What is Steering Wheel Lock?
2 Answers
Steering wheel lock is a simple anti-theft feature. When the car is turned off, if the steering wheel is turned left or right or the wheels are not aligned when parked, applying force can cause the steering wheel to rotate, triggering the self-locking function. Even if you insert the key and try to turn it forcefully, the steering wheel won't budge. This occurs because the vehicle's anti-theft system perceives a theft risk and locks the steering wheel to prevent theft. The solution is as follows: Insert the key, press the brake pedal, turn the steering wheel left and right, and while turning, turn the key to complete the steering wheel unlocking procedure. If unsuccessful, remove the key and repeat the steps 1-2 times to successfully unlock the steering wheel.
The steering wheel lock, to put it simply, is a basic anti-theft feature in cars. Having driven for many years, I thought I'd briefly explain when I saw someone asking about it. Essentially, after you turn off the engine and remove the key, the steering wheel automatically locks and becomes difficult to turn. The mechanism works via a small pin on the steering column that engages to secure the steering gear. Its purpose is to prevent thieves from pushing the car away since the immobilized steering wheel makes it impossible to move the vehicle. However, in daily use, minor issues can arise: for example, if you park with the steering wheel turned, removing the key and then moving it slightly might trigger the lock; or when inserting the key to start, it might get stuck and refuse to turn. The solution is to gently turn the steering wheel while twisting the key to unlock it. Ignoring this issue could lead to damage to the steering system. It's advisable to have a technician check the pin for wear during regular maintenance, especially in older cars. Additionally, straightening the steering wheel after parking can prevent accidental locking.
