Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
There are few things as frustrating as getting behind the wheel only to find that the steering wheel is locked. A locked steering wheel will keep you from starting or moving your car, and if you’re in a hurry, it’s the last thing you want to be dealing with.
But how exactly are you supposed to unlock a steering wheel? Because while jamming the key in and wiggling everything around might get the job done eventually, it’s incredibly frustrating and can take a ton of time.
The good news is that unlocking your steering wheel is easy – as long as everything is working the way it should. We’ll break this down into two sections, first for vehicles with a keyed ignition and then for vehicles with a keyless ignition.
Unlocking a Steering Wheel With Keyed Ignition
If you know which way you turned or pulled the steering wheel to lock it, you’ll need to pull or turn the steering wheel in the same direction to unlock it. If you’re unsure how you locked the steering wheel, simply work your way through all four options while trying.
#1 Best Overall
- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel.
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 4.9”-13” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service. You can buy with confidence!
Each car does it differently, so you might need to try and turn the steering wheel to the right or left, or you might need to push up or down on the steering wheel.
While maintaining pressure in the appropriate direction, turn the key in the ignition, jiggling it around a little as needed. That’s all you need to do – you should now have an unlocked steering wheel, and your vehicle should start!
Unlocking a Steering Wheel With Keyless Ignition
Unlocking a steering wheel on a vehicle with keyless ignition is a little different since you don’t have an ignition to jiggle the keys in. But in many ways, it’s similar.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #2
- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 5.3”-14.1” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service from us. You can buy with confidence!
First, you’ll need to apply pressure in the appropriate direction on the steering wheel. This means either turning the steering wheel left or right or pushing it up or down. If you know how you locked the steering wheel, you’ll need to do it the same way if you’re unsure, work your way through all the different options.
From there, press the start button without putting your foot on the brake. This should turn your vehicle on in accessory mode, which should unlock your steering wheel. Once the steering wheel is unlocked, all you need to do is depress the brake and hit the ignition button again to start your vehicle!
Why You Can Lock a Steering Wheel
When you’re struggling to unlock your steering wheel, it’s normal to ask yourself why the steering wheel locks to begin with. The truth is that it’s the anti-theft measure, and if you know what you’re doing, you can lock your steering wheel intentionally or prevent it from locking in the first place.
Rank #3
- Superior Security & Anti-Theft Functionality: This Steering Lock features a high-strength copper lock cylinder, offering exceptional resistance to tampering and violent unlocking methods. Its dual protection design makes it nearly impossible to break into. The bright yellow color acts as a visible deterrent, signaling that the vehicle is well-protected. This helps reduce the risk of theft, providing peace of mind whether parked during the day or at night
- Reverse Peak Locking Mechanism & Adjustable Design: This Anti Theft Car Device features an innovative reverse peak locking mechanism, providing superior security by tightly gripping the steering wheel to prevent removal. Its adjustable length fits steering wheels with diameters from 4.5 to 13 inches, making it compatible with sedans, SUVs, trucks, and vans, offering versatile and robust anti-theft protection
- Effective Physical Protection & Anti-Damage Strength: Crafted from heavy-duty alloy steel with a corrosion-resistant coating, this Car Lock withstands cutting, prying, and other destructive attempts. The precision lock cylinder makes it hard to tamper with. Designed for durability, it provides long-term protection, ensuring your vehicle stays safe from theft while maintaining its integrity over time, whether used for everyday parking, RV travel, or seasonal vehicle storage
- Easy to Use & Installation: Designed for convenience, this Car Wheel Lock installs and removes in seconds. Simply extend it, place it on the steering wheel, and lock it securely. No complicated steps or procedures are required. The full rubber coating on the surface helps prevent scratches on the steering wheel, making it a highly efficient, user-friendly, and hassle-free anti-theft solution perfect for everyday use, whether parking for a short or long period
- Gift-Ready Choice for Drivers: A steering wheel lock makes a practical present for someone who takes pride in their car and values everyday peace of mind. It is one of those useful car gifts that feels thoughtful without being overly personal. Whether you are shopping for car accessories for men, locks with keys, or a small lock with real everyday value, this is a simple gift that can be appreciated long after the occasion.
All you need to do to lock your steering wheel is to turn the wheel either to the right or left after you’ve shut off the engine and removed the key. You’ll hear a click, and this means that the steering wheel is locked.
Locking the steering wheel acts as a deterrent for potential thieves since when they get in the vehicle, they won’t be able to unlock the steering wheel without the key!
How To Unlock a Steering Wheel Without the Key
If you’re in a pinch and trying to figure out how you can unlock the steering wheel without the key, you’re out of luck. The entire purpose of the steering wheel lock is to prevent you from unlocking the wheel without a key.
Rank #4
- DOUBLE PROTECTION DESIGN&EASY TO USE:The steering wheel lock adopts the humanized design of four locking hooks and twin bars, which can be locked on the steering wheel more firmly and with a sense of security.The car theft prevention device is easy to use, install and remove. It's simple to lock and unlock with keys in seconds!
- HIGHLY VISUAL DETERRENT AND SAFE:The bright color of the car lock is a fine choice for maximum visibility both day and night,which tells the thief "Not this car"!The anti car theft device greatly reduces the possibility of being targeted by thieves and protects your car security effectively.Tevlaphee steering wheel lock gives you more peace of mind!
- A+ GRADE ANTI-THEFT LOCK:Car wheel lock is made of top-grade steel, featuring a high-strength solid locking beam that makes it difficult for thieves to break. The pure copper lock core is durable and provides secure anti-theft protection! The precise double spring crescent lock sub-type encoding key is specially designed to prevent professional thieves and mutual open rate!The overall body of the anti-theft steering wheel lock is treated with a plastic dipping process that will not damage you steering wheel
- WORK FOR MOST CARS:The universal anti theft steering wheel lock can be adjusted to fit steering wheels with inner diameter between 4.9”-13” for sedans,SUV,pickup trucks,vans,trucks etc.You have the flexibility to make adjustments as you wish!
- YOU DESERVE THE BEST:If you are not satisfied with your purchase or have any questions about our steering lock,please find Tevlaphee team via Amazon! You have no risk in trying. We promise you will get friendly products and service. You can buy with confidence!
But, if you need it unlocked and you can’t get a key, you’ll need to tear apart the entire steering column. It’s not easy, and it’s incredibly time-consuming – but of course, that’s exactly what it’s supposed to be, so a thief can’t make off with your car!
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Final Tips
We’ve all been there, and it’s easy to get frustrated, but jamming things around isn’t going to fix the problem, and it can make things worse.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesKeep in mind that you shouldn’t need to use a ton of force when unlocking your steering wheel, and trying to jam everything into place can result in broken components. Also, avoid spraying anything into the ignition or steering column thinking it will help.
Best Value
- Features an intense blue metallic color
- The Club's patented self-locking feature locks with one pull
- High security lock with three laser encrypted keys cannot be duplicated
- Resists sawing, prying, hammering, and freon attacks
- Universal fit for cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs
The steering wheel is supposed to lock, so spraying things into the wheel or ignition isn’t going to help anything – and it can result in damage. Finally, if you suspect a broken steering wheel lock, it’s time to get a professional to look at it.
Otherwise, you’ll need to tear apart the entire steering column to diagnose what’s going on. It could be a problem with the ignition, or it could be a problem with the locks themselves.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
