So.........

 

.....that moment when you have 3 alloys fitted and the lock nut key starts to chew on the last winter steel wheel

 

Off to the local town garage on Tues to get it removed along with the other 3 (the key can't turn them now either). The metal used in the key looks pretty cheap, the star shaped style on the Mk2 scout were much better. (swapped the wheels without issue on the good lady's Fiesta today so I'm not a ham-fisted eejit........).

 

Worked it out and the key changed 15 wheels before failing, not impressed is an understatement!!

 

So do I get another set of OEM or something else more robust? Just needs to be compatible with the plastic nut overs and not have a key made of cheese!

 

Thanks,

 

Niall

Are you sure you aren't tightening them up too much???

 

I've not had a problem with the OEM locking wheel nuts on this car or the previous one.

 

Make sure you use a torque wrench when tightening - 120Nm springs to mind which is only 88.5 lb ft

I've always done it by hand without issue before (this'll be the 6th year on winters from memory). I have already ordered a Torque Wrench to makes sure I don't wreck the replacements though!!

 

I don't want that feeling of dread again!

I'd just pop to Skoda and order 4 standard bolts and forget about the locking wheel bolts. Is wheel theft really much of an issue these days?

I got some black McGard ones for my winter alloys and they look pretty good to me. I don't use the VAG nut covers. Also having now got a torque wrench I realise I was over tightening them by hand.

I've got McGard Ultras on my black winter alloys. The cover won't fit over it, but you soon get used to it (they're not that obvious in the wheel recess) and seeing them may deter any opportunistic tea-leaf who's eyeing them up. I had a similar set of McGards on my previous car for about 10 years and never gave any trouble. I highly recommend using a torque wrench.

I can recommend mcgard ones too, as they offer excellent customer aftercare such free key replacement should your original locking key gets damaged.

I use TPI "Eco lock bolts" & had to heat up their standard plastic covers to fit over, but might get all the bolts heavy chrome plated at a later date..........

 

As for McGuard, no way, way too many faults as std fit on Volvos etc............

Thought I'd highjack an older thread....looking for a decent set of locking wheel nuts for my MkIII Vrs Estate. Has the 19" Extreme alloys, any suggestions??

Thought I'd highjack an older thread....looking for a decent set of locking wheel nuts for my MkIII Vrs Estate. Has the 19" Extreme alloys, any suggestions??

On standard wheels I continue to use OEM locking bolts - never had a problem with them.

However, have always used Mcgard on all aftermarket wheels with no problems. Mine are chrome and have been very resistant to corrosion compared to other non-OEM non-locking bolts.

http://www.mcgard.de/fileadmin/images/Application_Guide_2014.pdf

For Skoda Octavia OEM you will need 28018 followed by suffix SU, SUB etc depending on finish. i.e. 28018SUB are M14 x 1.5 pitch, 26.7 mm shaft length, r13 radius, 17mm socket finished in gloss black.

Do the extreme wheels have black or anthracite plastic caps?

On standard wheels I continue to use OEM locking bolts - never had a problem with them.

However, have always used Mcgard on all aftermarket wheels with no problems. Mine are chrome and have been very resistant to corrosion compared to other non-OEM non-locking bolts.

http://www.mcgard.de/fileadmin/images/Application_Guide_2014.pdf

For Skoda Octavia OEM you will need 28018 followed by suffix SU, SUB etc depending on finish. i.e. 28018SUB are M14 x 1.5 pitch, 26.7 mm shaft length, r13 radius, 17mm socket finished in gloss black.

Do the extreme wheels have black or anthracite plastic caps?

Sorry for the delay, caps are anthracite.

Rather than start another thread, can anyone help me out please as regards to how you find out what code your original wheel locking nut key is? I only have 1 & thinking of buying a spare from the dealer