Steering-wheel lock

Last updated
A steering-wheel lock is a visible anti-theft device. At Manchester 2008 003.jpg
A steering-wheel lock is a visible anti-theft device.

A steering-wheel lock is a visible anti-theft device [1] [2] that immobilizes the steering wheel of a car.

Also known as a crook lock, [3] or club lock, [4] the first generation of steering-wheel locks, known as canes, [5] consisted of a lockable bar that connected the steering wheel to the brake pedal or clutch pedal. Later models include devices which lock across the steering wheel and extend out over the dashboard [2] preventing the steering wheel from being turned. [5]

Wheel-locks have been used since at least the early 1920s, [1] when many cars were open touring cars and roadsters (later known as convertibles). The Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office published details of patents filed in 1916. [6] [7]

Steering wheel locks can be defeated by cutting the lock or cutting the steering wheel.

Steering wheel locks should not be confused with steering column locks, which are built into the steering column and immobilize it when the key is removed. Steering column locks are standard on all modern cars and reduced crime rates when first introduced in the 1970's. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-lock braking system</span> Safety anti-skid braking system used on aerospace and land vehicles

An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety anti-skid braking system used on aircraft and on land vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses. ABS operates by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking, thereby maintaining tractive contact with the road surface and allowing the driver to maintain more control over the vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motor vehicle theft</span> Theft of vehicles

Motor vehicle theft is the criminal act of stealing or attempting to steal a motor vehicle. Nationwide in the United States in 2020, there were 810,400 vehicles reported stolen, up from 724,872 in 2019. Property losses due to motor vehicle theft in 2020 were estimated at $7.4 billion. There were 505,100 car thefts in the EU in 2019, a 43% decrease from 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cruise control</span> System that automatically controls the speed of a motor vehicle

Cruise control is a system that automatically controls the speed of an automobile. The system is a servomechanism that takes over the car's throttle to maintain a steady speed set by the driver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Combination lock</span> Type of locking device in which a sequence of symbols, usually numbers, is used to open the lock

A combination lock is a type of locking device in which a sequence of symbols, usually numbers, is used to open the lock. The sequence may be entered using a single rotating dial which interacts with several discs or cams, by using a set of several rotating discs with inscribed symbols which directly interact with the locking mechanism, or through an electronic or mechanical keypad. Types range from inexpensive three-digit luggage locks to high-security safes. Unlike ordinary padlocks, combination locks do not use keys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lock and key</span> Mechanical or electronic fastening device

A lock is a mechanical or electronic fastening device that is released by a physical object, by supplying secret information, by a combination thereof, or it may only be able to be opened from one side, such as a door chain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Can opener</span> Device used to open metal cans

A can opener or tin opener is a mechanical device used to open metal tin cans. Although preservation of food using tin cans had been practiced since at least 1772 in the Netherlands, the first can openers were not patented until 1855 in England and 1858 in the United States. These early openers were basically variations of a knife, though the 1855 design continues to be produced.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steering wheel</span> Type of steering control in vehicles and vessels (ships and boats)

A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wheel clamp</span> Device designed to prevent motor vehicles from being moved

A wheel clamp, also known as wheel boot, parking boot, or Denver boot, is a device that is designed to prevent motor vehicles from being moved. In its most common form, it consists of a clamp that surrounds a vehicle wheel, designed to prevent removal of both itself and the wheel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Velocipede</span> Human-powered land vehicle

A velocipede is a human-powered land vehicle with one or more wheels. The most common type of velocipede today is the bicycle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Smart key</span> Electronic access and authorization system

A smart key is an electronic access and authorization system that is available either as standard equipment or an option in several car designs. It was developed by Siemens in 1995 and introduced by Mercedes-Benz under the name "Keyless-Go" in 1998 on the W220 S-Class, after the design patent was filed by Daimler-Benz on May 17, 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Car key</span> Key used to open and/or start an automobile

A car key or an automobile key is a key used to open and/or start an automobile. Modern key designs are usually symmetrical, and some use grooves on both sides, rather than a cut edge, to actuate the lock. It has multiple uses for the automobile with which it was sold. A car key can open the doors, as well as start the ignition, open the glove compartment and also open the trunk (boot) of the car. Some cars come with an additional key known as a valet key that starts the ignition and opens the driver's side door, but prevents the valet from gaining access to valuables that are located in the trunk or the glove box. Some valet keys, particularly those to high-performance vehicles, go so far as to restrict the engine's power output to prevent joyriding. Recently, features such as coded immobilizers have been implemented in newer vehicles. More sophisticated systems make ignition dependent on electronic devices, rather than the mechanical keyswitch. A number of these systems, such as KeeLoq and Megamos Crypto have been demonstrated to be weak and vulnerable to cryptanalytic attacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Club (automotive)</span> Brand of automotive steering wheel lock

The Club is the trademark version of a popular automotive steering-wheel lock, produced by Sharon, Pennsylvania-based Winner International. The company was formed in 1986 for the purpose of marketing the device. The inventor, James E. Winner Jr., derived the idea for the device from his service in the Korean War, where he and his fellow soldiers were instructed to secure the steering wheels of their vehicles with metal chains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gear stick</span> Lever used for shifting gears manually

A gear stick, gear lever, gearshift or shifter, more formally known as a transmission lever, is a metal lever attached to the transmission of an automobile. The term gear stick mostly refers to the shift lever of a manual transmission, while in an automatic transmission, a similar lever is known as a gear selector. A gear stick will normally be used to change gear whilst depressing the clutch pedal with the left foot to disengage the engine from the drivetrain and wheels. Automatic transmission vehicles, including hydraulic automatic transmissions, automated manual and older semi-automatic transmissions, like VW Autostick, and those with continuously variable transmissions, do not require a physical clutch pedal.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Immobiliser</span> Motor vehicle anti-theft device

An immobiliser or immobilizer is an electronic security device fitted to a motor vehicle that prevents the engine from being started unless the correct key is present. This prevents the vehicle from being "hot wired" after entry has been achieved and thus reduces motor vehicle theft. Research shows that the uniform application of immobilisers reduced the rate of car theft by 40%.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Derail</span> Device that intentionally derails trains due to safety reasons

A derail or derailer is a device used to prevent fouling of a rail track by unauthorized movements of trains or unattended rolling stock. The device works by derailing the equipment as it rolls over or through it.

An anti-hijack system is an electronic system fitted to motor vehicles to deter criminals from hijacking them. Although these types of systems are becoming more common on newer cars, they have not caused a decrease in insurance premiums as they are not as widely known as other more common anti-theft systems such as alarms or steering locks. It can also be a part of an alarm or immobiliser system. An approved anti-hijacking system will achieve a safe, quick shutdown of the vehicle it is attached to. There are also mechanical anti-hijack devices.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Steering column</span> Device used in vehicles

The automotive steering column is a device intended primarily for connecting the steering wheel to the steering mechanism.

<i>Turbo</i> (video game) 1981 video game

Turbo is a racing game released in arcades in 1981 by Sega. Designed and coded by Steve Hanawa, the game received positive reviews upon release, with praise for its challenging and realistic gameplay, 2.5D color graphics with changing scenery, and cockpit sit-down arcade cabinet. It topped the monthly Play Meter arcade charts in North America and ranking highly on the Game Machine arcade charts in Japan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bicycle theft</span> Theft of bicycles or bicycle parts

Bicycle theft is the crime of stealing a bicycle. It is a common crime due to the relative ease of reselling bicycles, which have a large second-hand market. This makes the crime attractive to those needing to obtain currency quickly, such as people with substance addictions. Bicycles are also easily accessible, often being locked up outside in public places in urban areas. Despite the developed market of bicycle locks, it is estimated that millions of bicycles are stolen every year. Thieves use a variety of methods to bypass locks, including taking advantage of bicycle owners' poor locking practices. Bicycle owners can take action to reduce the chances of theft, including utilising facilities such as bicycle lockers and parking racks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Car controls</span> Car parts used to control the vehicle

Car controls are the components in automobiles and other powered road vehicles, such as trucks and buses, used for driving and parking.

References

  1. 1 2 Seelhorst, Mary: "Think It's New? Think Again!" March 2002. Popular Mechanics , Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  2. 1 2 Phillips, Bill (1993). Home Mechanix Guide to Security: Protecting Your Home, Car, & Family, p. 124. Wiley. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  3. New York, p. 100. 2 Abr 1979, Vol. 12, N.º 14 ISSN 0028-7369. New York Media. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  4. Heloise Around the House: 2,647 Household Problems Solved from Basement to Attic, p. 27. Rodale. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  5. 1 2 Raven, Greg & Chad Erickson (2011). Water-Cooled VW Performance Handbook: 3rd Edition, p. 192. MBI Publishing Company. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  6. United States Patent Office (1917). Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office. United States Patent Office. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  7. Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, p. 345. United States Patent Office. Google Books. Retrieved 8 February 2017.
  8. Mayhew, P.; Clarke, R. V. G.; Sturman, A.; Hough, J. M. (1976). Crime As Opportunity (PDF) (Report).