Best Wheel Locks: Choosing the Right One for your Needs and Budget
There are countless potential risks if you own a vehicle, especially if you are parked in a suspicious neighborhood. This is the reason why you need to have your vehicle equipped with wheel locks. In this article, we are going to discuss all you have to know before you purchase a wheel lock. To add, we will also provide you with the top five picks for the best wheel locks available in the market right now.
What is a Wheel Lock?
Wheel locks are installed as replacements for your vehicle’s lug nuts. They can only be unlocked with a special key that is included in the set. The type of lock you’re going to need will depend on the wheel style and the shape of the key. It is also at your discretion if you will replace just one or all of the lug nuts in your wheels. To add, a torque wrench is required to install wheel locks so they will not rattle loose.
Having a wheel lock installed in your vehicle has a lot of benefits. First, it does not cost much as the replacement of rims. They will also provide you peace of mind that your rims will never be lost or stolen. Another benefit is that it drives away thieves, as the presence of an anti-theft device discourages them. Thieves won’t be able to unlock them as they feature technology wherein not all prying tools can fit into it.
You can avoid having your wheels tampered with or stolen if you have wheel locks. Whether it is car, motorcycle, or even trailer tires, they are easy to steal and impossible to track. This is the reason why thieves target this part of the vehicle more than ever. If you have a wheel lock, it could also mean that it can prevent you from being a victim. However, this won’t stop criminals from stealing your vehicle but it makes sure your wheels won’t be.
Top Five Picks for the Best Wheel Locks
| Product (Amazon Links) | Brand | |
|---|---|---|
 
|
McGard | Review |
 
|
Toyota | Review |
 
|
Gorilla Automotive | Review |
 
|
Honda | Review |
 
|
DPAccessories | Review |
In this section, we are going to talk about the top five recommendations for the best wheel locks available. We will also provide you with a rundown of each product’s key features, pros and cons so you can evaluate more effectively.
1. McGard 24538 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks
The McGard manufactures locks in the United States to meet and exceed OEM standards for durability and safety for vehicles. It’s also worth mentioning that the brand is a supplier to more than 30 lines of vehicles around the globe. The wheel locks are easy to use, and they function as a normal lug nut. In addition, they are equipped with a unique one-piece lock that can only be removed using a special key tool.
Another great feature of this wheel lock is the steel collar that guides the key towards the lock pattern. It places the key to be in perfect alignment for ease of removal and installation. The designs are also computer generated, and it permits you to create an infinite number of key patterns. In addition, they feature an extra narrow pattern groove that is resistant to intruding removal tools.
For its specifications, the material is made from restricted chemistry steel, which makes it highly reliable as well as durable. Plating includes three layers of nickel and a layer of microporous chrome that protects the lock against rust.
Pros:
- The set includes four locks for wheels, one spare lock, and one matching key
- Additional narrow groove patterns
- Easy to remove and install
- Made from rust resistant materials
Cons:
- Losing the key would mean buying another set
- Some buyers had complaints about its quality
2. Genuine Toyota Accessories 00276-00900 Wheel Lock
The Genuine Toyota Accessories Wheel Lock is one of the best available in the market right now. These wheel locks are made especially for use on Toyota cars. The set comes with a one-of-a-kind key that permits you to install and remove the nuts. This is a great feature because it prevents your wheels from being stolen by thieves. To add, the nuts feature weight balancing and shape, which makes them very easy to use.
The Genuine Toyota Wheel Locks feature a triple-nickel plating, which improves the quality of the wheel locks. It also is a great feature because it prevents corrosion due to extreme weather conditions. In addition, this feature indicates high performance, quality, and durability the wheel locks can offer. Lastly, the manual exhibits easy-to-follow guidelines for convenient installation and removal of wheel locks.
Pros:
- Features a unique key tool
- Locks are easy to install and remove
- Guidelines are easy to follow
- Features three nickel plating
Cons:
- Not all Toyota models are compatible with the wheel locks
- It may start to rust after a few months of use
3. Gorilla Automotive 71643 NBC Black Wheel Lock
The Gorilla Automotive Wheel Lock is another contender for the best wheel locks available in the market today. For its specifications, thread size is set at M14 by 1.50 and features a cone seat style. It is interesting to know that these locks are the original design that has set the standard for wheel security. This is the reason why the brand is one of the most trusted and has the most advanced locks today.
Another great offering of these wheel locks is the enhanced security they can provide the user. An external security pattern makes the Gorilla Automotive Wheel locks impossible to unlock without the matching key. The material is made from steel and is chrome-plated for additional strength and reliability.
Pros:
- Features cone seat style
- Offers enhanced security through an external security pattern
- It can only be unlocked using a matching key
- Made from steel and chrome
Cons:
- Some buyers had complaints regarding the product’s packaging
- It may start to rust after some time
4. Genuine Honda Accessories 08W42-SNA-100 Alloy Wheel Lock
These wheel locks are another great offering of the Genuine brand, but specifically manufactured for Honda cars. The locks aid in providing reliable protection from tire and wheel theft. This is the reason why you have to keep your Honda car using these factory wheel locks. What makes this outstanding is that it does not attract attention because the visual is very subtle.
A matching key comes with the wheel lock set. This key can be used for easy installation and removal using your Honda lug nuts in this wheel lock set. The material is made from hardened steel, which makes it long-lasting and resistant to rust. It also features chrome triple nickel plating that makes them shiny and corrosion-resistant. Lastly, the set comes with a handy storage pouch to prevent the misplacing of the key socket.
Pros:
- Offers reliable protection
- Easy to install and remove
- Resistant to corrosion and rust
Cons:
- May not fit all Honda models
- It may start to rust after a few months
5. DPAccessories LCB3L6HE-BK04LK4 Black Wheel Locks
The DPAccessories Wheel Locks feature closed-end bulge acorn-style locks that enhance the security of your wheels. They are one-piece solid locks that are produced with precision machined threads that make sure they fit the studs. The material is made from cold-forged and heat-treated steel, which, makes it durable and dependably strong. They also feature unique key-to-lock combinations that secure your wheels against theft.
Another great feature of these wheel locks is the proprietary cathode black coating, which improves their durability. It is also pleasing to look at because of the sharp appearance of the satin black paint. To add, the locks have undergone a quality control process that ensures the locks they manufacture are of the highest quality. One thing to note: this particular set will not work with a previously ordered set.
Pros:
- Great for extreme weather conditions
- Corrosion resistant
- Durable and strong
- Made from high-quality steel
Cons:
- May not work with hubcaps and stock wheels
- Does not come with a storage pouch
Types of Wheel Locks
In this section, we are going to discuss some of the types of wheel locks. They may be of great help to narrow down your choices if you are having a hard time choosing.
- Tapered Seat: These are commonly found on aftermarket wheels such as Honda, BMW, Ford, Saab, and Renault. They feature a 60-degree cone wherein the thread links to the head on a bolt. To add, a 60-degree cone also fits into the nut’s wheel.
- Radius Seat: This type of wheel lock features a curved area wherein the thread meets with the bolt. You can find them in cars such as Audi, WV and Mercedes.
- Flat Washer: Lastly, this type features a flat washer wherein the wheel meets the thread. These are commonly found in Lexus, Mitsubishi, and Toyota.
Tuner bolts and nuts can also be considered as the fourth type of wheel locks. They have the same features as the tapered seat, but they are usually driven internally. This would mean that a special adaptor is placed into the center to fasten the bolts or nuts.
Essential Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Wheel Locks
Before we conclude this discussion, let’s talk about what makes a good wheel lock first. This part is vital, as it will help you evaluate and choose more effectively.
- Size: It is important to measure the size of your vehicle wheel to know what wheel locks to buy. There are different sizes of locks, and they may not fit properly if you do not measure the wheel. It’s also important to note that you have to check with the manufacturer first if the wheel supports the locks. That way, you can make sure that you won’t make an expensive mistake.
- Quantity: A set normally includes four wheel locks. However, some brands offer more than four. It is advisable to choose the one that features more than four nuts. With this, you can easily replace one if it has gone missing or stolen. To add, you will not have to buy a new set if you have spare ones. They may be priced a little bit higher but having the above convenience makes the purchase worthy.
- User-Friendly: Wheel locks should be easy for you to use. They should also be easy to install and remove from your vehicle. While being user friendly, these locks should not be easy to be manipulated by thieves. You have to choose one that offers both qualities.
- Unique Key: A unique key is mandatory if you want a secure wheel lock. Other brands may offer a universal key for all the locks they manufacture and you should be aware of that. This will put your wheels at risk because intruders can easily manipulate them. You have to choose one that features a unique key that only you can use, for that specific lock.
- Customer Reviews: Reading customer reviews may be a great help if you want to know firsthand product experiences. There are many online websites, such as Amazon, where you can see user reviews. In addition, these reviews will help you decide on which wheel lock to purchase.
- Price: Investing in an expensive and high-quality wheel lock is not such a bad thing. You should never compromise the safety of your vehicle by buying cheap and lower quality models. Just make sure that you relate each product’s features against their corresponding prices to make a better decision.
- Quality: Lastly, it is worth mentioning that the product’s quality is mostly indicated by its price. High quality wheel locks are made of strong and durable materials so make sure you watch out for that.
Conclusion
We have provided you with valuable information regarding the best wheel locks. Now it’s up to you to evaluate carefully based on the reviews presented above. This may seem like a difficult task but if you’re armed with the right information, decision-making should be very easy. Just make sure to review the features, pros and cons carefully so you can relate their individual prices.
Are you also looking for other products to purchase for your vehicle? Click here to find out more about the products available in the market right now.
