Keep Your High-Performance SRT Steering Wheel Safe from Thieves

Keep Your SRT Steering Wheel Safe from Thieves

Owning a high-performance SRT vehicle like a Dodge Challenger or Charger SRT Hellcat, SRT Demon, or even a Trackhawk or Scat Pack model is an amazing experience. With their powerful Hemi V8 engines, these cars can really move and put a smile on any enthusiast's face. However, these sought-after vehicles are also targets for thieves looking to steal parts like the steering wheel.

Many SRT owners dread walking up to their car and seeing the steering wheel gone. Not only does this leave the car undrivable, but it causes thousands in damage and the headache of replacing the wheel. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your SRT's steering wheel from thieves.

Use a Locking Device

One of the best ways to secure your SRT's steering wheel is to install a locking device. Popular options like The Club work by inserting a bar across the steering wheel that physically prevents it from being turned. While this isn't completely theft-proof, it does add a layer of security to make your car less appealing to steal from.

For even greater protection, choose a model like the Disklok Steering Wheel Lock. This uses a high-strength steel disk that covers and protects the entire wheel. Thieves would have to spend significant time and make lots of noise to defeat it. Locking devices are most effective when used along with other precautions.

Get a Steering Wheel Lock Box

Another option to protect your SRT's wheel is getting a dedicated steering wheel lock box. These mount under the dash or seat and allow you to completely remove the wheel and stow it away when the car is parked. It adds a few minutes to your routine when leaving the car, but ensures the wheel won't be there for thieves.

Popular steering wheel lock boxes use high-strength materials, protective foam lining, and include mounting hardware and keys. Just be sure to securely hide the box somewhere out of sight when the wheel is stowed away. While more expensive than steering wheel locks, these remove the opportunity for theft altogether.

Install a Car Alarm

A quality car alarm system can also help deter steering wheel theft. Modern alarms use tilt sensors to detect motion, letting you know if someone tampers with your SRT. They also activate loud sirens to scare away thieves and alert nearby people.

For even better protection, choose an alarm with additional features like shock sensors, remote start or stop, and smartphone connectivity. This allows you to control the alarm remotely and receive real-time notifications if the sensors detect suspicious activity. While basic alarms might be ignored by bold thieves, advanced systems make stealing much harder.

Use a Steering Wheel Cover

If you don't want to buy locks or an alarm, a simple steering wheel cover can also discourage theft. The cover wraps around the wheel to make it harder to grip and turn. Thieves want to get in and out quickly, so a cover adds an extra layer of frustration.

Look for a cover made of durable materials like synthetic leather that resists cutting andFeatures like steel inner hoops also make it difficult to remove forcibly. Just be sure to get a snug fit, so it can't easily be pulled off. A steering wheel cover only takes seconds to install and is a cost-effective deterrent.

Purchase a Spare Steering Wheel

Since steering wheels can be difficult and pricey to replace, buying a spare is smart insurance on an SRT. Try to find an OEM wheel or high-quality aftermarket model made specifically for your car. Then keep it stored safely away to install if your original wheel is ever stolen.

A spare lets you get your SRT back on the road quickly, instead of waiting weeks for a replacement. You'll still need to replace the airbag and reprogram the theft deterrent system, but those are much cheaper fixes. For serious SRT enthusiasts, the cost of a spare wheel provides great peace of mind.

Park Strategically

How and where you park your SRT can also influence the chances of steering wheel theft. Avoid isolated, dimly lit parking lots or streets if possible. These provide more privacy for thieves to work. Instead, aim for busy, open areas with plenty of lighting.

Parking near security cameras or having a lot attendant also increases visibility. Making your car a harder target by parking with the wheel against a wall or blocked by another vehicle can help too. Taking advantage of secure garages and physically observable spaces minimizes opportunity.

Get Wheel Locks

If you're parking your SRT in public areas frequently, steering wheel lock bolts are a great option. These replace one or more of the wheel's mounting bolts with a lockable bolt that requires a special key to remove.

Wheel locks come as a set with matching keys, and make it much harder for thieves to quickly detach your steering wheel. Just be sure to keep the keys hidden safely away in the car and not stored with the spare tire. Wheel locks add reliable security whenever parking away from home.

Consider a Tracking Device

A GPS tracking device is another way to protect your investment if your SRT's steering wheel gets stolen. Small devices can be hidden in the car and will transmit location data if the car is moved or disconnected from power.

This allows you to pinpoint your SRT's position and alert authorities for recovery. Some devices also have added features like speed alerts, boundary notifications, and real-time tracking through a smartphone app. Combining a tracking system with precautions like wheel locks bolsters security further.

Enjoy Your SRT Without Constant Worry

Having your steering wheel stolen can turn your pride and joy into a nightmare. But with the right precautions, you can relax and enjoy driving your SRT without constant worry about its safety.

Deter opportunistic thieves by making your car an inconvenient target, and have a plan in place in case the worst still happens. Between steering wheel locks, alarms, strategic parking, and wheel locks, you have many options to protect your investment.

With your SRT's steering wheel secured, you can hit the road in confidence and put the power of that Hemi to good use. Just take sensible precautions, and your steering wheel will stay safely in your hands instead of someone else's.

FAQs

What is the best way to prevent my SRT steering wheel from being stolen?

The best way is to use multiple precautions like a steering wheel lock, wheel locks, parking strategically, and installing a car alarm. Combining several deterrents gives maximum protection against theft.

Should I buy a spare steering wheel for my SRT?

Having a spare OEM or high-quality aftermarket steering wheel is a good idea for SRT owners. It allows you to quickly replace the wheel if your original gets stolen, saving time and money.

Will a steering wheel cover help prevent theft?

Yes, a snug steering wheel cover can deter theft by making the wheel harder to grip and turn. It adds a layer of frustration to make thieves look elsewhere for an easier target.

How do I choose the right car alarm for my SRT?

Look for an advanced alarm with features like shock sensors, remote capabilities, and smartphone connectivity for the best protection. Avoid basic alarms that can be easily ignored by thieves.

Should I get a GPS tracker for my SRT?

A quality GPS tracker is a good addition if your main theft prevention measures fail. It allows you to pinpoint the location of your SRT if the steering wheel gets stolen for recovery.