The main idea why someone may need wheel locks is to protect the wheels and tires from being stolen. If you’ve got a nice set of wheels and tires on your wheels, it’s a good idea to protect your investment, especially if you tend to leave your vehicle parked outside for a long time.
That’s why if you want to sleep calmly knowing your wheels and tires will be on your vehicle when you wake up, think of purchasing a set of wheel locks, as they will be much less expensive, than a set of wheels you’ve got.
Wheels locks: types & specs
It is important to pick the wheel locks based on the wheel specs and your own expectations. Here are the most popular types of wheel locks that are available on the market.
- Spline Drive Lug Nuts. These locking lug nuts are one of the most popular type of wheel locks which features maximum gripping power, compared to the other wheel lock types. These locks employ the majority of their surface to hold in place. That is the main difference between the spline drive and socket style lug nuts, which require extra space to install the tool. Also, such wheel locks usually have zinc-plated seating surface that improves torque tension characteristics.
- OEM alloy wheel locks. This type of wheel locks is usually installed on the factory alloy wheels by the car maker. The key to unlock the wheels to remove them is provided with the vehicle when you purchase it. If you are buying used OE wheels, make sure you are getting the key for the wheels locks along with the wheel set.
- Locking lug nuts. This type of wheel locks mounts with the help of special key and cannot be removed by just using a wrench. Such wheel locks feature rigged pattern and a rounded head. Some manufacturers, however, sometimes offer certain design options for these lug nuts.
- Clamp wheel lock. Sometimes called a security boot, this is security means that cannot be called aesthetic or hardly noticeable. The clamp is mounted around the wheel not to let the wheel move. This security method is less convenient to use, yet it is a reliable way to make sure the wheel, as well as the vehicle, will stay in place.
How to choose the best wheel locks?
There is no quick answer to this question, as it depends on wheel configuration, bolt pattern, thread pitch and size, etc. When selecting the wheel locks, think of both aesthetic and convenience. Also, decide, whether you are looking for a solution that’s installed once, and you will remember about it only when changing wheels and tires, or you will tolerate spending a couple of minutes to install wheel boots when parked in an unknown area.
