How Do Steering Wheel Bars Work? Mechanics Behind the Magic!

“How do steering wheel bars work?” is an important question to address because this component affects the security of your vehicle. As car theft remains a concern, innovative solutions like steering wheel bars have become essential assets. If you are curious to know its mechanics, distinctions, costs, and overall efficacy, today’s article will be beneficial to you.

Equip yourself with knowledge that not only safeguards your vehicle but also offers peace of mind!

What is a Steering Wheel Bar?

In direct response to what a steering wheel bar is, it’s a tool primarily designed to lock the steering wheel, preventing it from turning and thus acting as an anti-theft device. Through this bar, the steering wheel and brake pedal are interconnected. 

Diving deeper, the steering wheel bar, often called a steering wheel lock or club, spans across the wheel, making it impossible for thieves to steer the car if they manage to start it. In addition, we have noticed these two characteristics in the steering wheel bar. 

1. Deters Theft: Its visible presence alone can dissuade potential car thieves.
2. User-friendly: Easily attachable and removable by the car owner using a unique key or code.

Undoubtedly, incorporating this added layer of security gives you peace of mind, especially if you live in a region with heightened vehicle theft. 

How Do Steering Wheel Bars Work?

The steering wheel bar works as a separate physical lock; the long rod of the bar prevents bending or turning the steering wheel.

They serve as a mechanical immobilizer that fixes across the steering wheel, preventing any unauthorized rotations or movements, thus thwarting theft attempts.

Mechanism and Functionality of this important component can be explained under the following points. 

1. Design: The steering wheel bar is typically telescopic, enabling it to fit steering wheels of various diameters. One end clamps onto one side of the steering wheel while the other end extends to the opposite side.
2. Locking Mechanism: Once in place, the bar is locked using a key or combination mechanism, ensuring it remains rigid and the wheel stays immobilized.
3. Visibility: Its’ robust design and bright color (often red or yellow) act as a visible deterrent. Indirectly, it signals potential thieves that the vehicle is protected.
4. Material: These bars are usually made of sturdy metals, resistant to sawing, hammering, or Freon attacks.

Incorporating a steering wheel bar provides an extra layer of protection to your car’s existing security systems, like alarms or immobilizers.

While the technology to bypass electronic security systems might be accessible to some thieves, overcoming a physical barrier like a steering wheel bar requires considerable effort and time. Luckily, they might not have such resources during a theft!

Steering Wheel Bars vs Steering Locks

In distinguishing between steering wheel bars and steering locks, it’s essential to note that while both aim to enhance vehicle security, their design, function, and application differ significantly.

Here, we have explained each unique difference point-wise for your ease. 

1. Design and Application

• Steering Wheel Bars: Often referred to as “The Club”, these are visible, metal bars that stretch across the wheel. Their primary function is deterrence, making a vehicle visibly harder to steal.
• Steering Locks: Integrated into the car’s ignition system, these lock the steering wheel in place when the key is removed from the ignition.

2. Ease of Use

• Steering Wheel Bars: This requires manual placement and removal every time you enter or exit the vehicle.
• Steering Locks: Activated automatically upon key removal, making them more user-friendly and time-saving. 

3. Visibility as a Deterrent

• Steering Wheel Bars: Their strength lies in their visibility, signaling an added layer of protection to potential thieves.
• Steering Locks: More discreet as they’re integrated into the vehicle, relying on their function rather than visibility. 

There is no doubt that both steering wheel bars and steering locks offer valuable layers of security.

The choice between them depends on personal preferences, convenience, and the desired level of visible deterrence. For optimal security, the best practice would be to combine both of these security components. 

Are Steering Wheel Bars Expensive?

No, steering wheel bars are not expensive; they are reasonably priced. So, it will not be a mere expectation to add a layer of security they provide.

Most steering wheel bars range in price, dictated by factors such as:

1. Brand Reputation: Established brands might charge a premium for their products.
2. Material and Durability: High-quality materials, resistant to tampering, can drive up costs.
3. Additional Features: Advanced locking mechanisms or integrated alarms can affect the price. Certain companies produce brake pedal lock bars along with steering wheel bars. 

Watch this one,

Video Credits – Steve Sherron

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