Wheel Lock Master Key
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: VA
Wheel Lock Master Key
Whenever my dealer rotate my tires, they never use the wheel lock key stored in my trunk because they said they have a master key that can open all wheel locks. Since each set of wheel locks has a unique design, does anyone know how the master key works? Just curious.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 4
From: CA
ahhh, a master key? Depressing. That sort of defeats the premise of the locks....theifs can attain masters and the entire premise is destroyed. Did not appear from the looks a Master would work, or hopefully there is many sets of Masters based on the design
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 476
Likes: 4
From: MA
There must be more than one set of Master keys.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
I get my services done at Toyota and the tech there said I don't need to give him the wheel lock key if the wheel locks are oem or if it was put on by the dealership when I bought my car or if it's the wheel locks the dealership sells. I asked why and he said they are all the same. We have the wheel lock key so no need to give us a key to rotate ur tires. I stand there next to them as they perform all services so I actually was surprised to see him be able to use his key and take my wheels off. So I'm guessing we all have the same key and design. Defeats the purpose of having wheel locks imo.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 18
From: So California
Interesting idea on the concept of a master key. I'd never considered that having had McGard locks on all of my vehicles for some 30+ years. This may well be the case for locks purchased via Lexus or within some other mfgr environment. Here is an extract from the McGard site FAQs that would lead one to believe there is some magic a dealer can do:
7. Can my New Car Dealership assist me with servicing my McGard Wheel Locks?
If you need immediate assistance and have an Original Equipment Wheel Lock Set on your vehicle, please contact your franchised new car dealership as they may be able to assist you immediately...
On the other hand, I know of at least two cars in more recent years (including one Lexus) where I purchased McGard locks from sources other than the OEM and installed them myself, and my spare wheel lock key had always been used after tires were rotated. Hummm. Must be something to this at least having master keys within the same auto mfgr for locks purchased from them... I learned something today! If you need immediate assistance and have an Original Equipment Wheel Lock Set on your vehicle, please contact your franchised new car dealership as they may be able to assist you immediately...
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Pole Position
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: NJ
I guess most Lexus vehicles are sold with the wheel locks.All of my neighbors, friends,and my two Lexus vehicles have wheel locks.
When I bought new Michelins at Costco for my son's Camry the Tech asked for the wheel lock key,so at least Costco doesn't have a master key.
When I bought new Michelins at Costco for my son's Camry the Tech asked for the wheel lock key,so at least Costco doesn't have a master key.
Pole Position
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 88
From: Texas
I guess most Lexus vehicles are sold with the wheel locks.All of my neighbors, friends,and my two Lexus vehicles have wheel locks.
When I bought new Michelins at Costco for my son's Camry the Tech asked for the wheel lock key,so at least Costco doesn't have a master key.
When I bought new Michelins at Costco for my son's Camry the Tech asked for the wheel lock key,so at least Costco doesn't have a master key.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,676
Likes: 18
From: So California
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 276
Likes: 4
From: CA
I just got two spare McGuard keys for $15 incl. freight, pretty fair...
Seems that Lexus has their own set of Masters, maybe each car maker does...so this cuts down on the number of masters floating around. I park my car in garage every night as well....however, during mid day light, in big parking lot, had all 4 tires lifted, car was on cinder blocks.... lump in throat... no wheel locks then, but have used them ever since. Good thread, never considered this master key issue before... the goal is, to slow down the thiefs...but if you park in the same place very often, they have time to study what you have, so consider that as well. I wonder if the RX alarm would go off?? that is often the best deterent...
Seems that Lexus has their own set of Masters, maybe each car maker does...so this cuts down on the number of masters floating around. I park my car in garage every night as well....however, during mid day light, in big parking lot, had all 4 tires lifted, car was on cinder blocks.... lump in throat... no wheel locks then, but have used them ever since. Good thread, never considered this master key issue before... the goal is, to slow down the thiefs...but if you park in the same place very often, they have time to study what you have, so consider that as well. I wonder if the RX alarm would go off?? that is often the best deterent...