I took my Lexus ES 350 to my mechanic about 2 years ago and he couldn't find the wheel lock key in my car. I think he charged me like $60 to take the wheels off somehow to change the brakes or rotate the tires. Skip ahead one hear later and I went to get my tires rotated again and I told the service guy that I don't have the wheel lock key. Well they easily got the tires off. So what happened did the first shop that charged me $60 do something so I wouldn't get charged in the future to remove my tires? Like remove the wheel locks or something?

 

The locking lug nuts are visibly different from the others, so go take a look at yours and see if they are all the same. If so, then the first garage must have replaced yours.

 

I've been through this before and ultimately just took the locks off to avoid problems. What I found though is that many shops keep keys to various wheel locks. Where they get them I don't know. On one car there was no key as it was lost or misplaced and the wheels had to come off for state inspection. The mechanic took a slightly smaller diameter socket size for the lug nut and jammed it on. The nut was then able to be removed. At Sam's Club I bought tires and the mechanic lost the key. On another occasion the maker of the lock located in New York asked for a photo of the lock on my wheel and after sending it they sent me a key. Unless you're really worried about your wheels being stolen, I'd just take the locks off.

 

I now instantly take off that locking lug nut and put a non-locking, factory one its place.
I have never had rims stolen in my life.

I also don't think wheel theft is as prevalent as it once was and factory rims just dont go for much money.
It's also just very easy to defeat those locks. If every tire store can do it, so can a thief.

 

Much rather have a "lock" on the catalytic converters!

 

Now you can buy a shield to install over the CC and prevent theft. Don't know if they're effective but might prevent a theft.

 

Thanks guys I took 2 pics of different wheels. The lug nuts look the same so I'm guessing the first shop that was having issues took them off for good. Below are pics.

 

If you took your car to the dealership they usually have a set of the lock keys and will find the one that matches your wheels. There are probably 10 or so different patterns. If you have the code paperwork you can order a new one or maybe have the parts department match it up for you. Some will and some won’t. Might even have it under your VIN that they can research

 

@Nelexus88 look at my above pics please. Its 2 different wheels.

 

I always have the locks removed before taking delivery and haven't had wheels stolen since it was prevalent in 1967.

Enjoy your ride.

Dave Mac

 

There are no locking lug nuts shown in your pictures. If you do a google search it will show you what they look like.