There are times when you buy a used vehicle and find that it has wheel locks, but the previous owner forgot to give you the keys. Frequently changing wheels can cause the key to become stripped, making it difficult to remove the locks without hammering them off. In either case, you will need to remove the wheel locks to change your wheels. Some automobile companies manufacture a unique set of sockets specifically designed to remove these locks.
Most factory or aftermarket alloy wheels come pre-installed with locking bolts or nuts. These bolts have a unique pattern that requires a special key, as a regular socket won’t fit. The vehicle owner can use the special key to remove the wheel locks easily.
The keys are made of a soft material that wears out quicker than the bolts over time. Another issue with these keys is that they can get lost, which is a significant inconvenience. While wheel locks are not entirely unnecessary, they do protect your wheels from theft. However, thieves are becoming more adept at bypassing these locks, and it can take them just over 30 seconds to steal your wheels.
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There was a time when I took my car to an auto repair shop to have the wheels replaced, and the shop owner informed me that my key was stripped. They needed my permission to proceed with removing the bolts by hammering or striking them. I didn’t have any other option but to agree. After that incident, I decided to install bolts without any key locks.
How To Remove Wheel Locks
Wheel locks are an essential component of any vehicle. They help to keep the wheels secure and prevent theft. However, if you have lost your wheel lock key, removing the wheel locks can be a challenging task. This guide will provide you with all the necessary information to remove wheel locks without causing any damage to your vehicle.
To remove wheel locks, you don’t have to purchase a special socket made for your key. You can perform the steps below using a regular socket.
- First, get yourself a set of sockets.
- Find the one that fits snugly into the lock and place it in the appropriate position.
- Then, use a hammer to strike the socket into place firmly.
- Next, take a breaker bar and position it onto the socket, turning it counterclockwise to loosen the lock.
- Repeat this process until the lock comes loose and can be removed.
There’s a famous YouTuber named “Eric The Car Guy” who demonstrated these steps. You can check out his video by clicking here. However, please don’t use this technique to steal wheels. This method should only be used in emergency situations where you have lost your key or need to remove the lock for legitimate reasons.
Conclusion
Removing wheel locks can be a challenging task, especially if you do not have the necessary tools and equipment. This guide has provided you with all the information you need to remove wheel locks without causing any damage to your vehicle. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can remove wheel locks with ease. We hope you find this guide helpful and informative.