Lug nut locks...

[Starflyer]

Last Thursday I left my G80 Sport at a mag repair shop to clean up some curb rash. When I picked the car up later that day, with a quick glance in the trunk, I noticed the plastic container that holds 4 standard lugs and the unlock key was there. Then on Sunday I was cleaning up the trunk area and noticed the unlock KEY was not in the package slot. I was getting ready for a 200 mile road trip to Seattle and back, leaving very early Tuesday morning.

While I know it's very unlikely I would have a flat and need the unlock key to fix the tire, I still had visions of having to "flatbed the car" to a shop if a tire went flat, then wait maybe a week or more for a replacement unlock key before the flat could be fixed! I was thinking about renting a car just incase the worst happened, leaving my G80 in the garage until I receive a replacement unlock key.

Got up early to drive to the tire shop to see if they had my unlock key on the work bench. As I was closing the door, I SAW the key in a little cubby hole in the driver's door. Now I have two thoughts, one to order a backup unlock key and why do I normally carry the unlock key in the car. The purpose of it is to prevent someone from stealing my wheels or tires. If they break into the car, leaving the unlock key there is all they need to "de-rubber" my G80. My thought now is to hid the unlock key, maybe taped under a seat or somewhere else rather than leaving it in the plastic factory package in the trunk.

A very important piece of gear. About 1.5" high. Do you know where yours is...

Back in the '80's I was living in Manhattan and it wasn't that unusual to see a car sitting without wheels in the area. I read about one guy who got out of his car to check something in the trunk and while behind the car, he felt the car shaking. Looked around to the front and there was a guy jacking up the front end who replied "I got the front end, you can have the back end".

 

[tarhoosier]

I had new wheels installed 18 months ago and the tech kept the lock key. I realized it five minutes later when I was at home and looked for it. On return he sheepishly fetched it from his tool box. It is available from auto parts store so not so secure. I asked the advisor at this Firestone store when was the last time he heard of wheels stolen and he could not recall an incident. Been years for me. I suppose with super expensive 22' and larger wheels the chance of theft may be worth a security device. Not this one, but some device.

 

[joegr]

I've had a number of cars over the years, some with will locks, and more without. So far, I've had a total of zero tires stolen from the cars with locks, and a total of zero stolen from the cars without. I'm inclined to remove the locks from the two cars I have with them now the next time I have cause to take the wheels off. Of course, your area and the areas that you drive to are probably different then mine.

 

[EdP]

I've had a number of cars over the years, some with will locks, and more without. So far, I've had a total of zero tires stolen from the cars with locks, and a total of zero stolen from the cars without. I'm inclined to remove the locks from the two cars I have with them now the next time I have cause to take the wheels off. Of course, your area and the areas that you drive to are probably different then mine.

I'd be more concerned about damage cause by someone trying to get the locks off with a sledge hammer. Do tire shops have assorted keys that fit most of them? Can thieves get them too?

 

[Pope1944]

Took the locks off. I have had previous incident when the car got a flat and the wife could not find the key. They towed the car and ended up ruining the wheel. Thieves have assorted keys and a tool that grabs the whole thing. https://tireburn.com/2017/12/29/wheel-lock-removal-without-key-tool/

 

[millemk]

Locks on wheels are a total waste and bother, just a money grabbing opportunity from the wheel lock provider. They make rotation of tires more difficult, as well as added difficulty when simply removing a wheel for inspection of brake pads. When I bought my g80, I put the normal lug nuts back on and never looked back. I also did the same with my F150 with expensive 20" wheels. Hey, if a thief really wants your wheels, they have available at their disposal a number of tools and methods to easily remove the wheel. Anyway, if by chance a wheel ever does get stolen, then that is an opportunity for new wheels and tires using your robust auto insurance policy.