Wheel N. ut

[jberks]

However,I would emphasise, locking wheel nuts are of much less value than they used to be and of no value at all if the key is kept in the boot with the jack,wheelbrace and spare tyre.

Not sure I agree Nick. It is true that alloys don't have the same value these days, but a wheel and new tyre combination can still cost £300-£400 a corner. Thats £1200 worth of stuff, left effectively lying in the road. They tyres alone would be enough for many a thief (4 x £150 nearly new Continentals for a knock down price anyone?) and selling the wheels on ebay would still nett a fair sum.

A firend had the wheels pinched from his Passat off his drive only 5 years ago, so it still goes on. Also, as MB's come with locks as standard, whether the insurance co would pay out if you didn't have them is questionable.
Remember, some unscrupilous person with a similar car and bald tyres or a busted wheel would still find a nice unlocked set very appealing.

I wouldn't be happy with my wheels unlocked and whilst, yes, the key is with the brace in the boot, its locked away in an alarmed compartment.

 

[Ryann]

I would have to agree. I live in Central London, and alloys get stolen even in the best of areas.

 

[teddycatkin]

I wonder -Is that because cars in central London are static most of the time ?

 

[Ryann]

Well, my car hardly get's driven. I probably drive once or twice a week on average, that's mainly for grocery shopping.

However, I also hate sitting in traffic, so also have a motorcycle.

If I didn't have a family, I am not sure if I would have a car anymore.

 

[ncooper]

Not sure I agree Nick. It is true that alloys don't have the same value these days, but a wheel and new tyre combination can still cost £300-£400 a corner. Thats £1200 worth of stuff, left effectively lying in the road. They tyres alone would be enough for many a thief (4 x £150 nearly new Continentals for a knock down price anyone?) and selling the wheels on ebay would still nett a fair sum.

A firend had the wheels pinched from his Passat off his drive only 5 years ago, so it still goes on. Also, as MB's come with locks as standard, whether the insurance co would pay out if you didn't have them is questionable.
Remember, some unscrupilous person with a similar car and bald tyres or a busted wheel would still find a nice unlocked set very appealing.

I wouldn't be happy with my wheels unlocked and whilst, yes, the key is with the brace in the boot, its locked away in an alarmed compartment.

Point taken,I just wonder how many of these keys actually prevent a theft as compared to the number which (the lack or failure of) cause legitimate owners the type of grief experienced by the OP.

Regards,
Nick.

 

[roofless]

I would have to agree. I live in Central London, and alloys get stolen even in the best of areas.

the tyres are worth more than the wheels on most cars & probably get stolen & sold on ebay

 

[teddycatkin]

I dont altogether agree Roofless-second hand tyres are usually £15 to £40 with most being the lower end--the point is that-"locking" your individual wheels on is now a bit outdated unless you have very special alloys ?-and also a nuisance when servicing or removing them ?

 

[roofless]

I dont altogether agree Roofless-second hand tyres are usually £15 to £40 with most being the lower end--the point is that-"locking" your individual wheels on is now a bit outdated unless you have very special alloys ?-and also a nuisance when servicing or removing them ?

the point of locking wheel nuts is to try & make it a bit harder steal so they will take the wheels from one without lockers if your lucky ............ my point re the tyres is when i need tyres i tend to buy a set of alloy wheels on ebay in my area with good tyres like the last set i won used 5x18in alloys with new 225 dunlop sp sport for £300