How To Lock And Unlock Your Car's Steering Wheel - AutoDeal

Maybe your like

AutoDeal

MotoDeal

TruckDeal

New Cars New Car Guide Fleet NEW Electric Cars

Car Brands Trade In Find a Dealer Find an Agent Premium New Cars MG HS Hybrid+

MG TRQ L

Ford Everest

Sedan

Hatchback Featured

Pickup Truck MG TRQ L Featured

SUV Ford Everest

Crossover

MPV

Minivan

Station Wagon Van

Van

Ford

Nissan

Mitsubishi

Hyundai

Mazda

Isuzu

GAC

Toyota

Car Of The Week

Jaecoo J7 SHS

P1,449,000 – P1,549,000 Promo (2) View Prices & Specs Car Promos New Car Promos Clearance Sale Used Cars Used Cars for Sale Quick Sell NEW Sell Your Car Car Advisor Used Car Partner Dealers Premium Used Cars News & Reviews Latest News News Reviews Tips & Advice Lifestyle Videos Loans & Insurance Car Loans Comprehensive Car Insurance CTPL Insurance NEW Car Comparison Comparison

Cars in your comparison

New Car Used Car

You are here: Home Latest Stories Feature How to lock and unlock your car's steering wheel

As many car owners know, steering wheels have a locking feature which can be activated and deactivated through a simple mechanism. What it does is it prevents the front wheels from changing direction when no key is inserted into the ignition or when the start-stop button is not operational given the absence of its smart key. While some people use club locks or other theft deterrents, many cars already have these built-in guardians. Before we deliver you the simple process of locking and unlocking your car’s steering wheel, let us first go in a little more detail with its purpose.

Related: Why aren't steering wheels placed in the center of a car?

What is its purpose?

As mentioned, this feature is reinforced in some vehicles for anti-theft purposes. That’s why activating your car’s steering wheel lock will prevent thieves from moving your wheel an inch. So if they manage to start your car, it’ll only drive in a really wide circle.

Moreover, it also serves as a safety feature that should be activated when you're parked uphill while turning your wheel towards the curb. This reduces the chances of the vehicle from steering down the hill in an event that its parking brake fails. Now that we’ve successfully discussed its benefits, let us now proceed on how you can lock and unlock your car’s steering wheel.

How to unlock your steering wheel?

Cars being sold nowaday could either come with a traditional ignition key or a start-stop button that can be operated provided that you have the proximity key with you inside the cabin. We’ve separated the procedures depending on the type of vehicle you have in order for you to have an easier task doing this.

Cars with an ignition key - In order to release the wheel, use your left hand to wiggle it left and right applying significant force. At the same time, use your right hand to turn the ignition key from the lock position to the accessory (ACC) or start position. After doing so, your steering wheel’s lock should disengage.
Cars with a start-stop button - Unlock the steering wheel by wiggling it with your left hand, applying significant force. At the same time, use your right hand to tap the start-stop button. Remember not to step on the brake as it will start your car. Following these steps will set your ignition in ACC mode and will successfully unlock your steering wheel.

How to lock your steering wheel?

Now, whether your car is started with an ignition key or with a start-stop button, locking the steering wheel is done with the same process. Just turn off the vehicle and then turn the steering wheel one way or the other. Once you hear it click, that’s the sign that you’ve successfully locked your car’s steering wheel.

Other solutions

As your car ages, the steering wheel lock can wear out, break, or even glitch. For vehicles with ignition cylinders, try to spray a good amount of lubricant or use a different key that comes with the car. If the ignition cylinder is worn or broken, replacement might be necessary.

As for those vehicles that have a push-start button, just check if the key fob battery is still good, some vehicles post a low battery reminder while some don’t. Likewise, if you have an extra key fob with you, then you should use that instead.

What’s the best way to grip your steering wheel? Why aren't steering wheels placed in the center of a car?

Latest Features

More for less? What the Chery Tiggo Touring brings to the table / Featured Article
Jerome Tresvalles · Jan 19, 2026
Looking for a crossover that punches above its weight? Look no further than the feature-packed Chery Tiggo Touring.
11 car features you might not know how to use / Featured Article
Autodeal · Jan 14, 2026
These features hide in plain sight but come give you better convenience once you figure out how to use them.
Finding the groove: VinFast VF6 / Featured Article
Jerome Tresvalles · Jan 12, 2026
The VF6 may be a new car from a young brand, but it’s got a formula that may be able to win over hearts in our market.

View More Articles

Popular Reviews

2021 Maxus D60 Review 3.9
2021 Kia Stonic Review 4.2
2021 Isuzu D-MAX—First Drive Impressions
View More Reviews

Tips and Advice

First car or next car, the Ford EcoSport is a tough package to beat
All drivers, new or old, can enjoy the EcoSport's ease of use and its convenience.
Head to Head: Suzuki Ertiga vs Mitsubishi Xpander
It’s a close battle between these two Japanese contenders.
How to safely wash off volcanic ashfall from your car
A little bit of wax goes a long way.
View More Tips