A car owner would do everything in his capacity to keep the vehicle protected from theft and hooliganism. While looking for car security against theft, car owners often turn to wheel locks. If you have ever visited a tire shop or automobile service center, you have most likely seen various types of wheel locks. So what are wheel locks? A wheel lock is a metal tool that comes with anti-theft sockets. Modern-day wheel locks come with locking lug nuts that are fixed into each wheel. Unlike traditional lug nuts, these updated versions feature perfectly cut-out shapes and come with keys that need to be removed in order to remove the lug nuts. What happens when you miss or break your wheel lock nut key? In case you ever lose or break your modern wheel lock nut key, it is always advisable to get in touch with a professional locksmith like Keys On Wheels to navigate through the situation. A professional locksmith can save you from the expense of purchasing a new set of wheel locks. Sometimes they even possess special tools to remove the locking wheel nuts without the original key. Read on to find more.
The Options In Case A Wheel Lock Nut Key Is Missing Or Broken:
- Purchasing a new key for your wheel lock nut
This is most often the simplest choice, but it may be costly at times. Purchasing a new set of wheel lock nuts can cost you anywhere from $100 to $300 for a full set. So even if you would want to use the old locking set, you still have to purchase a new locking wheel nut key. Each set will have a unique code, and the manufacturer will have the replacement code ready if you ask for it. You can check the plastic storage bag or original box if you lose or break the key. You can also order a replacement key online from your dealer or manufacturer if you have the unique code with you.
- Removal and replacement of your wheel lock nut
Many vehicle owners who have misplaced their keys go to have professional locksmiths remove and replace their wheel lock nut key with a universal set that works with almost every type of wheel lock. The best part is- you don’t have to buy them from the vehicle manufacturer, as the set will protect the alloy wheels while getting removed, and they are meant for a variety of automobiles. This alternative is often less costly than going for an alternate key.
- Removing without a key
Without the corresponding key, a trained and professional locksmith can use a specialized device to remove the wheel nuts. The whole process is applicable to a wide range of vehicles. However, the effectiveness depends largely on the type of wheel design and the level of tightness of the wheel nuts. However, in the majority of instances, most professional locksmiths can efficiently remove the wheel nuts without any issue.
Most common places where you might find your locking wheel nut key:
- Door card pockets
- The glove box
- Under your spare wheel
- Center storage console
- In and under the boot
- Under the passenger or driver seat
Different types of locking wheel nuts
- Keyed wheel lug nuts: Most of the wheel nuts in a wide range of automobiles come with keyed heads. This is where the locking wheel nut key is fitted; the other end of the key is a standard hexagonal shape that slots into a wheel brace to release the nut.
- Rotating collar: This sort of wheel nut is very difficult to remove without the corresponding key since its spinning collar is intended to rotate around the nut.
- Sheer head bolt: Typically seen in French automobiles such as Peugeots, they are used in wheels with bolts rather than nuts. This sort of bolt is intended to “shear” off if removed using a tool other than the corresponding key.
A security device like a lock nut can save your car from getting stolen. But as most people are prone to losing or misplacing or accidentally breaking their belongings, you might sometimes lose or break the keys to your wheel lock nut. Calling your professional locksmith from a nearby vehicle repair shop is an amazing solution. A professional locksmith can save you time and money by removing the wheel lock with special tools or opening it with a spare key. In some vehicles, it is simple, while in others, it is challenging. They may need the assistance of a hammer and penetrating oil. Since these locksmith professionals deal with such cases on a daily basis, they can give you the best advice when it comes to your wheel lock nut key.
