Just bought a used 2013 Prius plug-in. It has 15" alloy factory wheel. There is one lug nut in each wheel that is keyed. Anyone know where the key for this lug nut is stored? Thanks in advance.
congrats and welcome! under the drivers seat. oh wait, i'm thinking lug wrench. it should probably be in glove box.
You should change that locking lug nut out, it's a hassle to have them on such inexpensive wheels. Nobody would ever steal those wheels and it's just a pain if you lose/misplace that key.
Been there, done that. Go talk to the parts guy and swap out those 4 locking nuts for regular ones. That key will get misplaced and/or lost by yourself or when brought in for service, tire change, rotation, ect...trust me!
Hah, if I was in town.. Anyway, it occurred to me every time the wheels are taken off by professionals, there's a chance that locking socket will get misplaced, so I taped a piece of paper to ours, with my email and phone number. If you do stop using it, keep in mind you have to shell out for extra lug nuts. That's one thing nice about our Hondas: they installed locking nuts, AND put four regular nuts in the locking nut packaging, stowed by the spare tire.
It was under the driver seat with a spare tire jack kit. Looked everywhere but there of course. Brilliant idea on taping the lug nut key with name and cell number. I plan on rotating the tire myself except when I buy new tires. I just have to remind myself to ask the shop where is my lug nut key if my car ever needs wheels taken off.
Unless you physically check "every-time" before you leave, I promise someone will "accidentally" add a new adapter to their collection. This happened 3 times with the last car we purchased with locking nuts pre-installed. Got it back twice, but the last time was discovered only after my Son called with a flat he couldn't change...when I was asleep. The Dealership parts guy found the right key (of 10+ used I was told) but was "kind enough" to do an even swap for regular nuts...no cost. Problem solved. Just for reference, those locks won't stop a wheel thief. YMMV
You know, this is why I keep coming back to this site. I learn something new about my car every time.
