If you just bought a new car or installed a new set of custom rims, you might need to take an extra step to protect your tires and wheels from theft.
One way to protect them is by using wheel locks which keep your rims in place until you unlock them. What exactly are wheel locks? Here’s all you need to know.
What Are Wheel Locks?
Wheel locks are mounted on your wheels to protect them from theft. Installed as a substitute for lug nuts, these locks can only be removed using a specialized key that comes with the set. Therefore, without the wheel lock key, your wheel can’t be easily removed. Remember, the type of wheel lock you use depends on the wheel you have.
For more information about wheel locks, the different types, why you need them, what’s their role and how they work, keep on reading!
What Is A Wheel Lock?
If you live in an area with a high crime rate or leave your car parked in a secluded place, you might be worried that your rims or wheels might be stolen. You are not alone. Other drivers worry about this or have fallen victim to thieves.
On some occasions, thieves have targeted showrooms and car dealerships to steal rims and tires worth thousands of dollars.
Since this crime has become a common trend, tire manufacturers have developed tools to keep your car wheels safe.
McGard first introduced wheel locks in the 1960s to prevent theft of vehicle tires and rims. These locks are now redesigned as lug nuts for tires that come with sockets to deter stealing.
Although they function as standard lug nuts, they can only be removed using a specific wheel lock key designed with a unique pattern to match the wheel lock.
When buying wheel locks, you need to know that the type you get needs to align with the kind of wheels you have.
To make sure your wheel locks serve their purpose and stay in place, install them with a torque wrench.
Additionally, the key should be well placed in each lock to avoid damaging them both. You should practice the proper removal and installation techniques for them to work well.
Why Do You Need Wheel Locks?
If you are wondering whether you should buy wheel locks for your car, here are some benefits.
They Add Security
Wheel locks add security to your wheels and rims and make it hard to steal them.
Thieves mostly target wheels that are not secured; therefore, this is an important tool if you want to keep them away. Car wheels are impossible to remove without the key.
They Are Cheaper
Compared to replacing rims, you are better off buying wheel locks.
If you just installed fancy rims, it will be cheaper to protect them than buying a new set because they have been stolen.
They Have An Excellent Design
If you want to improve the design of your car and wheels, wheel locks are ideal because they add beauty to your rims.
Unlike the standard lug nuts, they have an excellent design and perform well.
How Do Wheel Locks Work?
Wheel locks have four or five pieces of lug nuts and generally work like any other lock.
You’ll need to remove the hubcaps before handling the lug nuts. You can use the lug wrenches from your tire tool kit to loosen the lug nuts. Once all the lug nuts are loose, you can jack up the vehicle and remove the wheel.
After you are done, you can now replace the nuts with wheel locks and tighten them properly.
What Are The Different Types Of Wheel Locks?
Some drivers raise questions about whether all the wheel locks are the same.
However, this is not the case because the locks differ according to the type of wheels you have. Here are the different types of wheel locks.
Wheel Clamp Lock
Wheel clamp locks act as a perfect anti-theft tool by allowing your wheel to be completely immobilized.
Once you install this, the wheels can’t turn or rotate because they hold the entire wheel.
Keep in mind that these tools are larger than the standard lug nuts; therefore, they might not be ideal for everyday use.
However, they are portable and can be used if you have no other alternatives.
Tapered Seat
Tapered seat locks have a cone at an angle where the bolt head and the thread connects.
It works because the cone fits into the wheel of the nut. These locks are found on wheels from Ford, Renault, BMW, and Honda.
Alloy Wheel Locks
Just like their name, these locks are made from alloy material. They are strong and mostly come from the manufacturer with a socket designed to work with a key.
Radius Seat
Commonly utilized by Audi and Mercedes, this lock type uses a curved area on the part that connects the bolt and the thread. Therefore, it requires a specific key made for this lock.
Locking Lug Nuts
You can go for these types if you want your wheel locks to look like the typical lug nuts.
They are advantageous because they don’t attract any attention to your wheels; therefore, they keep your rims safer.
However, they have a rigid pattern when installing, making it harder to remove them compared to other types of wheel locks.
Factors To Consider When Buying Wheel Locks
Now that we’ve established that wheel locks are not standard equipment and there are different types, what should you consider when getting some for your wheels?
First, you need to confirm your wheel type, whether it’s steel, alloy, forged, or has any other materials, before you pick a lock. Each wheel has a different characteristic; therefore, you should consult a professional.
In addition, you need to know the size of your wheels and the number of locks you’ll need. If you get the wrong set, the wheel locks won’t work properly.
Furthermore, when shopping, you should check the quality and costs of the wheel locks. You can compare the difference by checking customer reviews and driver forums for more information.
To know more about wheels, you can also see our posts on what are wheel adapters, what are wheel bearings, and what are wheel hubs.
Summary
Wheel locks are a necessary tool if you need to protect your rims and wheels from theft. They come in handy if you live in an area where there are a lot of such cases or just need to protect your new set of rims.
These locks come with a unique key that has to be used to remove the wheel; therefore, when installed properly, your rims will be safe.
When buying locks, keep in mind that they vary depending on the wheel type, so consult a professional to get the correct ones.
In my opinion, a wheel lock is a necessary tool to ensure the wheel is securely attached to the vehicle to prevent car thieves from trying to force the tires and other parts of the wheel. I like the wheel clamp lock. This type of lock seems to be quite easy to use and popular, it has a clamp that prevents the wheel from moving and also prevents the wheel from loosening.