Toyota owners in Australia facing a surge in vehicle thefts are turning to physical security measures, including steering wheel locks. However, recent testing reveals that even the genuine Toyota accessory – priced at $200 – offers minimal resistance against a common tool used by thieves: the angle grinder.
The Problem with Simple Deterrents
Car thefts have become more sophisticated, with thieves using techniques like CAN bus and OBD injection to bypass electronic security systems. This has led some owners to rely on old-fashioned physical deterrents, like steering wheel locks, hoping to make their vehicles less attractive targets. The question is whether these locks actually slow down a determined thief.
The Test: Genuine vs. Budget Locks
CarExpert conducted a straightforward test, pitting the genuine Toyota steering wheel lock against cheaper alternatives ranging from $30 to $175. All locks were subjected to a battery-powered angle grinder, simulating a real-world theft scenario. The benchmark was 60 seconds of resistance – enough time to create noise, sparks, and draw attention.
The Results: Minimal Difference
The tests showed that the cheapest lock failed in just 15 seconds, while the Toyota lock lasted approximately 20 seconds. This marginal improvement doesn’t justify the price difference, as even the $175 mid-tier lock provided only slightly more resistance. Thieves don’t need long to defeat these devices. The genuine accessory didn’t deliver the performance expected for its premium price.
Why These Locks Fail
The locks aren’t designed to withstand sustained attacks. The underlying steel components are still vulnerable to grinders, and even the plastic outer sections of some models offer little real protection. In fact, thieves can bypass the lock altogether by simply cutting the steering wheel itself in as little as six seconds.
The Takeaway for Owners
Steering wheel locks can serve as a visual deterrent, potentially discouraging opportunistic thieves. But expecting them to physically resist a determined attacker with the right tools is unrealistic. The Toyota lock isn’t useless, but at $200, it offers only marginal value over cheaper options.
Layered Security is Key
The most effective approach is a combination of security measures: visible deterrents, immobilizer systems, and the understanding that no single device is foolproof. If a thief is determined, they will likely find a way around almost any physical barrier given enough time.
