I agree that it's better to have wheel locks on as it does serve as a slight deterrent to the lowlifes if they see them and let them find another car to rip off.

Yes, it's true that most of the thieves can and do use a socket to jam into the "lock" nut. But Gorilla now has the new free-spinning lock nut. In some cases, you may have to change the studs so that you can use them on the Mini wheels, if you have the lug bolts, not lug nuts.

While I don't have them on the Mini yet, we did get some for our other cars and Jeep. For a scumbag to try to fit a socket into the thin space, it won't work as their sockets are all too thick to fit and if they can jam one in, the outside sleeve part spins.

They're not going to stick around and hassle with them and just go to another easier prey.

http://www.gorilla-auto.com/gorilla.guard.locks

You'll need the "acorn" nut, item #61631 once you convert your wheel studs and those you can get from the various Mini vendors.

Most important: (1). Keep the locking key in a small zip lock bag and inside your glove box or inside the tool kit bag, (2). Make a copy of the original registeration numers and contact number and put it behind your driver's license, (3). Put the registration sticker on the Mini manual

 

My mininlocks came with 2 keys...mine came free from mini..port installed when mini USA was having an issue with rim theft at the port in NJ...they gave me the box the locks came in with the old lug bolts, and the keys.
My tuner locks/lug bolts for my winter rims that use a smaller diameter bolthead came with only one...when the key failed I called gorilla, and 4 days and about $12 later had a new one.

 

Not a locking lug user, but on my Miata I use McGard spline drive lug nuts on the Panasports. It's like have 16 locks.

FWIW I believe McGard makes a higher quality product than Gorilla. I believe McGard uses stainless steel & Gorilla does not. I've seen quite a few corroded Gorilla lugs.

 

The bums stealing the wheels are not always just going for the wheels themselves, but rather the tires, especially if they are known brands and or have some good thread life on them.

Why would they pay good money if they can find some on the streets or in a parking lot?

The immatures will also play pranks will just remove a wheel or two or all fours just for kicks.

 

Bum's will be bum's I guess. My insurence will take car of any losses I have. So far none. Fingers crossed.

 

My set came with two keys... You guys didn't get two?

 

Macguard=quality, Gorilla=cheap-the walmart of locks!

 

I would love a zero deductible, but to save money I have a $500 deductible, I could opt for the $1,000 but in the long run, it's not worth the savings in premiums.

$500 may just be enough to cover two wheels (XXR's) and tires (Dunlop D's)in my case.

 

I have $500 deductible, but on my comprehensive coverage I have $000 deductible. It doesn't cost me much more.

 

Zero deductible on my comprehensive comes to an additional $5.00 per

month from Nationwide. Well worth it.