We know vehicles are used every day to move us from one place to another. So, it is very important to protect them and their parts from thieves.
Therefore, we have prepared this guide on wheel locks to tell you how you can secure your car wheels. You will also learn which types of wheel locks you can use for your vehicles.
Wheel Lock Meaning (Anti-Theft Wheel Locks)
There are many names of wheel locks like tire wheel lock, wheel chock locks or car locks. It is a simple security device that blocks the wheel or steering of your vehicle.
You can use it to secure your car from unauthorized access. You often see it on cars that park in the wrong place or face unpaid fines. When a wheel lock is on one can drive it away. This tool protects areas, controls parking and reduces theft.
How Wheel Locks Work?
The wheel lock works in a really simple way. First, you place the wheel lock on the tire. Then, you lock it with a key. In this way, the wheel cannot rotate. If any one tries to move your car it is not possible because the lock tightly grips it backward.
Some advanced wheel locks also come with safety alarms to make them more secure. These locks have a clamp body lock system which protects your car. You should remove it only with the correct key.
Are Wheel Locks Important?
Are wheel locks worth it? Wheel locks are very significant in vehicle safety. They stop the movement of a vehicle. This tool also supports parking rules. Plus;
- Prevent vehicle theft
- Stop unauthorized control
- Secure parked vehicles
- Protect cars in no-parking zones
- Support law enforcement
- Reduce illegal parking
- Increase vehicle safety
Types of Wheel Locks
Lug Nut Locks
Lug nut locks add an extra layer of protection to your vehicle wheels. These are the most simple and secure way to protect your vehicle. You just have to change a nut of your wheel with this lug nut.
Basically, it has a different pattern and shape. This nut is placed on the rim of your wheels. This nut can be opened only with a specific key. Without this key, no one can remove your wheel.
Steering Wheel Locks
Well a steering wheel lock is installed directly on your steering wheel. You place it across the steering after you park your car. Once locked, the steering wheel does not turn. In this way the thieves can’t move your car. Only your key or code can open it.
steering wheel locks look strong and solid. Most have a metal rod body with a bright color like red or yellow. This color makes it easy to see from outside. The visible design itself warns thieves to stay away.
Wheel Boot Lock
You can call them wheel clamp locks or wheel lock clamp boots. Basically, they are installed in the tires of the vehicle. Authorities use it for parking control. You may also use it for anti-theft safety. It protects your car from the access of unknown users.
Types of Wheel Locks For Different Vehicles
Truck Wheel Lock: You can use both lug nuts or wheel clumps for your trucks. If you want to place a wheel clump then a “J” shaped clump is best for you. It can be adjusted according to the size of your tire. Because the lock can adjust the width from 9 inches up to 35 inches.
Bike Wheel Lock: Bikes can be locked with different tools like cable lock, single u-lock, double u-lock or lug nut. These all are reliable methods for the safety of your bikes.
Car Wheel Lock: These locks can vary according to the type of the car and size of its wheel. But mainly wheel boots, lug nuts plus steering rods are used in cars. A standard wheel clump can fit different tire sizes like 7 to 11 inches wide.
Tractor Wheel Lock: There are many options for the security of a tractor you can purchase, clump lock, steering rods, lug nuts wheel to pedal lock and steering ram lock. But if you want to install a lug nut it must match to your wheel studs.
Trailer Wheel Lock / Heavy Duty Trailer Wheel Lock: You can observe that these are super strong and heavy locks that are attached with trailers. Generally, boat trailer wheel locks use thick 2-inch square steel tubes with solid walls to make these locks.
Furthermore, boot-style or clamp-style wheel locks can change their size. You can adjust them to fit wheel widths up to about 20.5 inches. Some models also fit dual wheels on larger vehicles.
How to Install Wheel Locks?
Installing wheel locks is easy and can be done by yourself. First, gather your wheel lock set or device, a lug wrench and a torque wrench. Park your car safely on a flat surface, then put it in park (or in gear for manual). But if there is a slope you should place a wheel chock under the car. Next, remove one lug nut from each wheel and replace it with the wheel lock nut.
When you have placed the nuts use the key and your lug wrench to tighten it. Then, use a torque wrench to set torque that is recommended by manufacturers. Finally, repeat this process on all wheels. You can replace one lug nut per wheel with the lock to secure your vehicle.
How To Remove Wheel Locks?
It is very easy to remove a wheel lock, when you have the right key. You have to place the wheel lock key on the lock nut and make sure it fits properly. Then use a lug wrench and turn it in an anti‑clockwise direction to loosen the lock.
You should apply steady pressure and avoid sudden force. When you see the nut is loose, remove the wheel lock by hand and keep it safe for future use. You can repeat the same steps for other wheels if you secured all wheels.
Best Anti Theft Wheel Boot
JACKWIN is a Chinese company that manufactures & supplies wheel boots or wheel clamps. Actually, we have 20 years of experience in this field. Our plus point is the durability of wheel locks.
We manufacture locks with high-quality steel and then place rubber covers for the safety of your tires. Additionally, our locks are easy to carry due to the foldable feature.
Summary
So, security of wheels and vehicles start with the choice of right lock, proper tools plus safety steps that you have to follow. In other words, you can prevent theft and keep your vehicle safe with careful planning and the right equipment.
Let’s have a discussion if you need wheel locks for your project. Our team can provide you customized high quality products at factory rate.
FAQs
Are All Locking Wheel Nuts the Same?
No, all locking wheel nuts are not the same. Because, each set has a unique pattern or design that is made for a specific car brand or model. Its aim is to stop theft. Therefore, a key for one car (Ford) won’t work on another (BMW). But there are some common styles that exist, like a keyed head (bow or gib) or spinning collar.
Do All Cars Have Wheel Locks?
No, not all cars have wheel locks. Most standard cars don’t come with them, so you have to add them by yourself. Some high-end or advanced vehicles include wheel locks as a safety feature. They are optional but useful if you want extra protection for your wheels.
