Wheel locks, any point?

[eblend]

Hi guys,

Don't live in the hood (NE), and my new Forester didn't come with any wheel locks. Should I get some? Car is always garage parked. Is stealing of wheels still a thing?

[Maxx Mazda]

For factory rims on a car like that, I'd say no its not worth it.

[dj_rice]

Odd that your car didn't have wheel locks put on during PDI process? But as above, the likely hood of someone wanting to steal your factory wheels are low, but you never know and one day wake up on blocks.

How much are your OEM wheel locks? $100? Might be a investment deterrent for thief to move on to next car without locks

[Mitsu3000gt]

It's a very cheap deterrent for crimes of opportunity, but does nothing to prevent a planned theft (anyone can buy the wheel keys online). I'd use them if you have expensive factory rims or aftermarket rims. For factory rims on a regular car it's less important IMO, but either way they are so cheap so why not.

[eblend]

Odd that your car didn't have wheel locks put on during PDI process? But as above, the likely hood of someone wanting to steal your factory wheels are low, but you never know and one day wake up on blocks.

How much are your OEM wheel locks? $100? Might be a investment deterrent for thief to move on to next car without locks

I think they might have forgotten, not sure. I bought the car Wed evening over the phone, picked up Friday morning, and they had to do a few accessory installs as well, so think the quick turn around maybe caused this. I should double check. Car comes with black 18s which look pretty decent, but doubt anyone would want to steal them.

https://photos.smugmug.com/New-pictures/n-mXTvM/i-rr6jbtc/0/0998e226/XL/i-rr6jbtc-XL.jpg

[D'z Nutz]

My Impreza came with a set when I bought it, but that was back in 2008. Check the spare tire compartment?

That said, I don't really think they're that much of a deterrent. You can remove a lot of them with gator grips. If thieves are walking around with a tire iron with the intent of stealing rims, they're probably gonna have gator grips with them too.

They're more of an annoyance to fine tire retailers like tirebob when people forget to tell them about the wheel locks and they can't find a key for it.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Locking wheel nuts are usually an option, so if you car came with them it will probably be a line item on your bill of sale.

[eblend]

I reached out to the sales guy to double check, and he said it's an option and most people don't like them...because as mentioned a few posts up, people lose them! I think they are an inconvenience when swapping winters on, but will think about it. Thanks everyone for the input. He did mention that it's up to the dealer usually. My previous Crosstrek (bought at different dealer) and my dads Mitsubishi came with them.

[Lex350]

I had those puzzle wheel locks. I hate those things....took them off. If someone steals my rims, that's what insurance is for.

[The_Rural_Juror]

If someone steals my rims, that's what insurance is for.

No nononononono you are doing it wrong. If someone steals your rims, find a pothole to blame it on. Just say it vaporized it. I can't afford deductibles.

[realazy]

Agree on the annoyance part, it's just extra time to switch to the key when changing wheels with an impact wrench. With that said, the annoyance never made me buy the 4 matching nuts to replace the locks yet since they never gave me the original lug nuts.

[ExtraSlow]

Most dealerships charge you extra and pretend it's included. But you can decline.

[Aleks]

I would pay the $100 just so they don't put them on. Hate screwing with them for winter wheels changes.

[benyl]

If someone wants your wheels, they will get them. Locks or not.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Ya man. Hub caps are better. It's harder to remove a hub cap than it is to remove a wheel lock.

[ThePenIsMightier]

Not worth it on stock wheels iMO as others said.

[tirebob]

Locks only keep out honest people... Maybe if you live in the hood and have super rare expensive wheels and you want a deterrent they can serve a purpose, but really, I would rather the little bastards steal them and go through insurance for replacement rather than to repair damage from an unsuccessful and inept thieves. Lol

[ThePenIsMightier]

Locks only keep out honest people... Maybe if you live in the hood and have super rare expensive wheels and you want a deterrent they can serve a purpose, but really, I would rather the little bastards steal them and go through insurance for replacement rather than to repair damage from an unsuccessful and inept thieves. Lol

Sound advice, as always.
Stocks
No locks for stocks.
Work VS-XX step rims in a limited edition colour? Locks.

[ExtraSlow]

Park the car somewhere secure instead of locking just the wheels.

[topmade]

I never asked for them but there was a set in the glove box of my Sienna and MDX and they are sitting nicely on my shelves, was going to get rid of them so if anyone wants them they can have one or both.

[The_Rural_Juror]

Park the car somewhere secure instead of locking just the wheels.

Not everyone can afford an F150 and an estate home in Aspen.

[killramos]

Not everyone can afford an F150 and an estate home in Aspen.

He also has an HD truck sitting around for kicks.

[C4S]

Well, do it ..

For ~ $100 or so.

Make sure you know where they are!

I somehow always forgot where I put my wheel lock key at ... and that cost more at the end .. :(

[2Legit2Quit]

Locks are good if you own some sick chrome FOOSE rims, especially on a F-150

[Team_Mclaren]

Park the car somewhere secure instead of locking just the wheels.

A+++ comment, would read again

[The_Rural_Juror]

A+++ comment, would read again

A++++ review, would rep again

[Nufy]

So whats the quickest way to get these fuckers off when the garage forgets to put the key back in your truck...and you don't notice for over a year.

Why the hell would you remove the wheels to do an AC service anyways...

[ExtraSlow]

Hammer on a cheap princess auto socket and go to town.

[Nufy]

Agreed.

That will be the last resort.

If anyone has access to a Mcgard 82471 key I would pay a 6 pack to use it for a half hour to remove the lugs.

[ExtraSlow]

Most good tire shops will have a few keys.

[Tik-Tok]

Most good tire shops will have a few keys.

The shop he got serviced at should have at least one.

[ExtraSlow]

Zing!

[mr2mike]

So whats the quickest way to get these fuckers off when the garage forgets to put the key back in your truck...and you don't notice for over a year.

Why the hell would you remove the wheels to do an AC service anyways...

Did they change your AC belt? That's probably how they did it.

Mechanics are basically magicians and through the wheel well is the hidden trap door.

[Nufy]

The AC stuff was a recharge. I also had a brake inspection that they say was only visual.

They did offer for me to drop by and see if their collection of keys will fit. (No doubt mine is in there but they wont admit it...)

Sigh...on such a crappy day too.

Once they are off they won't be going back on...key or no key.

[88CRX]

And this is exactly why wheel locks are stupid.

[Nufy]

Big Thanks to Integra Tire Midnapore.

The had a key that fit so I was able to remove those bastards.

They gone !!!!