this post was submitted on 12 Aug 2023
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Why do steering wheel locks seem so much less popular now? Same with the reflectors. Nothing's changed about the best way to keep the car cool while you're not in it but I almost never see them anymore and I'm in Australia of all places. Those things and to a lesser extent the steering wheel locks were everywhere in the 90s.
Because engine immobilisers are a thing, that's also why car keys are so expensive. The engine won't start without the correct key so no need to worry about the wheel.
As for reflectors, the people that use them might just opt for ceramic window tints.
Unless of course you drive certain models of Kia and Hyundai
And the older models as well
I drive a 2007 Kia and that thing has no special security features
Shit it doesn't even have cruise control
Better not give Tom a ride, then. We've all seen how he gets when there's a lack of control..
Really lol. So dumb but good
That's a frequent description of my jokes 😁
Tinting your windshield is illegal, but I guess you could just use a super clear ceramic film... Except it's still super expensive and not as effective compared to a simple reflector.
Actually, in most places there's a maximum opacity for safety reasons rather than an outright ban. Granted, some jurisdictions set the limit so low that it makes the whole thing pretty much pointless 🤷
I still see reflectors a lot. But I guess they might not be so popular anymore because with today's ACs you can cool down your car in seconds, while with only ventilation cooling it took way more time.
This seems like the most satisfactory explanation. I totally forgot that not every car had AC when I grew up in the 90s and I'm pretty sure my mum's old car that she used to lock with a steering wheel lock and try to keep cool with a reflector didn't have AC now that you mention it.
Many EVs also have ways to either keep the cabin temp for extrended periods of time or precondition the car a few minutes before getting into the car (at the expense of a little energy).
Your steering wheel probably already has a lock built in from the factory, give it a tug without the key and it'll lock in place, to unlock it you need the key
They did in the 90s too. Even in the 80s and 70s locking steering columns were a thing. I never understood the steering wheel locks.
Deterrent for when someone jams a flathead screwdriver in your ignition and starts the car you still can’t really drive anywhere because you can’t turn. Remember this was before expensive NFC or radio car keys.
In my area the wheel locks have come back a little. Not as ubiquitous as I remember in the 90s, but they are back here and there. The reflectors are quite common in Colorado though. See those constantly.