It’s no secret that car theft is a common occurrence. In fact, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, there were more than 765,000 reported car theft cases in the United States in 2016. While it’s impossible to protect your vehicle from theft completely, there are a few steps to make it less of a target and increase the chances of recovering your car if it is stolen. One such measure is installing wheel locks.

Wheel locks are devices that attach to your car’s wheels and prevent the wheel from turning. That makes it very difficult for thieves to drive away with your vehicle, as they would need to remove the wheel lock before they could make their getaway. While wheel locks can be an effective deterrent against car theft, they are not 100% effective and can do more harm than good. Experienced locksmiths like Keys on Wheels can install or remove them for you. But are they necessary?

No! Wheel locks aren’t necessary. Here are several reasons why you might want to reconsider your decision to install them on your car: 

1. They can be Difficult to Remove

First, wheel locks can be complicated to remove without the key if you don’t know the process. You will need to hire a locksmith to help you out if you lose the keys. 

2. They can Damage your Car

If the thieves are determined to get your car, they may try to remove the wheel lock by any means necessary. This could include drilling, prying, or even removal with power tools. This can cause significant damage to your car’s wheels and make them more susceptible to theft in the future.

3. They can be a Hassle to Use

Like most people, you probably don’t use your wheel locks daily. That means that you have to keep track of where you put them and how to use them. If you can’t find them when you need them, they’re not going to do you any good.

4. They’re not Foolproof

Your car is still vulnerable to theft even if you have wheel locks. Thieves can tow your vehicle away without ever touching the wheels, or they can break into your car and drive it away. In other words, don’t rely on wheel locks as your only form of protection against car theft.

How To Remove Wheel Locks Without A Key?

If you have installed a set of wheel locks on your vehicle and you have misplaced the key, there are a few steps that you can remove the locks without them.

Step 1: You want to clean the wheel lock area to make sure there is no debris inside.

Step 2: Next, you want to fit a 12-point socket on the lock. The socket should be a tight fit so that it does not revolve.

Step 3: Once the socket is in place, use a hammer to hit it for a tight fit.

Step 4: Use a socket wrench to unscrew the lock.

Step 5: If the lock is stuck inside the socket, use a screwdriver and the hammer to remove it.

Step 6: Insert a regular wheel nut and use a wrench to tighten it in place. This will help secure the wheel.

Should You Call a Locksmith?

If you ever find yourself needing to remove your wheel lock without the key, you can try the above steps. If you’re not comfortable with the process or if it fails, then it’s high time to call an expert. 

A locksmith will have the tools and expertise to remove the lock quickly and without damaging your car. Please ensure they’re a reputable locksmith company as some locksmiths may not be experienced in removing wheel locks, or you will end up causing more damage. 

If you’re still unsure, check if your car insurance policy covers wheel lock removal. Many policies will reimburse you for the cost of a locksmith.

Wheel locks have advantages and disadvantages. One of their advantages is that they can provide extra security for your car. However, they also have several drawbacks, such as being difficult to remove, damaging your car, and being a hassle to use. They can also be a hassle to use and are not foolproof. However, using a socket wrench or heating the lock with a blow torch, you can remove them without a key. If all else fails, you can always call a locksmith.