Wheel Locks: What Are They And Do They Work?
These simple security devices can slow thieves down and keep your wheels safe.
Austin Lott | Capital One
Article QuickTakes:
If you're worried about wheel theft, there are ways to protect them — probably simpler than you might think. While they may not stop every criminal, a basic set of wheel locks can go a long way toward making sure your valuable wheels and tires stay right where you left them.
What Are Wheel Locks?
Wheel locks are special lug nuts that are intended to make it harder for a thief to remove without the exact matching socket, or “key.” On many, the outer edge of the nut is round rather than multi-sided, and the top features a uniquely shaped slot into which the matching key fits to create the grip needed to unlock the nut from the lug. On others, the outside is "keyed" so a specialty socket is required for removing them without damage. No matter the design, without the key, a wheel lock is very difficult to remove since there are no edges to grab with a tool.
Austin Lott
The Pros and Cons of Wheel Locks
Wheel theft is a real problem, especially for vehicles that are left parked for long stretches in areas where there’s little surveillance. Any thief with a lug wrench and a jack can probably make off with a set of wheels in minutes. Adding wheel locks into the mix can slow thieves down considerably, as there are so many different wheel lock designs on the market. It can be impractical for criminals to carry a bag full of various wheel lock keys. And the time it would take to try to force a lock off is likely enough to make thieves move on to easier targets.
On the other hand, having to use a wheel lock key to do basic tasks like replace or rotate tires can add time and effort to what are typically pretty simple jobs. If you’re doing the work yourself, this can be frustrating, and if you’re at a mechanic's shop it might increase your labor bill. You also need to keep the wheel lock key with your car at all times in case you need to change a tire on the side of the road.
What Happens If You Lose a Wheel Lock Key?
If you lose your wheel lock key, you won't be able to remove your wheels from your car or truck — at least not without a challenge. Keeping a spare key in a safe location is your ideal protection against this kind of hassle. You can usually order a replacement from the manufacturer, but that won’t be a quick fix in an emergency.
It's possible for a repair shop to remove a wheel lock in an emergency by using a type of socket that grinds into the surface of the lug nut to grab hold of the metal and spin off the nut. This will get your wheel off, but it may damage the wheel lock beyond repair.
