Why do thieves steal steering wheel?

You might wonder why a thief would take a steering wheel, but it's what's inside they're really after. We understand that they're being stolen for the airbags housed inside them. “Airbag theft is a relatively new phenomenon, as criminals look for new ways to make money from stolen car parts during the pandemic.”

Why are they steal BMW steering wheel?

Industry experts say steering wheels have become the new target, with research showing they steal the items to remove and sell airbags or to sell as a complete unit. Silviya is not alone.

Can thieves break steering wheel lock?

Steering wheel locks can be defeated

There have been many cases where professional thieves have stolen cars equipped with a steering wheel lock by simply cutting a portion of the steering wheel to remove the device, or by drilling or cutting the device itself to disable it.

How do car thieves bypass steering lock?

Colen said the group has documented numerous cases of thieves defeating the Club and similar devices "within a matter of seconds." Using bolt cutters, thieves simply snip a portion of the vehicle's steering wheel and remove the Club; or they drill and break the Club's protruding central lock mechanism; or they use a ...

Why are people stealing steering wheels UK?

Thieves are removing steering wheels for the valuable airbags they contain to take advantage of airbag supply chain issues linked to wider car part shortages. BMWs are found to be commonly targeted.

Here’s Why Your Steering Wheel is About to Be Stolen (Nationwide Theft Alert)

Are Chevy Equinox easy to steal?

It seems like the Equinox is immune for whatever reason. The car has one of the best percentages at 0.6 Chevrolet Equinox's stolen per 1,000 units.

What size steering wheel does a Malibu have?

2020 Chevrolet Malibu Steering Wheel Size

The 2020 Chevrolet Malibu has a 14 1/2" X 4 3/8" steering wheel size (wheel diameter of 14 1/2" and grip circumference of 4 3/8").

How much does a Chevy Malibu steering wheel cost?

For consumers, the average cost to replace an airbag system and steering wheel on these Chevy vehicles is $1,500 to $2,500, depending on the vehicle and the options, said Paul Zimmermann, vice president and owner of Matick Chevrolet in Redford.

Do wheel locks really prevent theft?

No, wheel locks can only prevent wheel theft. However, there are wheel lock clamps that can prevent your car from being stolen, but we'll get to that later. Wheel lug nut locks, on the other hand, are redesigned lug nuts that have theft-deterrent sockets and require a special key to remove.

Why do people steal alloy wheels?

“The modern fashion is for big wheels and skinny tyres, but a thin tyre means the metal of the wheel is below kerb height and these expensive wheels are easily scraped, even by careful parkers. Hence the market for stolen alloy wheels, even those fitted as standard.

Do car wheels still get stolen?

In any major UK city, our car insurance claims statistics show that 15-20 sets of alloy wheels are stolen every week. This causes motorists big problems with the loss of their no claims bonus, in addition to the payment of the insurance excess.

How do you fix a steering wheel lock on a BMW?

While holding your steering wheel in the right direction, insert your key into the ignition and start the engine. If the wheel doesn't unlock and/or the engine doesn't start, turn the wheel in the other direction and repeat the above step. Your steering wheel should now be unlocked!

Are wheel locks a waste of money?

For most drivers, wheel locks are unnecessary and will likely cause you more harm than good. However, you might benefit from wheel locks in a small variety of situations, including: If you live in an area where tire, rim, or wheel theft is common.

What triggers the anti-theft system in car?

The Anti-theft alarm system works with the help of sensors installed in and around the vehicle. An impact or the movements inside the car activates the sensors. It, in turn, triggers the alarm system and sounds the alarm. Finally, the alarm goes off and alerts the owner/people.

What locks a steering wheel?

Most cars with power steering have a device called an ignition lock cylinder that locks the steering wheel in place unless your keys are in the ignition.

How much is a 2012 Chevy Malibu alignment?

How much is a 2012 Chevy Malibu alignment? An alignment frequently costs anywhere between $60 - $150 depending on a few elements such as location and parts availability. Normally, during an alignment, your bearings, ball joints, and extra suspension elements will need to be replaced in order to align your tires.

How do you unlock the steering wheel on a Chevy Malibu?

While holding your steering wheel in the correct direction, insert your key into the ignition, and start the engine. If the engine doesn't start, turn the wheel in the opposite direction, and repeat the above step. Your steering wheel should now be unlocked!

Does a 2017 Chevy Malibu have power steering fluid?

Check Power Steering Level Chevrolet Malibu (2016-2019) LT 1.5L 4 Cyl. Turbo. Our research indicates that your vehicle has an electric power steering system ("EPS" or "EPAS"). These systems use an electric motor instead of a hydraulic system and therefore do not have any power steering fluid to leak.

How big is a 2017 Malibu steering wheel?

Chevy Malibu 2017, Original One-Color Steering Wheel Cover by Wheelskins®. Outside Diameter: 14 1/2". Grip Circumference: 4 3/8". Wheelskins are the finest, most luxurious Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Covers available.