Wheel/Rim Theft

Just bought a 2017 SR5 with 16” Dark Anthracite Alloy wheels. I live in DC and looking for any recommendations on wheel locks to prevent wheel theft. Are they useful or do they lead to complications down the road during service.

I tried loosening lug nuts to install a set I purchased for 25 at Autozone but I couldn’t get the stock wrench to fit on the lug without slipping off. No idea how I would ever change a flat if I needed. Guess is dealer mechanic over tightened them. So does anyone have a link to a good wheel lock and should I even bother at this point. Thanks

 

Gorilla brand makes some of the best wheel locks in the industry. Just order a set of those.

 

Thanks! I will give them a try

 

The hassle of wheel lock lug nuts is just not worth it to me.

I can afford a 40k+ vehicle, I can afford insurance.

I'm more happy knowing that with conventional lug nuts, I can be assured that the lug nuts are torqued to the proper tightness. I'm always a little doubtfull when having to use those strange lock lug nuts.

If thieves want your wheels, they are gonna get them.

I got other things to worry about that are more pressing.

You asked, I gave you my opinion...and that is all it is.

 

I’m with you. If it wasn’t for the fact I had rims stolen off my 2017 Civic Hatchback last year and the headache it caused. Thieves used 2 liter soda crates to hold up the weight of the car which gave way and caused 5,000 in damage. Was hoping a good wheel lock might prevent that but if they want them they will get them I guess.

 

Thieves specializing in wheels will defeat a wheel lock without the key in the same time to undo a regular lug nut.

Bring the truck to a Toyota dealer and ask for help; drive to the service drive and see if a service advisor could look at it. It's a problem that a stock lug wrench couldn't fit properly and be used for stock lug nuts.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

I bought Toyota locking wheel nuts. No worries that the lug wrench will fit...it does

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to the best damn Tacoma forum on the interwebs

Shame you need to worry about theft. I work in Baltimore City so I feel ya.

McGard lug nuts and locks on mine. Had Gorilla spline type and after a while they rusted.

Your lugs should only be torqued to 83 ft. lbs. I use a breaker bar and torque wrench I bought at Harbor Freight. Do not use the torque wrench to take them off, only to put them on.

 

Good news. I got a truck wrench and was able to loosen them without even having to use my body weight. Was able to use my hands and arms. I just needed leverage but that stock wrench they give us is dicey if I were in an emergency and had to rely on that thing. Thanks for the suggestions and friendly welcomes.

 

Welcome to TW! Sorry to hear that.