PSA: Spare Tire w/wheel locks

If you have OEM wheel locks, the spare tire crank requires a tool that should be in your glovebox (see photo). The owner’s manual doesn’t mention it.

 

Thanks for the info. But I don’t quite follow. How does the spare have anything to do with the wheel locks on the 4 wheels?

 

Usually if the dealer installs wheel locks they also install a spare tire lock, personally I would have the dealership remove it before taking ownership. I've only had 2 flats to charge during the day but damn I would not want to fight with a spare tire lock when its dark or raining.

 

They are different keys.
There are the lug wheel locks, then there is the spare tire lock.

If you have the spare tire lock, the key is different so that it can link onto the lowering crank arm.

 

Yeah, I would loose the spare lock before leaving the dealership….knock that key off the crank and it lands inside the spare you are funked. And it’s not if you loose the key it is when you loose the key you will be severely inconvenienced if you need to get to the spare.

 

Great advice folks, thanks. But the spare tire lock is an optional accessory. I had to buy mine along with the wheel locks. I think it was $100 or so. I haven’t looked for the key and don’t even know how to lower the spare tbh. Time to learn.

 

If get around to lowering the tire, the lock should slip off with a little pull and twist using plyers.

 

I found the locks together in the glove box and looked up the procedure. Looks pretty straightforward. Just slip the spare lock key on the end of the jack extension. As long as the two key locks are together in my glove box, I am set!