Discover how retro car features like manual handbrakes, stick shifts, and steering locks act as hidden anti‑theft layers. Stay safe—learn more now!
In Vietnam, owning a car is more than a convenience – it’s a status symbol. As automakers pile on high‑tech anti‑theft systems, a surprising set of older‑school features are proving to be just as effective, if not more, at keeping thieves at bay.
The changing landscape of driver licences
Starting in early 2025, Vietnam’s driver‑licence categories will allow a Category B licence to cover both automatic and manual (stick‑shift) vehicles. In practice, many learners still choose the automatic‑only track (B01) because it’s simpler, leaving a shrinking pool of drivers who are comfortable with a clutch, brake and gear lever.
This scarcity creates a natural security advantage: a car with a manual gearbox presents an additional barrier for anyone unfamiliar with the coordination required to launch it.
Manual handbrake – the forgotten safeguard
Modern cars are increasingly fitted with electronic parking brakes and Auto‑Hold functions that automatically engage when the vehicle stops. While convenient, these systems also reduce the tactile experience of pulling a lever.
Older models – such as the 2007‑2018 Toyota Camry, 2020‑2024 Corolla Cross, 2007‑2018 Hyundai Santa Fe, and 2015‑2020 Kia Sedona – still use a foot‑operated handbrake. Thieves accustomed to electronic levers may find the foot‑pedal version puzzling, especially when a warning light reminds the driver to release the brake before shifting into drive. That moment of hesitation can be enough to deter a quick theft.
Steering lock – a mechanical fortress
Before the era of keyless entry, many cars employed a steering‑wheel lock that engaged when the key was removed and the wheel turned. If a driver turned the wheel after turning off the engine, a heavy lock would click into place, making the ignition impossible to turn without first freeing the wheel.
When the key is inserted again, the lock can feel jammed – a sign that the steering lock is still engaged. To start the vehicle, one must gently rock the wheel back and forth while turning the key. This simple but robust mechanism is virtually absent from brand‑new models, turning it into a hidden anti‑theft layer on older vehicles.
Why these ‘retro’ features matter today
- Skill gap: Fewer drivers know how to operate a stick shift or a foot‑brake, giving owners an unexpected advantage.
- Tactile feedback: Physical levers and locks provide clear resistance that can’t be overridden by electronic hacks.
- Psychological deterrent: A would‑be thief may abandon a target if they encounter unfamiliar hardware.
Practical tips for owners
Even if you drive a modern car, you can borrow these principles:
- Engage the electronic parking brake and keep the vehicle in Park before leaving it.
- If your car still has a manual handbrake, always pull it fully before exiting.
- Consider adding a removable steering wheel lock – it mimics the old‑school lock and is inexpensive.
Looking ahead
As Vietnam’s licence system evolves and more drivers opt for automatics, the manual transmission and foot‑operated handbrake may become genuine “security niches” rather than relics. For now, they serve as a reminder that sometimes the best protection isn’t the flashiest gadget, but a simple piece of engineering that thieves simply don’t expect.