r/Cartalk • u/Capable-Temporary-68 • 2d ago

I need help fixing something How screwed am I?

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This is my first time changing my tires (2016 civic) im assuming I put too much force into the wheel lock key that it kinda snapped inside of the nut? I can order a replacement key easily but what do I do about half the key being stuck inside the nut? Thanks.

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u/Rockjob 2d ago

Get a bolt extractor set that's big enough. After using it, contemplate how little those security nuts do to protect against theft.

8

u/RRT4444 2d ago

Exactly I get the “its a deterrent” crowd but most people that are gonna steal rims are just gonna do that

10

u/mb-driver 2d ago

I used to have locking lugs on a car in the late 80s. Luckily I never had a problem. When I got our newer Benz about a year and a half ago, it had factory locking lug bolts on it, and I took them off and put the factory bolts back in. I don’t feel like messing around with a locking key if I get a flat on the side of the road.

3

u/prairiepanda 2d ago

I had to change a tire with a locking lug in -30°C weather once. Never again.

The way I see it, a flat tire is a lot more likely than a stolen wheel, especially with shitty beat up wheels like mine. I'd probably lock up really nice wheels, but if I had expensive wheels I wouldn't be using them during winter.

That said, someone in my city recently stole a full set of used all-seasons on steelies from an old Elantra, so maybe cost doesn't matter that much.