These McGard Wheel Locks Kinda Suck

[RichinRidgewood]

My wife's 2018 Acura TLX has McGard Wheel Locks and so does my 2020 SR5. I ordered a spare key tool for each and kept them in the house

Today I was doing an oil change and a tire rotation and I stripped off both tools trying to get one off my wife's car. The first tool worked fine no problems on the first two wheels. I never had any indications during the other tire rotations that the tool was weak. I had to take it to the dealership and they have a (universal) tool that takes wheel locks off. They said that they don't recommend wheels locks because this happens.

1.5 hour job turns into 5 hour job. Fortunately the Acura deanship didn't charge me for the service.

I think I'll take the McGard wheel locks off my 4Runner.

 

[Dillusion]

If thieves want them wheels they going get it.

I had McGard and they were ok but I'll live without them.

 

[shadow247]

My wife's 2018 Acura TLX has McGard Wheel Locks and so does my 2020 SR5. I ordered a spare key tool for each and kept them in the house

Today I was doing an oil change and a tire rotation and I stripped off both tools trying to get one off my wife's car. The first tool worked fine no problems on the first two wheels. I never had any indications during the other tire rotations that the tool was weak. I had to take it to the dealership and they have a (universal) tool that takes wheel locks off. They said that they don't recommend wheels locks because this happens.

1.5 hour job turns into 5 hour job. Fortunately the Acura deanship didn't charge me for the service.

I think I'll take the McGard wheel locks off my 4Runner.

I prefer the Splined locks for this reason. Better yet if ALL the lugs are splined locking lugs. I had them on my old Chevy truck because a set of wheels and tires was 2 grand. 200 bucks for lugs nuts that pretty much guarantee no one is going to be able to steal my ultra expensive wheels and tires was peace of mind worth every penny.

I had these - Gorilla Automotive Products - There is a newer version with a 2-stage key that make it's nearly impossible for someone to use one of those kits to remove.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

I prefer the Splined locks for this reason. Better yet if ALL the lugs are splined locking lugs. I had them on my old Chevy truck because a set of wheels and tires was 2 grand. 200 bucks for lugs nuts that pretty much guarantee no one is going to be able to steal my ultra expensive wheels and tires was peace of mind worth every penny.

I had these - Gorilla Automotive Products - There is a newer version with a 2-stage key that make it's nearly impossible for someone to use one of those kits to remove.

Thats seems like a better way to do it.

 

[karmatp]

What part of the country is it essential to have wheel locks? I have never even considered them here in AZ.

 

[shadow247]

I would say every part of the country if you have non-stock wheels and big tires. I have had claims of people going to the gas station late at night and having their wheels stolen while they are inside using the bathroom. It's basically cheap insurance. My deductible was 500 dollars on that truck I had expensive wheels and tires on, so I figured I would just pay 200 now and then I would save myself 300 dollars.

I had several friends get their wheels stolen within 72 hours of getting them, and they only had the cheap single locks. When I got my wheels, I had to get new lugs anyway, and the price difference was like 75 dollars for the locking lug set. Seemed like a no-brainer.

 

[itr1275]

I think this might have been posted in an other thread at some point.

5 NEW Ways to Remove a Wheel Lock Without a Key
YouTube

He tests them and all of them can be removed. Some methods are not going to happen in the driveway by a thief, others are pretty simple.

You can also buy a tool for removal. Just search Amazon.

So none of them actually work 100%.

 

[T4R2014]

I don't think factory 4Runner SR5 wheels are desirable enough to steal. Switch back to a regular lug nut.

 

[shadow247]

I think this might have been posted in an other thread at some point.

5 NEW Ways to Remove a Wheel Lock Without a Key
YouTube

He tests them and all of them can be removed. Some methods are not going to happen in the driveway by a thief, others are pretty simple.

You can also buy a tool for removal. Just search Amazon.

So none of them actually work 100%.

That's why you go with the Gorilla kit that locks every lug. There no WAY a thief is taking the time to bust 24 wheel locks.

 

[shadow247]

I don't think factory 4Runner SR5 wheels are desirable enough to steal. Switch back to a regular lug nut.

With the cost of a set of All Terrains approaching 1000 bucks or more, it's cheap peace of mind. I have had a few claims on older vehicles that had really expensive tires that were stolen. Just because your wheels are not desirable, doesn't mean the tires aren't.

 

[itr1275]

That's why you go with the Gorilla kit that locks every lug. There no WAY a thief is taking the time to bust 24 wheel locks.

I don't worry about the wheels too much, here is why.

Where do you keep the key to the wheel locks? It's most likely in the truck somewhere. I don't know of anybody that has it on their key chain.

Most people keep it in the tool bag, center console, or glove box. If the theif can't find the key, they will probably trash the truck looking for it. Or just trash it out of frustration and maybe slash the tires they were trying to steal.

Thieves have a few easy options around the wheel locks
1. Buy (or steal) the tools
2. Break in to the truck and get the key
3. Steal the whole truck

Wheel theft is rare, at least around my area, and wheels are pretty easy to replace. Car break in's are very common and easy to fix, but what a mess and they usually get more than a lug key.

While they are inside the car, they can steal your garage remote too and get inside your house.

The dirtbag crackhead thieves (no offense to any dirtbag crackhead thieves that read this) do not care about you, your property, your family, or your safety. You are just an object, like the wheels they want to steal. They will be more aggressive and have nothing to loose by trashing everything. If you go outside to confront them, at least in Cali you are now the aggressor and can be in trouble for that.

Pay your insurance, park in a safe place and leave the alarm system on if you have it. Just give them the wheels, it's much cheaper and much less hassle that way.

 

[T4R2014]

With the cost of a set of All Terrains approaching 1000 bucks or more, it's cheap peace of mind. I have had a few claims on older vehicles that had really expensive tires that were stolen. Just because your wheels are not desirable, doesn't mean the tires aren't.

True, but around OP's parts (well, idk about FL) the issue of truck tires getting stolen is not really there. Otherwise all the Jeep bros wouldn't be running around with bald MTs. You usually find the high end fast stuff on cinderblocks though.