How does wheel lock work?

Wheel locks are redesigned lug nuts for tires that contain theft-deterring sockets. They function just like standard lug nuts except they can only be removed with a wheel lock key. What is a wheel lock key? Wheel lock keys are special sockets that match the unique pattern on your wheel lock.

How do lock Lugnuts work?

They are like regular lug nuts but have a cut out in them and need a key to be removed. Each set of wheel locks have their own key. They are used to deter criminals from stealing your wheels. The key usually comes in a set which can be found with the spare tire or sometimes in the glove box.

How do wheels get locked?

There is a long list of reasons that one or all of the brakes on your vehicle might lock up. These can include an overheated braking system, using the wrong brake fluid, damaged or broken parts (calipers, brake pads, pistons, rotors, or others), a defective ABS component, broken parking brake, and more.

Can someone steal your tires with wheel locks?

Wheel locks only protect against the theft of tires, wheels, and rims. They do not protect against car theft. They are commonly confused with wheel chock locks and wheel lock clamps, which act as a tire “boot” to prevent vehicle theft.

How do wheel locks prevent theft?

A steering wheel lock is a device that hooks onto your steering wheel to make difficult or impossible to operate. Visible anti-theft measures like a steering wheel lock tell thieves that your car will be difficult to take without a lot of noise and effort. More often than not, they'll move on to an easier score.

What is a wheellock gun and how did it work?

Is there any point in locking wheel nuts?

Are locking wheel nuts necessary? Strictly speaking, a locking wheel nut isn't 100% necessary if your only concern is keeping your wheels securely attached to your car. However, as a locking wheel nut makes it much harder for thieves to remove the wheels from your car, they do provide extra security and peace of mind.

Do locking wheel nuts break?

Locking wheel nuts fail – fact!

They sometimes snap, which is both annoying and inconvenient, especially if this happens more than once.

Are wheel locks unique to each car?

In actuality, there are a limited number of patterns used by manufacturers, so chances are, your wheel lock and key aren't unique to your vehicle. A set of wheel locks includes four nuts, one for each wheel, and a single matching socket key.

Are wheel locks a waste of money?

Or are they a waste of money (easily defeated by thieves)? A set of wheel locks, regardless of the brand or design, will not prevent a determined thief from stealing your wheels. However they will deter most amateurs and “encourage” them to look for an easier target.

Where are wheel lock keys located?

With your spare wheel: as we're sure you'll know, if your car has one, your spare wheel is kept underneath the bottom panel of your boot. Many car manufacturers will store the wheel nut key in a compartment next to the spare wheel itself, so make sure you look here.

What happens if you lose a wheel lock?

Purchase a new key. This is sometimes the easiest option although it can sometimes be expensive. However if you'd like to use the original locking wheel nut set you'll need to buy a new locking wheel nut key. Each key comes with a code so you can order a replacement from the vehicle manufacturer.

Do you take locking wheel nut off first?

If you have to change a wheel yourself, always undo the lock nut first and replace it last.

How effective are locking lug nuts?

You only need to use one locking nut on each wheel, where it simply replaces one of the regular wheel nuts. Fitting locking wheel nuts is easy, and they provide an excellent deterrent against opportunistic theft. In fact, as a result of locking wheel nuts being widely fitted, car wheel theft has become pretty rare.

Is it OK to reuse lock nuts?

Are Locknuts reusable? Most locknuts can be reused several times. But the majority of locknuts are Prevailing Type which degrade from multiple usages. The prevailing torque will lessen over many usages reducing the ability for the nut to grip the bolt.

How do I know if I need a locking wheel nut key?

A locking wheel nut key is needed if you are looking to get your tyres changed and would need to be provided to the National Tyres and Autocare branch staff. This is only relevant if your wheels have locking wheel nuts. Without the locking wheel nut key, you will be unable to have your tyres changed.

Are lock nuts better than regular nuts?

Traditional nuts simply consist of a basic threaded hole, so constant exposure to vibrations can knock them loose from the bolt on which they are placed. Lock nuts protect against loosening, however, by featuring a design that increases the nut's resistance to vibrations.

How secure is a rim lock?

Rim locks are usually installed on doors that are too narrow to take an internal lock mechanism. They are generally for interior doors as they are not very secure since they can be removed with a screwdriver.

How can I make my car harder to steal?

Is wheel theft common?

Despite all the technological advancements made in the auto industry, old-fashioned wheel theft remains a problem nationwide: The value of tires stolen each year is at least $1 million, according to one estimate.

Is wheel theft covered under car insurance?

Comprehensive car insurance excludes the claim due to theft or vandalism of tyre and tube.

Can a tire shop remove wheel locks?

As long as they have the right tools and are willing to do so, yes they can. No all stores are willing to remove wheel locks for liability purposes.

Can the AA remove locking wheel nuts?

Locking nuts are sold with a code, so owners can order a new key from the maker. If you don't have the code, garages have tools able to remove most nuts. Breakdown organisations such as the AA and RAC can also usually help.