I couldn't find anything on the search. I just picked up my car today and I ordered the "wheel locks" option.

Should I notice a special lug nut per wheel or something? Is there a special key? Please let me know so I can verify if I actually have them or not. Thanks!

 

My car came with that option but the dealer didn't install them. They were in my trunk or glove box I can't remember. Either way they were in a ziplock type bag and there was 4 special lug nuts and of course they key. I haven't bothered installing mine since I have the ugle 5spoke concept wheels. I figure if anyone steals them they're doing me a favor. I don't have a pic right now but I'll post one soon.

 

Mine were in my glove compartment.

 

Here's the pics I promised.

 

The locks were installed when I picked up my car - I guess the dealer put them on.

 

The one on bottom is the locker.
Mine came pre installed

 

Mine were in the trunk because the dealer didn't install them. I think they're supposed to but I wasn't waiting around as I wanted to drive!

The instructions specify torquing the lock to 100 ft-lbs (or in-lbs). Is that really necessary? I'll be OK just tightening it by hand right? It also says never to use an impact wrench on the lock as it will destroy it.

 

Buy a torque wrench and tighten to the proper torque of 100ft lbs or enjoy your wheel possibly flying off while driving.

 

Mine were installed when I picked my car up. I assumed they were installed at the factory, but maybe not. I had a problem removing one of the locks because it was overly tightened. The local Les Schwab Tire store broke the first key trying to remove one lock. I went to the Ford dealersip and they said the key must have been faulty and they ordered another key. I waited a week and returned to the dealership. They broke the second key trying to remove the same lock. The dealership was able to remove the lock without a key and then ordered another key for me.

After this episosde, I bought a torque wrench and will now remove/install the locks prior to having any work done on my wheels/tires. You don't want to overly tighten the locks either.

(formerly) GTLess

 

Wheel locks are a waste...if they want your wheels they'll take them. Getting the locks off are easy...they just bring along a socket that just barely fits over them...bang them on and then just spin them off. The professionals use liquid nitrogen (they basically put some paper around the lock lug and then spray the liquid nitrogen on it)...then they wait a little bit, tap the locknut with a chisel and the locknut will just shatter into pieces.

Also, try fiddling with your wheel lock when you're trying to change your tire on a busy highway...not much fun. Oh, and you can forget about the mechanics at various tire shops...you can tell them all day about removing your wheel locks by hand (and re-installing them by hand)...they just whip out their trusty air gun and start ripping away...unfortunately, they invariably end up ruining your lock key.

Just make sure you have insurance.

 

I've had wheel locks for years and never told the mechanics anything and my locks have never been ruined. True about criminals being able to get around wheel locks..same thing can be said about car alarms..if they want something bad enough,they'll get it But the little extra time it takes them to do these things before they steal your stuff might just be enough for them to get noticed by someone.

 

The dealer is supposed to install the locking lug nuts during the pdi inspection. Most people end up not knowing they have locking lug nuts and they sit in the trunk with the spare for years.

 

I hardly think a thief is going to want my stock 2005 wheels.
I have a bag of wheel unlockers in my glovebox, but the dealer is the only one who services my car.

 

true indeed -- I do know that if the bad-guy wants your car or its parts, then they will get them. However, the more visible deterrents (wheel locks, club, brake lock) might give the bad-guy enuff pause to consider the next car instead of yours. The non-visible deterrents (inclination alarm, lojack) round out the protection. $20 McGard wheel locks is small price to pay for additional piece of mind --- JMHO

 

i have 3 sets of locks on mine each with there own key and the lugs i had to use on these wheels have a key also