It’s hard to enjoy anything indoors or on a trip when you have to constantly check that your tires and trailer are still around. The invention of wheel locks has relieved some of us from that worry, and these days just the sight of a wheel lock will deter a thief. The tricky part is deciding which lock is best for you, and that’s why we’ve researched and become experts.
We’ve analyzed the top wheel locks in the market comparing dimensions, installation, and durability. It’s important to have the wheel locks because you need something reliable. A mediocre wheel lock is not going to give you proper security.
This resource has all the information you need on the wheel locks in the market to compare and make a conscious decision. We’ve even included wheel lock reviews to help you decide.
Best Wheel Locks:
1. Gorilla Automotive 61631 Acorn Gorilla Guard Locks
These wheel locks come in 4 other thread sizes including 1/2″, 7/16″, 12mm x 1.25, and 14mm x 1.50. These locks are made unique with an external security pattern on lugs so they can’t be removed without a special key.
Over half of the customers who purchased these locks feel that their vehicles are secure. The majority of happy customers got a perfect or close-to-perfect fit. A lot of customers turned to this product after their wheels were stolen and it hasn’t happened again. A few people reported the locks broke on them and they didn’t fit properly.
This is a good set of wheel locks to purchase if you are on a budget. Several people reported that these locks can get the job done. New customers should make sure to check the compatibility between current wheel lugs and the new product.
Some people experienced rust and others didn’t, so it’s probably best to try to keep these wheel locks dry.
Pros
- Rust-free in a rainy climate
- Very secure
- Fit well
- Good price
Cons
- Not top quality
- Doesn’t fit all vehicles
2. Trimax TCL65 Wheel Chock Lock
This chock lock works on cars, trailers, boats, ATVs, and other vehicles. It includes a chock to keep the trailer from rolling away. The pick-resistant locking mechanism comes with 2 keys. The wheel finish is protected with rubber-coated arms. This item weighs 6.39 lbs and the dimensions are 4 x 11.7 x 15.5 inches.
More than half of the customers who purchased this chock lock are happy with it. Some have reported damaging their vehicles due to forgetting that the device was attached. It is sturdy and it works properly. Customers report it’s one of the car wheel locks you can buy.
This is the trailer wheel lock you’ll ever need when it comes to securing your vehicle. If it doesn’t completely deter the thief, it will either stall them at first or slow them down in the end.
Pros
- Works well to protect a trailer
- Easy installation and removal
- Solid construction
Cons
- Keys can’t be duplicated
- No directions included
3. McGard 24157 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Locks
The chrome wheel locks come in 2 package options including the single-pack set of 4 or the 6-pack set of 24 locks. These locks function the same as regular lug nuts but only a special key can unlock them. The key is unique to each set of locks to help prevent theft.
More than half of the wheel lock reviews are from happy customers. They are extremely happy that they are spending half of what they would be paying at a dealership.
They are reporting that the wheel locks seem to git well and appear to be of great quality for the price. A few people reportedly had compatibility issues and needed to return the product.
This is a great locking system if you want to keep a low profile. It will give you peace of mind even if it doesn’t stop a determined thief. There were a few compatibility issues so you have to make sure this product is suitable for your particular car wheels.
Pros
- Good price
- Quality locks
- Low profile
- Easy to install
Cons
- Does not include the floating washers for applying load to the wheel
- Does not fit all car types
4. Gorilla Automotive 61631N Chrome Acorn Gorilla Guard II Wheel Locks
This set of 4 chrome wheel locks will make it difficult for anyone to take your wheels without the special key. In addition to 12mm x 1.50 Thread size, they come in 5 other size options including 1/2″, 7/16″, 12mm x 1.25″, 12mm x 1.75″, and 14mm x 1.50.
Customers who purchase this product are generally happy with it. They like that the key head has a code sticker in case anything needs to be replaced.
They appreciate the quality of the product and the price is unbeatable. Quite a few people reported fitting issues even though they verified before placing the order. New customers should check their manual for proper sizes as an extra measure.
These wheel locks are an affordable investment that works perfectly to keep your wheels from getting stolen. Consider your cost savings when you check your owner’s manual to verify you’re buying the right size.
Pros
- Quality product
- Secure
- Easy to install
Cons
- Must triple-check for fitting before purchase
5. McGard 24538 Chrome Cone Seat Wheel Lock
These chrome wheel locks are made to protect your wheels from theft. They require a special tool for unlocking and installation. Over half of the customers who purchased these wheel locks are happy. They seem to be secure and made of good quality.
Some of the customers are experienced mechanics and they had trouble stripping these lug nuts off without power tools. They appreciate that the product works well and appears to be of high quality.
Overall they feel that these are the car wheel locks for the price. At least a few people had issues with the product rusting and with the nuts sticking out too far beyond the wheels.
Even the not-so-good reviews on this product admitted to the wheel locks being secure on the tires. They are made with good quality material and the price is nice. If you want peace of mind for your wheels, try these wheel locks.
Pros
- High quality
- Easy installation
- Work well
- Great price
Cons
- Lug nuts tend to extend beyond the wheel on some tires
- Might start to rust
6. Genuine Toyota Accessories 00276-00900 Wheel Lock
This wheel lock is made specifically for Toyotas. The lock is weight-balanced to the stock lug nut so you don’t have to worry about getting rebalanced.
Almost all customers who have purchased this product are happy. The wheel locks fit great on various Toyota models from the Lexus sedan to the Highlander, to the Tacoma. Only a few people reported having the wrong key or that the locks didn’t fit.
These wheel locks fit various types of Toyotas. It’s worth a shot to order this product and see if you can protect your wheels. It’s made with high-quality steel and if your key gets lost or damaged there is a way to get a replacement.
Pros
- Authentic Toyota parts
- Fit a variety of Toyota vehicles
- High quality
Cons
- Not corrosion resistant
7. Genuine Honda Accessories 08W42-SNA-101 Alloy Wheel Lock
The chrome triple nickel finish keeps it from corroding and also adds shine. The construction makes this wheel lock durable and theft-resistant. The storage pouch keeps the key socket safe from getting misplaced.
Almost all customers who reviewed this wheel lock are happy. It has protected both rims and tires from getting stolen. They appreciate that the style blends in well with the factory lug nuts and wheels.
A few customers reported receiving either a defective product or that their wheels were stolen while using these wheel locks. These are the wheel locks for the Honda Accord.
This wheel lock works well on the right model Honda. Customers who had a perfect fit are happy that their wheels are not at risk of being stolen. Double-check which model Hondas are the right match and if it’s your car, these wheel lug nut locks are well worth the investment.
Pros
- Appears to be well made
- Looks good, and matches factory lug nuts
- Effective theft deterrent
- The storage bag is nice
- Comes with McGuard form to replace key or nut as needed
Cons
- Expert thieves may still find a way to get your wheels
- Doesn’t fit all Honda models
8. Homdox Wheel Lock Heavy-Duty Car Tire Steel Anti-Theft Wheel Clamp Lock
This wheel lock works on the majority of ATVs, RVs, SUVs, cars, and caravans and can be easily adjusted. To work the lock just push the keyhole and make the top of the key meet the corner. It is a portable size and will fit in the boot of your trunk. This item weighs 15.3 lbs and the dimensions are 26.1 x 13.4 x 5.9 inches.
Every customer who reviewed this product is reportedly happy with their purchase. They say that it’s a great protector of their vehicles from cars to scooters. It has a nice bright yellow color to let you know your wheel is locked and it also deters thieves. This is one of the wheel locks to prevent theft.
There are no poor reviews about this product, just a bunch of happy customers who were able to save their vehicles from getting stolen. No matter what you need to protect if it has wheels, this is the best wheel boot lock to try.
Pros
- Strong
- Secure
- High quality
- Easy to remove with key
- Bright yellow color
Cons
- N/A
9. Mophorn 2pcs Wheel Lock
This heavy-duty parking boot comes in a pack of 2. It is made of steel and has a rust-resistant coating. The lock is durable, weather-resistant, and reliable. It also has a soft PVS surrounding the clamp that keeps the wheels and rims from getting scratched. It weighs 27.8 lbs and the dimensions are 25.7 x 13.3 x 9 inches.
Half of the customers who have reviewed this product are pleased. They appreciate that it’s easy to use and gets the job done. A few people reportedly had trouble with the installation and fitting of the product over lug nuts.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective way to deter criminals from trying to take your trailers or other vehicles, this parking boot works.
Thieves will see the bright yellow color and not even bother your vehicle. This product is solid and secure. You might have to verify the dimensions to make sure it fits your wheels.
Pros
- Great deterrent for thieves
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not the best fit over lug nuts
- Instructions vague
Tips on Choosing
Type You Want
Think about what you desire in a lock, whether you want a boot that can go on just about any vehicle, lug nut locks for your wheels, or if you want a wheel chock lock which would be great to keep your trailer from rolling away. The wheel locks are the ones that you can feel most secure with.
Lugnut locks
These are great to have, but if you choose to buy them, make sure you are purchasing ones that come with a key code for the lock in case you need to replace anything.
Wheel Clamp
Make sure you’re buying an adjustable clamp. Your tires might need a tighter or loser grip. Your goal is to secure the tire and leave no room for anything getting pried open.
Parking boot
Works well to protect your car, but make sure the size is right because some boots might be too small for certain wheels.
Know your wheel size
Most locks are not one size fits all. Make sure you know your exact wheel measurements. Also check your manual for more information on the proper lug nut size, especially if you have factory tires.
Factors to Consider
Ease of installation
You need something easy to put on because you don’t want to draw that much attention to yourself and your wheels. Also if you’re in a pinch for time and you have lug nut locks, you don’t want to struggle with your tire change. Difficult installation might deter you from using the security you need to deter thieves.
The Fit of the Lock
Aim for locks that fit a vast majority of vehicles and not just a specific kind.
Having a universal lock will give you flexibility in case you need to use your lock on a different vehicle. Try to get a middle-size lock so that it fits mostly everything from large to small vehicles.
Visible or Low Profile
This is all about preference. If you hope that a thief will see your car and won’t even come close, then you probably want a loud-colored device on the wheels.
If you don’t want the parking neighbors to know your car is a potential target, then you might want the low-profile lug nut locks. They will still secure your wheels.
Lock Strength
Material quality is very important when purchasing a lock. You need something tough that can’t be simply broken off. You also need something that won’t rust out, and something that will last.
Aim for a strong metal material that has a soft design. You want something strong, but you don’t need something that’s going to scratch your rims or damage your tires.
Budget
When considering security you don’t want to fail yourself. Try to get the best quality product you can afford.
If it helps weigh the options of not getting the security and having to replace your item. It will almost always cost less to be proactive and have the insurance in place.
Making The Decision
Now that you have learned all there is to know about wheel locks you are ready to make your purchase. Remember why you are buying the locks. You want to keep your wheels safe and keep your vehicle from getting stolen. Whether you’ve had a theft before or not, you understand the importance of securing your belongings.
Tire wheel locks deter thieves, and they can give even the most determined thieves a hard time. Check out the reviews to see many other people just like you who want the best product that will secure their vehicle. They’ve already been disappointed or pleased with the products on the market, and that should also be a guide to you finding the right thing for yourself.
Measure your tires, read your manual, decide which wheel lock is the most secure, and easiest to use, and purchase your peace of mind today!
