What is a wheel nut lock and how can it be removed after losing key

Wheel nut lock is a device that prevents your car’s wheels from getting stolen. It is a case kind of thing that is installed over your wheel to prevent it from getting stolen. You use it when you need to lock the wheel when you are not inside the car. The key generally is in a special case that is generally kept in the glove compartment of the car.

Importance of wheel nut lock

There are two types of wheels in general. Steel wheel and alloy wheel.

Steel wheels are made of normal steel. They are the older version of wheels. Steel wheels are strong. They are low maintenance and are much affordable. But they are more prone to corrosion and much heavier.

Alloy wheels though are more costly than their steel counterpart and more prone to corrosion, have many advantages. One chief advantage is that, allow wheels are much more sophisticated looking than steel wheels. They are more ductile and as a result the journey in an uncomfortable road is much more comfortable than when done in steel wheel.

Alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels. That decreases the overall weight of the car and thus the fuel efficiency of the vehicle improves. Lighter wheels also help easier maneuverability, especially in the front wheels and as a result steering of the car is easier. Also, more ductility in the wheel makes the wheel less prone to breaking. Steel wheels are stronger but more brittle. They don’t have much strength for shock absorption. Alloy wheels though not as tough as the steel ones, is much difficult to break.

Owing to all these advantages, now a days nearly all cars are coming with alloy wheels. Previously steel wheels used to be the go-to wheels for cars. Alloy wheels used to be used only in premium and sophisticated models. But now all cars are nearly having alloy wheels.

When people have steel wheels, the wheels are not that costly and are less likely to get stolen. However, the alloy wheels are costlier and as result are more prone to theft. Wheel lock nuts are used to protect the wheels from getting stolen. Especially if you live in a rough neighborhood, its importance increases.

What to do to unlock the wheel nut lock

Wheel nut locks are generally bought from the dealership itself when you buy a car. It comes with a key to unlock. The key comes in a special case and is kept inside the car (generally in the glove compartment). The key is used to unlick the lock. But if the key malfunctions or you lose the key, you need to get in unlocked without the key.

·         If you buy the wheel nut lock from the dealer, then you can call the dealer itself for a duplicate lock. For that you need the code for the lock. If you don’t have it or have lost it (here’s a catch; it is wise to keep the code in a safe place), you can try to get the code by applying through your VIN but that doesn’t always work.

·         If you can’t get the key from the dealer, you have to look for lock nut removal service. Frankly this is a more economical strategy than the dealer one. Locks with the dealer are more costly. You can try to remove the lock on your own if you have the experience and expertise but it is a tough and complicated job which needs experts’ hands. It is rather convenient to hire an expert. Locking wheel nut removal cost is not that high. On the other hand, if inexperienced hands mess up the process, the cost can become higher.

Is a wheel lock nut really worth it

As already mentioned, wheel lock nut locks the wheel. It is important to protect your wheel. Especially if you are in a bad neighborhood, it is important. But, the alloy wheels, which are more costly are more common now a days and steel wheels are practically extinct in passenger cars. So, for thieves, stealing alloy wheels is not so much rewarding as it used to be in the past. And steel wheels are further cheaper. The chances of they being stolen is even less.

Besides, if you stay in a rough neighborhood and there are chances of the wheels getting stolen, thieves are not that dumb. They are professionals! They know how to get it done. Afterall the mechanic can get it off if you lose your key! So, it is not that secured after all.

Also, if you lose the key (which happens with this thing quite often as people tend to neglect such a small and insignificant device), it becomes difficult and problematic to get the thing off for you. You have to look for locking wheel nut removal London. It is an additional hassle you have to endure. Combining all these factors, wheel nut lock is becoming a less sought after device.

However, if you are in a rough neighborhood for a short period of time, this device will come to help. Other than that, this thing is not being used much now a days.

Final Words

It is always better to keep the code of the lock in a secured place so that it can be retrieved in time of need. However, if you do lose it, you can search mobile locking wheel nut removal service near me for finding a mechanic near you like 24hr Mobile Tyre Repair London who can help you to remove the wheel nut lock.