by by BMW or Mercedes models rather than a Skoda Fabia but I agree a full cover for the steering wheel is best for security. I wanted a good product but the Disklok is very expensive. The Fabia does have an alarm system so that together with something that's clearly visible (yellow) should help give piece of mind. Being careful where you park is a consideration too.

[skomaz]

6 hours ago, Norton Ian said:

The problem with all the ones that don't cover the steering wheel completely is that the baddies can just cut a piece out the steering wheel really easily and remove them. 

 

Oh totally agree...   I only use one on my old MX5 as an additional deterrent alongside a comprehensive immobiliser but am well aware that if someone really wants it they'll have it.  But if it makes them think twice and move on somewhere else it's done its job.

[bazz2004]

If you have a Mk 4 Fabia I'd give the Stoplock Pro a miss. What I'm finding very difficult is how to position it when I'm driving.  It's fine with the Stoplock perched on the passenger seat - you can remove it and secure it without any issues after putting in a little bit of practice.  Now if you carry a passenger it becomes a nuisance.  The device doesn't fit in if you move it to the rear seating area.  So what's wrong with the boot?  Well the Stoplock Pro is a very awkward size and shape when it comes to finding a suitable position there too.  It's too long to fit comfortably and slides around when you are driving.  So far I haven't worked out a solution.  Instead of the silly bag it comes with a basic stand with velcro to secure it to the boot floor would be very welcome.  If anybody can come up with a simple solution please post.

[SurreyJohn]

17 hours ago, bazz2004 said:

.So far I haven't worked out a solution.  Instead of the silly bag it comes with a basic stand with velcro to secure it to the boot floor would be very welcome.  If anybody can come up with a simple solution please post.

There are a couple of accessories, the elasticated net. Instead of using it flat, hooked across boot, hook it round in one corner or car to keep lock in corner of boot floor.  There are various sizes, can get them for about £8-15

 

There is also an aluminium bar that slots into a type of Fabia boot liner, which would stop it sliding, illustrated in accessories catalogue

 

https://www.skoda.co.uk/_doc/be649f0e-f3fd-4159-b58c-6da2bfb329e3
 

[bazz2004]

Thanks SurreyJohn for that useful link to official Skoda Fabia accessories of which I was unaware.  I have bought something which may do the job. It's the Kelhis Flexistick 60cm version.  It consists of a square sectioned length of flexible foam with strong velcro underneath. I've placed it at a slight angle along the left side of the boot to give a narrow section where the Stoplock Pro can slot in.  It's rather dear for what it is but if it works I'll be happy.  If not it's easy to reposition and should help with boot storage generally.

[gumdrop]

Steering locks tested

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product-group-tests/95031/best-steering-wheel-locks-20212022

 

Boot Nets

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htwZMLTKR5o

[skomaz]

5 minutes ago, gumdrop said:

Steering locks tested

https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/product-group-tests/95031/best-steering-wheel-locks-20212022

 

 

Interesting - the Milenco one that came second is the 4Tress I have that Milenco now have the production rights for:

 

4TRESS - elamdesign - Product Design Consultancy based in West Yorkshire - Specialising in product innovation, design, development and styling.

[bazz2004]

My first buy was very similar to the Monojoy in that review.  Cheaply made with tacky DIY foam for where it grabs the steering wheel.  It went straight back to Amazon and was replaced by the Stoplock Pro. You need the Pro version to fit the Fabia Monte Carlo.  I'd still choose this one over the full wheel cover variety. Storage is going to be an issue with most of these devices but will be worst with the Disklok full cover type.  If I had a van that's the design I'd go for though.

[Headphones]

I’ve had a disclock for about 20 years, same one I’ve used on all the cars I’ve had over that time. It says in the instructions that if you lose the key/s the only way to remove it is to call the fire brigade/department. So that seems like it’s pretty secure. It is heavy and takes up a bit of room when not in use. I tend to put it in the passenger footwell if I’m on my own or in the boot if not. I did have a car broken into before I bought this. And a few weeks ago I had forgot to lock my car. Luckily my car was untouched (parked on the street) I don’t know if the steering lock put anyone off, as we’ve had a spate of someone trying car door handles on the off chance