Someone stole my wheel locks!

It's not you, we're all still trying to figure bisco out...

 

No the statement that one was taken from each of her 4 wheels was/is part of her original post. No cross examination...original statement.

This thread has become confusing if only because the OP freely admits she wasn't sure of what to call what she noticed was missing. BUT she put's "Someone Stole My Wheel Locks" as her title.

This lead to confusion as to what exactly was missing, which like a snowball picking up snow, also degenerated into a long branch discussion about her finding her wheel lock key.

Since it was specifically the wheel lock nut..that is missing the cover, on all 4 of her wheels, I don't see how that could be random chance. I think somebody was trying to steal the wheels. They were just too inept to finish the job.

 

I give up...

 

good luck with that.

 

Just a thought:

I put luggage tags, with phone number and email, on both our fobs. Good idea to do something similar with the locking nut socket methinks: anytime a mechanic or tire shop employee takes your wheels off, he's walking around with that socket. Might forget it in a pocket, or it rolls away from him. A taped-on phone number might save your bacon.

 

ok first off, there are no covers on locking lug nuts. that means, nothing was stolen or fell off. the only thing missing is the key, which could be anywhere in the car, or else the dealer has it-- if the dealer has actually been rotating the tires. the dealer will have a special tool kit for removing the locking lug nuts when the key is missing, because people lose their key all the time. if it was my car, I'd just go to the dealer and ask them where they put the key the last time they rotated your tires. unless they can produce a key for you, they will have to replace the locking lug nuts with 4 normal lug nuts for free, since they lost the key (if they actually did rotate the tires). on the other hand, if you search your car thoroughly-- including under the cargo tray-- you may find the lugs, the key, or the package the locking lugs came in which has a code number on it if you need to order a replacement key.

 

if they have a key to replace the locking lugs to regular, can't they just give it to her for the one they lost?

 

if the dealer has a key that fits her locks, its cause they forgot to put it back in her car when they did rotate the tires. you'd have to order a new key unless Toyota is different than other brands, and actually does stock keys, which I doubt.

 

no master key? i suppose that could get dicey.

 

The last time I was at the dealer I told them the location of my key. I was told they don't need it because they use a master. An indy shop may or may not have a master. Always a good idea to ensure the key is replaced before driving away.

 

Toyota must be different than most cars, we had no single master key at the Benz dealer. they had a master set which contained > 50 different keys, and a tool for removing locks which weren't in that set. the tool consisted of a sleeve which you beat over the lock with a big hammer, and then spun the lock off with an impact gun. worked good most of the time. worst case, you had to hit the lock with an air chisel, which would loosen it but also destroyed it.
all things considered it was always best to use the customer's key, just don't forget to put it back.

 

are these locks an option, or certain years/models?

 

Probably a dealer installed option. Overpriced stuff like rustproofing, alarm, tinting, window VIN etching, etc.

 

thanks, i was wondering since i haven't had them on any of mine.

 

It's a PIO. They sticker for $60 or $70 dollars but ask to have them removed and they become free instantly.

 

frankly, who's gonna steal prius wheels anyway? unless some meth head sells em for scrap. its not like they are desirable for a hoopdee.

 

so, haven't heard from sally since monday...

 

maybe she found the key.