So I bought some wheel spacers and when attempting to put them on realized that my locking lug tool was missing. So the last set of tires I had put on at Americas tire they obviously forgot to return the tool to car! Decided to check my wife's Audi Q7 to see if hers would fit and guess what hers is also missing and where do you think her tires were replaced, Americas Tire!

 

If you were mounting spacers you should be using new, longer lug bolts so it doesn't matter if your old key is missing - you need a new set of bolts anyway...but then I guess you need the key to get the old one's off - bummer. Some dealers (or even America's Tires) may have a master.

 

America's Tire said they could get them off but then they do not put on spacers so not of any help!

 

Unfortunately, as a car owner, you have to stay on top of this yourself. No one else cares as much as you do about your wheels and car so you have to always check before you put any distance between you and your tire shop. (I also keep several spares to my key--the one in the car stays with the car permanently, while I have several in my tool bench.

 

That happened to me once, but I checked that day to make sure so they still had it. Since then I have had it happen twice, but both those times I checked before I left.

 

So Edgy01 where do you get spares?

 

Also check the torque... it's unlikely that a tire installer would use the correct torque value - 96 ft-lbs.

 

Will check torque when I put new spacers on. Thanks!

 

the dealer has the key sockets, there are about 30 or so variations, they will find the right one

 

Watch the "technicians" when they torque your wheels....the torque wrench clicks and they crank it another 90-180 degrees. They apparently do not grasp the concept at all. Now I torque my own.

 

Not to ask the obvious question, but, are you sure the key isn't in the car. The fact that both your vehicles have keys missing from a shop that in general gets high marks on the board seems surprising. Those little keys are easy to store in different locations. Glove box, in tool kit bag, etc. I'd turn the car upside down. Good luck. David

 

Agree - I'm sure he checked already but the tool compartment under the carpet in the trunk has a little area notched for placement of the key. Also, might want to ask the tire shop where they usually place the key when they are done.

 

I have had issues with the shop finding the key locking socket also. I have seen many posts about this, but never a post about stolen wheels. Considering getting rid of it, as a nuisance. I am not sure where that gadget is right now anyway.

I had similar locks on an SUV used to tow a boat. The locks rusted on from salt water exposure on the ramps and had to be cut off, along with the studs. Similar issues could be expected on roadways that are salted. The saving grace here is that the tires have such a short service life that the locks don't have time to rust up solid.

 

One of the first things I bought for the 997 were 4 regular lug bolts for $23 shipped off eBay. I hate locking lugs!

 

Yeah you know the theives have all the assorted anyway.