OEM wheel locks worth it?

Wheel locks aren't going to save your wheels. Plus, if you are using the regular steelies, I don't see those getting stolen often.

If you are worried about break ins by utilizing the power doors, best to disconnect them.

 

Sure glad I don't live there!

Wait, what?

 

Any wheel locks are better than none. I agree, Prius 15" factory wheels aren't exactly a high theft item. But beware of Prius Plug In owners looking for a spare. I spent $1700 upgrading to Prius 5, 17" wheels, tire, and sensors. I've got the factory wheels locks as a deterrent and they're well worth the cost to me.

 

Based on use of wheel locks on four separate cars, one after another over 20 years, and the problems I ran into over time with every one of the four cars (losing the unlocking lug or the unlocking lug deforming enough to not work - of course, right when i had a flat tire and really needed to unbolt the wheel), I swore off the damn things for good three years ago and never looked back. IMHO they give a false sense of security and needlessly complicate life right when you don't want a complication. Just my 2 cents.

 

I doubt that this will be a factor, but factory wheel locks only have a few keys. So easy for them to find a match IF that's a factor. I wouldn't go OEM.

 

How few is "only have a few keys". What's your source? Any wheel locks serve as a deterrent, and that's what I after.

 

Factory wheel locks will only deter petty novice thieves. Anyone with experience stealing wheels can easy break off the factory wheel locks and take the wheels.

If you are going aftermarket, yet you worry about your surroundings, then the best deterrent is to just park somewhere safe where you can keep an eye out on it.

But if there is nothing you can do about that, then might I suggest getting four different sets of wheel locks (aftermarket/non oem).

 

Factory techs.. it will deter the simple theif though.. why OEM when aftermarket is same or cheaper price? Good thing about OEM is very easy to get a key replacement, just go to a dealer!

 

I checked out some of the aftermarket wheel locks and they looked cheaply made. I purchased factory wheel locks off eBay (from my local Toyota dealer) cheaper than I would have paid for no name aftermarket. Life is a toss up.

 

Hers a video of how easy it is to break off the OEM wheel lock:

 

Wheel locks do nothing more than make you feel warm and fuzzy, so don't waist your time and money on them. If they want your wheels, they will take them using Flip Sockets. Sears, Snap-On, Mac, ect. all sell them. Takes about 2-3 minutes for two people on Monday, and all 4 are gone. It's better to be informed and know the truth.

 

Some of the comments in this thread couldn't be more negative, and some without basis. The original poster wasn't asking for a 100% fail proof system or assurance. To state that "wheel locks do nothing more than make you feel warm and fuzzy, so don't waste (not waist) your time and money on them", is unfounded. With such a bold statement, please guide the members here on how else we can best utilize our time and money. A more general disclaimer might be more appropriate, most things aren't theft proof, and that wheels locks will/might deter the casual wheel thief, but not a more seasoned thief with the proper tools, equipment, and experience. I might be a novice here, but not to life. Sorry if I offended anyone.

 

Based on these statements, my comments stand. There were not meant to be negative, misleading or in anyway hurt anyone's sensitivity....especially new members. Having wheel locks will deter no one if they want your new alloys james cook. I am sorry, that is the society we live in. The closest thing to a deterrent would be to park in a well lit secured area, install a quality aftermarket alarm with motion detection and remote, and have on site security service. Then wheel locks may help, but it still won't stop them. If I may add, the installed Prius alarm and wheel locks are especially easy pickings.

Thank you for the spell check -1- and no offense taken. However your opinion on this is somewhat sheltered and naive, and I mean no offense either. It's better to be informed, know the truth, and face the facts of life.

 

Frodoz737: Peace my fellow Prius owner.

 

It's all good.

 

A little off topic: is Kansas city more dangerous than Los Angeles city?

 

The German division of McGard makes an SL Series of wheel locks which have a rotating outer sleeve. I ordered a set for the aftermarket wheels on my smart fortwo from eBay UK. These should be much better than the OEM locks.

McGard Germany