Operating a New Hyundai or Kia? A Steering Wheel Lock Might Help Prevent Theft

If you own a basic Hyundai or Kia model, there’s a possibility that someone could attempt to interfere with your vehicle. Regrettably, this can be relatively simple due to the design of the ignition system, and has increasingly become an issue in recent times. A trending song along with instructions seen in popular TikTok content have encouraged thieves to target unprotected cars.

It’s unfortunate, but it’s important to mention that there might be a classic method of deterring thieves. It’s known as an aftermarket steering lock, commonly recognized as The Club.

For those who are unaware, there has been a rise in thefts of late-model Hyundai and Kia cars lately. A group from Milwaukee, self-identified as the “Kia Boyz” and popularized on TikTok, have found an exploit in lower-tier Hyundai and Kia models. Many Hyundai and Kia vehicles that use physical keys lack ignition immobilizers. In a car equipped with an anti-theft immobilizer, the key has a chip that authenticates it, allowing the vehicle to start. However, the targeted cars lack this feature.

Due to this vulnerability, they are prone to theft. Consequently, numerous individuals have realized that by tampering with the steering column shroud and manipulating the ignition, they can easily start the vehicle. By following these steps, individuals have successfully stolen Hyundai Elantra and Kia Seltos models using USB cables.

This issue initially gained attention in Milwaukee and has since spread to Chicago, Columbus, Minneapolis, various parts of the Midwest, and as far as Florida. In Columbus, nearly 40% of the vehicles stolen from January to July 2022 were Hyundai and Kia models. Personally, I am aware of approximately a dozen stolen Hyundai and Kia vehicles, and I know of at least one individual who never recovered his 2018 Kia Forte.

There’s no software solution for Hyundai and Kia cars. The Korean automakers have endeavored to address this by equipping all models from 2022 onwards with immobilizers. Nonetheless, owners of older Hyundai or Kia vehicles are still exposed to this vulnerability. However, an old-fashioned theft deterrent that was widely used before immobilizers were introduced could be effective in slowing down or preventing theft.

An aftermarket steering lock, commonly known as The Club similar to how facial tissues are called Kleenex, is a physical lockable bar that fits over the top of the steering wheel, making it extremely difficult to turn. Most aftermarket steering wheel locks share a basic design. It consists of a long retractable pole with two hooks that connect to the steering wheel. Removal without a key is challenging, so even if thieves manage to start the car, they won’t be able to turn the wheel without the club obstructing movement or interfering with the driver’s legs. In fact, Hyundai and Kia distributed free Clubs to residents in Milwaukee to help prevent theft.

There is also an alternative Club design that presses against the brake pedal. In this variant, the pole attaches to the lower section of the wheel, pressing against the brake pedal.

No, definitely not. In fact, most anti-theft devices can be circumvented by a skilled thief with the right tools and determination. Aftermarket steering locks like The Club are no different. Over the years, journalists have proven that The Club can be sawed off or broken within minutes with the correct tools.

Debatably, these culprits lack the proper equipment. The majority of reports on the “Kia Boyz” suggests that most associated with the series of thefts are adventurous troubled youths seeking easy thrills; not exactly Nicholas Cage-style heists from Gone In 60 Seconds. A Club serves as a robust deterrent for thieves aiming to swiftly snatch a car within moments.

The Club 1000 by Winner International stands as the original brand and model for this tool, while other manufacturers have created replicas that function equally well. However, caution is advised. A poorly constructed Club is essentially worthless. Here are several alternatives:

An aftermarket steering lock isn’t entirely foolproof, yet its presence alone could suffice to deter a potential thief from stealing and damaging your reasonably-priced South Korean compact vehicle.