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Imagine walking to where you last parked your vehicle and discovering it’s gone missing. That empty space soon gets replaced with a sickening feeling in your gut as reality sets in that someone boosted your car. Even worse, you don’t know where to begin searching or how to recover an invaluable mode of transportation that you take for granted every day.
To avoid that loss and ensure your peace of mind, we did some serious homework and found the best car anti-theft devices to deter criminals before they attempt to steal your car. These security devices will help protect your vehicle whenever it is parked in the open — whether in a public parking garage, on the street, or on the driveway in front of your house.
While no anti-theft device is entirely foolproof, the right one can be a powerful deterrent, making even the most determined thief think twice and move on. By investing in a reliable car anti-theft device, you not only protect your vehicle but also save yourself from the nightmare of losing your ride.
We’ve tested and reviewed some of the top car anti-theft devices on the market — each one easy to install and proven to provide that extra layer of security to keep your vehicle safe.
The Club 3000 ($32) steering wheel lock, in short, is durable, dependable, and easy to use. It checks all the boxes for the best anti-theft car device to preclude criminals from stealing your car: Chromoly steel construction, reinforced lock housing, and a bright yellow protective PVC coating that is noticeable from a distance.
Unique to The Club is a patented self-locking feature — with a single pull, you can set and lock the device on your steering wheel without a key.
The twin-hook design and reinforced lock housing of The Club 3000 make it harder for thieves to defeat. Unfortunately, the twin hooks will not work with some steering wheels. We discovered that The Club 3000 didn’t fit a Prius steering wheel because of the limited space at the 5 and 7 o’clock positions. A minimum of 5 inches between the steering wheel spokes is necessary for proper fitment.
When it comes time to unlock it, simply use one of the three keys provided. By virtue of the vibrant yellow color, criminals might reconsider before attempting to break into your car.
A steering wheel lock isn’t 100% foolproof, but it is an outstanding visible obstacle. Most thieves are not that smart, which is why they often get caught. Regardless, they want quick and easy. With The Club 3000, it takes time and possibly unnecessary attention to defeat. Using a steering wheel lock will likely make a criminal move on to an easier target.
Manufactured from high-strength braided steel wire that will resist sawing and cutting attacks is the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel to Seatbelt Lock ($29). This heavy-gauge cable lock may be less visible than an obscene steering wheel lock, but it will surely frustrate attempts by criminals who want to drive away with your wheels.
The seatbelt lock can secure almost any car, truck, or SUV within seconds and boasts a resilient design that will thwart thieves to no end. Securing your vehicle is as simple as looping it around the bottom portion of the steering wheel, snapping it into the seatbelt receptor, and turning the key. It could fit in a large center console or glove box or slipped underneath the seat when unused.
The metal alloy lock cylinder provides extra strength, making it more difficult for felons to compromise this security measure once installed. For sizing, this lock will work for most cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs where the distance between the seatbelt receiver and steering wheel is no more than 17 inches. If there is too much slack, slide the seat back to reduce the amount of steering wheel rotation.
The Tevlaphee Steering Wheel to Seatbelt Lock cable shroud has color options for people not down with the flashy red. Alternatives include caution yellow, burnt orange, or olive green. The seatbelt lock comes with three keys.
The IMAYCC Remote Battery Disconnect Switch ($56) is an effective tool for disabling your vehicle’s power using a button on the smart switch or a remote control. Its built-in intelligence to monitor the battery’s condition is a unique feature that sets it apart.
Don’t let the thought of attaching the smart device to the battery intimidate you. The installation steps are straightforward, even though the instructions need better clarity. Someone with beginner-level mechanical skills can tackle the three-step installation process.
The beauty of the battery disconnect switch is that installing it doesn’t require tapping into the vehicle’s factory wiring harness. However, the IMAYCC smart switch box requires a few inches of free space near the negative battery post because that’s the primary attachment point. Not having enough clearance was a problem for the third-gen Prius, initially chosen as a test vehicle. Other space constraints arise if the battery is fitted into a battery box or tight compartment.
The kit includes two remote control fobs, so you don’t have to directly access the battery to turn the intelligent disconnect switch on or off. This convenience is a significant advantage if you own a Mercedes Sprinter or RAM Pro Master van, where the battery resides under a floor panel on the driver’s side.
Using the remote control or manually turning off the IMAYCC Remote Battery Disconnect Switch will help alleviate the fear of someone stealing your car since the switch kills power to the entire vehicle and defeats any attempts at hot wiring. It’s a serious must-have for any classic car or truck if you want a kill switch without splicing into the factory wire harness.
The Carlock car tracking system ($55) uses GPS signals and GSM technology to track the location of your vehicle and will alert you immediately if it thinks something is amiss. Installation is as simple as plugging the device into the OBD (onboard diagnostics) port, configuring the mobile app, and registering the activation code. Since CarLock has GPS and GSM antennas, a backup battery, and a motion sensor, running the phone app in the background won’t draw any more battery power than a typical app.
Once plugged into the OBD port and set up for your vehicle, the GPS tracking device will actively monitor your car 24/7 at 30-second intervals. Suppose it detects an abnormal vibration when parked. An alert immediately gets sent to your cellphone. When CarLock is enabled, and the engine starts or the car moves outside of its geofence, an alarm will sound on your cellphone alerting you — not to some random person near your car who has zero interest in hearing some obnoxious car alarm sounding off.
The CarLock device will also alert you when disconnected from the OBD port. It’s a practical feature but an annoying occurrence each time it was inadvertently knocked loose by my knee getting in and out of the car. Here’s why.
Often, the OBD port is located under the dash panel to the left of the steering wheel column. If the CarLock device is exposed, as with our test car, we suggest purchasing the optional extender or splitter cable to hide it from view and move it away from its prone position. I lost count of the number of times I bumped it loose. Some vehicles have their OBD port in a less accessible place. So, it helps to know where the location of the OBD port before purchasing a CarLock.
One side note: AirTag, or a tracker that uses Bluetooth technology, functions as a low-cost alternative to GPS trackers, but it has limitations. First, AirTag connects only to Apple devices. Second, the range of a Bluetooth device is limited to about 30 feet, or it must rely on crowdsourcing the signal from other iOS devices nearby. AirTag and other Bluetooth tracking devices work well at finding personal items, but they’re not ideal for locating a car.
The CarLock GPS tracking device offers a wealth of features that monitor your car in near real-time. It’s also a good tool if you have a teen driver in the family or need to keep tabs on a fleet of vehicles because it will track aggressive driving, and the app will report back with a driving score based on a multitude of factors such as speed, miles driven, etc.
Standard service costs $9.60 a month or $113 per year after the 30-day trial period. Opting for the Standard+ service contract steps up the refresh rate of location data from 30 seconds to 15 seconds and gets you a 1-year history of reports.
The FEITON Remote Battery Disconnect Switch ($18) is a no-frills relay that will disable the power to your vehicle using a remote control fob. We also like how this small device works as a battery isolator to prevent battery drain.
The box includes the battery isolator switch, two remote control fobs, and assorted hardware to facilitate connecting the disconnect switch device to the vehicle’s battery. The included instruction page is printed on a small 5.5 x 4-inch piece of paper and is pretty brief. We discovered that the photos and installation instructions found on the Amazon product page are a better source for installing and troubleshooting the device.
Old-school kill switches involved wire splicing into the factory wires and hiding a wired toggle switch somewhere in your car that was out of sight and not too accessible. The FEITON battery disconnect relay connects directly to the battery, avoids the factory wiring, and uses a remote control fob to control the disconnect switch close at hand. Since there is no cutting or splicing in the factory wires, restoring your vehicle back to stock condition only involves removing the battery isolator relay.
A benefit of having the FEITON Remote Battery Disconnect Switch installed was some inner peace when the surroundings are anything but peaceful. Carrying the small remote control attached to my keychain made it ultra-convenient to secure the car without having to hide a remote kill switch.
One of our picks for car anti-theft devices is the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock ($35), which has two sliding bars that will infuriate crooks who intend to steal your precious car or truck. This steering wheel lock also has a bold yellow, plastic-dipped high-visibility coating and a double-row atomic lock for top-notch security.
The alloy steel construction will steadfastly resist sawing, hammering, prying, and freon attacks. The twin-bar design and heavy-duty construction are durable, weighty, and somewhat cumbersome to grab and secure your car. Tevlaphee’s steering wheel lock tips the scale at 5.6 pounds. Of course, those elements also make it increasingly difficult for someone with dishonorable intentions to overcome your security measures.
Notably, it works as an added layer of security on top of an alarm system or GPS tracker. Thieves typically seek easy, quick targets; a steering wheel lock adds complexity they don’t want to mess with.
The Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock fits steering wheels with an inside diameter of 6.6 to 12.5 inches. Due to the twin hook design, at least 4 inches of space between the steering wheel spokes is required for proper fitment. The key releases the mechanism that allows the bars to extend or retract. Owing to its size, stowing it out of sight and within close reach might not be an option.
GearJunkie tester and Buyer’s Guide author Derek Mau headed up the product selection and testing for this guide. The typical work day for Mau involves testing almost anything with four tires and a steering wheel. He thoroughly researches the best automotive gadgets and accessories and is always on the hunt for a good deal. Of course, he shares his findings through detailed and informative writing and reviews of all things automotive for GearJunkie.
Derek is based in Idaho, which isn’t a hotbed for car theft. But he does have a good imagination, an analytical mind, and each device in hand to install on his vehicle and inspect for vulnerabilities. He directly compares the devices that use the same anti-theft mechanisms and discovers the advantages and disadvantages of the different deterrent methods. He installed each of the remote battery kill switches on his vehicle, taking careful notes on the ease of installation and overall user interface.
If you want to be even more road-ready, check out some GearJunkie’s other guides, including reviews of the best portable tire inflators, the best car covers, and the best battery jumpstarters.
Steering wheel locks are designed to prevent the steering wheel from turning more than a few degrees. Their primary purpose is to act as a visible obstruction, as it hinders a would-be felon from steering the vehicle. Heavy-duty construction of alloy steel and a high-security lock are features to look for in a steering wheel lock.
Additionally, a fundamental consideration when choosing one is how quickly somebody can put it in place. Anything that is a nuisance to lock up will likely discourage someone from using it. The Club 3000 and Tevlaphee locks check all the boxes and effectively dissuade bad actors looking for an easy score.
Another popular anti-theft device is a brake lock. One end hooks the brake pedal, making it unmovable, while the other locks onto the steering wheel. Looking at the specs and measuring the distance between the brake pedal and steering wheel is critical to ensure the device will extend far enough. Since they have a low attachment point, a crook might only see it once they get inside the car.
A wheel lock clamp is a highly conspicuous preventive measure that effectively immobilizes a vehicle and installs in seconds. It’s a low-cost anti-theft device that attaches to most wheel and tire combinations for peace of mind protection applicable to cars, vans, trucks, and motorcycles.
A vehicle immobilizer is basically a security device that disables the engine, thereby preventing someone from committing grand theft auto. Its objective is to prohibit a car from getting boosted by someone who doesn’t have the ignition key. Most modern vehicles include an integrated immobilizer from the factory, which generally stops car thieves from hot-wiring a vehicle.
An immobilizer turns off one of the systems required to start a car’s engine — typically disabling the gas supply or the ignition. This is done by radio frequency identification between an ignition key transponder and a radio frequency reader in the steering column. When you turn the key in the ignition, the transponder transmits a signal to the reader, which sends it to a receiver in the vehicle’s computer control module.
For older cars that don’t have integrated immobilizers from the factory, the IMAYCC remote kill switch or the FEITON battery isolation switch are two devices that prevent someone from hot-wiring your vehicle and driving away.
Car thieves have two primary strategies for targeting vehicles: one is based on opportunity, and the other on careful planning. Understanding these tactics can help you protect your car. Crime of opportunity happens when a thief sees a vulnerability, like an unlocked door or valuables in plain sight. Sometimes, these situations often lead to carjackings.
On the other hand, a planned theft involves more thought and is usually far from a spur-of-the-moment decision.
But don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Here are some easy and practical security tips to help safeguard your chariot and keep your peace of mind intact.
To prevent your car from getting stolen, consider the following tips:
Most car thieves prey on an exploitable opportunity. The most effortless act is finding an unlocked vehicle. Learning to roll up the windows and lock your car every time you walk away from it is the most basic and critical step to remember. Locking your car doors also applies when driving and the vehicle is in motion.
Stealing an unattended parked vehicle is one way to lose your precious ride, but don’t exclude carjacking. Carjacking is the theft of an automobile by using violence or intimidation toward the driver. Keeping your car doors locked at all times is the first level of protection against thieves that would target you and your vehicle.
Key hacking is a high-tech technique that allows thieves to gain access to and take off with your vehicle within minutes. This type of hacking is referred to as keyless car theft or relay theft. Hackers can utilize relay boxes to relay and amplify the signal to trick your car into unlocking – all without having to enter your home.
Thankfully, there’s an easy solution to prevent your car from disappearing from your driveway and prevent key hacker theft. The preferred method is putting your keyless fob away from doors and windows in addition to putting your keys somewhere that can block the signal to your car.
A straightforward and cost-effective solution is to use a Faraday bag or box. The inexpensive bags (or boxes) have a conductive metal mesh that blocks wireless signals emitted by keyless car fobs.
Whenever possible, seek out parking areas that are well-lit and preferably where there’s always some activity. Parking in highly visible areas reduces the likelihood of a criminal successfully stealing your car. Most hoodlums don’t crave unwanted attention because it exposes them to their nefarious activity. It’s impossible to always keep a watchful eye on your vehicle, but there are several measures that make it easier to monitor your car directly or indirectly.
You may have heard, “Keep your head on a swivel at all times.” One of the best ways to practice situational awareness is to continually look around you and understand the immediate effect on your automotive safety. Assessing your surroundings will influence how you treat your car and impact the level of security you choose to leave it with.
Visible and audible devices: The Club 3000 and Tevlaphee steering-wheel locks, theft-deterrent decals, flashing LEDs, and window etching create a visual warning and hindrance. Audible devices such as a horn alarm discourage theft by bringing unwanted attention to thieves attempting to steal or enter a vehicle.
Vehicle immobilizers prevent thieves from bypassing a vehicle’s ignition system and hot-wiring the car. Three components are necessary to start a car — the ignition, the starter motor, and the fuel system. Factory-integrated immobilizers will compromise at least two of these components if the correct key isn’t detected. The IMAYCC Kill Switch and FEITON Remote Battery Disconnect Switch allow you to remotely kill the battery power, which effectively disables all three components crucial for starting a vehicle.
Vehicle recovery systems use electronic transmission technology that helps law enforcement reveal the location of stolen vehicles — and possibly catch the thief in possession of a stolen car. GPS trackers, such as CarLock, will alert you in real-time if your vehicle is tampered with or moved, along with the ability to track it.
You may find that the added peace of mind from using these devices is worth the additional step when leaving your car. If you have ever been a victim of auto theft or vandalism, you will likely agree that taking added precautions to reduce the risk of a repeat break-in or stolen vehicle is a worthwhile investment.
As suggested by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), if you believe that someone stole your vehicle, follow these steps:
If you recover your vehicle before the authorities, report the recovery to the police and your insurance company immediately.
If your vehicle is protected with some type of anti-theft device, it has a better chance of avoiding car theft. Additionally, if somebody snatches your car, the chances of recovery are higher if the theft is reported immediately or equipped with a car tracking device.
A vehicle immobilizer is an anti-theft device that offers a high level of protection. It’s difficult to detect, doesn’t transmit radio frequency signals that are easily cloned, and operates silently. Bluetooth tracking devices, such as the Tile or Apple AirTag, are a low-cost alternative but can be detected with the right equipment because they emit a signal if a thief is sophisticated enough.
First, you’ll likely need to call a locksmith to remove the anti-theft device from your vehicle. Sometimes, car anti-theft devices come with two or three sets of keys. You can unlock your device using the spare if that’s the case.
The next option is to contact the manufacturer. More often than not, you’ll need to purchase a new anti-theft device because most do not have spare keys available for security reasons.
A kill switch stops the electrical flow from your battery or ignition system through a fuse installed in your car. Check out this guide for information on how and where to install a kill switch.
According to the list of the 10 most stolen cars in the U.S., the full-size trucks from Ford and Dodge made the list; Hyundai Elantra, Hyundai Sonata, and Kia Optima were the top three most stolen vehicles in 2023 due to their lack of engine immobilizers, which was revealed on social media. Fortunately, the spike in thefts has dropped dramatically since the Korean automakers released an update that improved the car’s anti-theft software.
Looking at the past decade, Japanese and Korean cars have taken a majority of the 15 spots on the list. Ford and Chevy full-size pickups have been the main target of car thieves in 32 states and rank at the top of the list for most stolen vehicles from 2019 through 2023.
Derek is a shopaholic that lives, breathes, and dreams of all things automotive. Prior to his current role at GearJunkie, he established the eBay Motors blog, was an editor at TFLcar.com, and soaked up a lot of knowledge about custom hot rods during his time with The Goodguys Rod & Custom Association. When not diving into engine bays, gratifying diversions include photography, mountain biking, and the pursuit of happiness.
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