Anti-theft lug nuts, do you use them?

[Dborch41]

Common misconception.

Dealers install them right off the truck, so n'er do-wells don't steal new tires & rims right off the lot which is, of course, when they're worth the most. Then they pass it on to the buyer as a benefit.

Dealers being dealers just get cheezy McGard kits or similar, unless you're getting a true exotic. And Mercedes cute utes aren't exotics.

I had a Nissan salesman try to pull the "Auto Butler" dealer add-on scam on me about 10 years ago. Part of the apparently mandatory $1000 charge was a set of "top of the line" security lug nuts. Oddly enough the socket came in a bag with a Nissan part number and code, but they were nothing more than the generic style of security nuts.
I eventually got rid of them as they were more hassle than they're worth, besides I doubt there's a huge market for 2014 Nissan Frontier 16" alloys.

 

[Lyman]

I don't like them. I remove them if I get a vehicle with them on. I also have the HF removal tool in my box if needed.

 

[mr_boring]

When I bought my Maverick every new car at the dealership had them and the reason was to limit dealer lot theft... Made sense.

I've never had a wheel stolen. I'll be honest, if I was a crook I think I'd target lot Jeeps with those premium spares held on with 2 lug nuts.
Someone in the Charlotte NC area was targeting Raptor spares maybe 3-4 years ago.

Seems like thieves used to have to work much harder to ply their trade.

 

[BHopkins]

I don't like them. I remove them if I get a vehicle with them on. I also have the HF removal tool in my box if needed.

Yup. Do a Google search, and there are all kinds of tool kits, designed to easily remove locking lug nuts. If a thief doesn't want to spend $45 on the HF locking lug nut removal kit, he can get one on Amazon for $20. Anyone with one of these kits, a 2# hammer and a breaker bar could remove a locking lug nut in a matter of seconds. Locking lug nuts seem to be more of a hassle than an actual theft deterrent.

 

[GRjdm]

The main purpose of wheel locks is to encourage thieves to looking other vehicles that make easier targets.

 

[Randol]

We bought a brand-new Camaro SS in 2020. It had factory locking lugs, but no key. Called dealer, drive 30 miles to get them removed, what a hassle. I googled it and quickly learned I could tap a 12 point socket on the OD, had them off in 10 minutes and replaced with factory non-locking lugs. I'm sure some are better than others, but these were a joke.

 

[Ranger83]

Boston. No.

If we had an Acura/Honda it would be more of a concern.

 

[Elkins45]

next to wheel locks, this is probably the best deterrent

https://www.jalopnik.com/dumb-thief-crushed-to-death-by-the-suv-he-was-stealing-1784737577/

LOL that the thief’s name was Rich E. Ritch.

 

[bluesubie]

Not anymore. Had them on my 2003 WRX wagon with OZ wheels and they stole the whole car.

 

[GenSan]

Rural areas nobody steals wheels. But when I drive into major cities I always put a set of Advanced Locks brand on my wheels.

 

[JunkdrawerDog]

The only way they deter thieves is to fire them at the thieves with your slingshot.

 

[IndyIan]

No, I just take them off right away. I can't see myself buying wheels that anyone would bother to steal, in my regular travels? The only time I park overnight in semi-shady locations, is during ski season at some cheap motels. My used set of steel wheels and snow tires, might fetch $2-300 in a no questions asked situation? So no one is bothering to do that much work in the middle of winter...

 

[zzyzzx]

They were on my Mazda when we got it. I ordered 4 standard lugnuts , took them off the first month we had it.

Isn't that normally a dealer add-on, and if so shouldn't the dealer have your 4 extra lug nuts?

 

[spasm3]

Isn't that normally a dealer add-on, and if so shouldn't the dealer have your 4 extra lug nuts?

Probably, I never thought to ask. Just wanted them off.