Car Engine Immobilizer System vs Physical Steering Wheel Lock – which really Prevents Car Theft?

Most car thieves are not so tech savvy, so if they manage to get into your car, an engine immobilizer will secure your car from theft.

The vehicles of Kia and Hyundai became special target of car thieves in the US due to non-availability of immobilizer in cars of these vehicles, triggered by social media theft challenges.

However, according BBC report, immobilizers can be easily cracked. Modern thieves carrying sophisticated scanners can crack the anti-theft immobilizer system by programming a new key.

Car Engine Immobilizer System vs Physical Steering Wheel Lock – which really Prevents Car Theft?

Another fact is that as immobilizers are hidden devices, they cannot deter a thief from the theft attempt. Although, immobilizer will save your car but once a thief gets into your car, he can steal some other valuable items (laptop, cards, cash, firearm, purse etc.) from your car.

Therefore, if you have installed engine immobilizer, even then you should also use some physical lock such as steering lock to protect your car.

Watch Video Tutorial.

The biggest advantage of the steering wheel lock is that the lock is quite visible from the outside. Therefore, a steering wheel car lock not only prevents car theft but also protects other valuables unless a thief specifically breaks the window to steal those valuable things which are visible. For better security, keep your valuables in the trunk. Avoid pasting a gun sticker on car bumper because it can deter a car snatcher, but it can allure a car thief.

The best part is that car thieves have so little time. They always target easy preys. Any attempt to cut the steering lock or the steering wheel itself will alert the people nearby. The clear view of the lock over the steering wheel will deter a thief from any theft attempt. This is based on my job experience as a police officer.

As an added security, you should use both electronic security device (engine immobilizer), and a manual steering wheel lock.

London Metropolitan Police also suggests using steering wheel lock in addition to immobilizer. West Yorkshire Police also recommends steering wheel lock.

However, if you must choose one option, then in my opinion, a physical car steering wheel lock is a winner. However, a steering wheel lock is usually more expensive than an engine immobilizer price on Amazon.

In any case, you should take steps for prevention from car theft, because, according to NHTSA, more than 1 million vehicles were stolen in the US in 2022.

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Irfan Hayat

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This is how Steering Wheel Lock Works and Prevents Vehicle Theft

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