Can I change my car's wheel if I've lost the locking wheel nut key?
A. Locking wheel nuts aren't usually part of the manufacturer's original equipment. As a rule in the UK, they are fitted during the vehicle's pre-delivery preparation as a measure to combat alloy wheel and tyre theft, a problem that used to be widespread in Britain. A car left on bricks with its wheels missing was once a relatively common sight, but this practice has been all but stamped out since the introduction of wheel security devices. In fact, they are so effective that when the supplied removal device, or 'key', is misplaced, it can become a real challenge to get the wheels off.
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All AA patrols are equipped with and trained to use specialist locking-wheel-nut removal tools. These kits contain a number of different fittings to get around the security devices, but it's a skilled job that takes time to master and execute at the roadside. It also usually results in irreparable damage to the locking nuts or devices. This is why we urge all drivers to check before a journey they have their locking wheel nut keys stored safely in their cars.
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There's another issue. While one of our patrols will endeavour to remove the locking device, carrying out that operation on the hard shoulder of a motorway or a busy A-road isn't usually possible, so the first course of action would be a recovery to a safe location, adding delay to the whole process.
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My advice, if you know you've lost your wheel nut key, is to visit a reputable garage or tyre retailer to have the locking devices professionally removed and replaced with new ones, complete with the removal tool or key. New security kits usually come with two keys, so you can keep one in the car and the spare at home.Greg Carter, technical expert, the AA
Post your motoring questions below or send to carclinic@sunday-times.co.uk
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