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Flat Tire Adventures

Discussion in 'Gen 1 Prius Plug-in 2012-2015' started by Kurt Weiske, Oct 14, 2019.

  1. Kurt Weiske

    Kurt Weiske Active Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    My TPMS sensor lit up Sunday night, and I thought one of the tires looked a bit low. I told myself I'd inflate it the following morning and check for nails.

    The following morning, it was FLAT.

    OK, call into work, let them know I'd be late, take out my patch kit and get ready to loosen the lug nuts before jacking the car up. Go to remove the locking nut and the key wouldn't engage. Look closer at the key, and realize that the last oil change place that rotated the tires shredded the key.

    Called AAA and had the car towed to a tire shop. 4 hours and $120 later, they'd drilled out all 4 locking nuts, replaced the nuts and patched the tire.

    If you have locking nuts, it might be worth checking to make sure the key isn't worn out - especially if you rotate your tires regularly!
     
    bisco and Mendel Leisk like this.
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Location:
    Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    Touring
    I replaced our locking nuts with regulars, 3~4 years back. These:

    Gorilla Automotive 73137TB Chrome Toyota Mag Style Lug Nut-Bag of 4 (12mm X 1.50 Thread Size)
     
    MTN likes this.
  3. QuantumFireball

    QuantumFireball Active Member

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    I replaced mine with standard nuts last year, OEM nuts from the dealer were very reasonable cost and match the others perfectly.

    Surprisingly, the locking nuts were identical on my brother's 2009 Auris - his car came with no key and mine worked fine! I guess there aren't that many different combinations out there...
     
  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Touring
    A tip: tape a label to the lock nut socket, with your phone number.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    did they buy the old, 'i'm going to be late, i have a flat tire' routine :p
     
  6. Kurt Weiske

    Kurt Weiske Active Member

    Joined:
    May 6, 2014
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    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    Yes, I did sent a pic of the shredded key and was able to work from home...
     
    dig4dirt and bisco like this.