Safe wheels
The special mounting bolts should be of interest to drivers who don't have a garage and can boast shiny aluminum rims or new quality tires.
Special mounting bolts - they cost between 50 and 250 zlotys - should be of interest to drivers who do not have a garage, but who can boast of shiny aluminum wheels or new quality tires. It is these elements that most often become the prey of thieves.
“Mounting screws are most often of interest to customers who buy aluminum rims,” explains Lech Kraszewski, owner of tire service company Kralech. – However, we recommend them to all car users. The operation of such a system is similar to the operation of a key in a door lock. The whole idea is that the element 
which allows the wheel bolt to be screwed in and out, is made as a separate plug that can only be installed on one specific set of bolts. Without it, it is almost impossible to unscrew the screw. It's like a key to a lock.
After installing the wheels, remove the cover from the bolt and carry it with you or hide it somewhere in the car. On sale there are screws that are connected to the cover in various ways. Usually this is a combination of special, suitable pins or a system of compatible cutouts. Regardless of the details of the solution, the principle of operation of the system is similar.
“The locking screws work best with aluminum rims,” adds Lech Kraszewski. – Their design allows you to completely hide the bolt inside the rim. This makes it impossible to unscrew it by grasping the base of the screw with any tool. With steel rims, access to the bolt is easier, but the ability to unscrew it is much less than with traditional bolts.
The only drawback of the whole system is the need to carefully guard the base of the screw, which allows it to be unscrewed. The loss or damage of this element means a big problem for us - we will not be able to unscrew the wheels on our own car. Therefore, when choosing a set of self-tapping screws, it is best to choose a product containing prophylactically two covers. It is also not worth saving when buying this type of equipment. It is true that you can get security screws for PLN 50, but they are often low quality products. We will decide on a branded product, and when buying, it is better to consult with the seller. Self-selection can end up with unnecessary expenses - the bolts simply will not fit our wheels.
Important rules
Lech Kraszewski, owner of Kralech
– When installing the fixing bolts in our machine, care must be taken to ensure that they are tightened correctly. In order not to damage the complex system of connecting the socket to the bolt, both elements must be carefully matched and it is best to use a cross-shaped coaxial wrench that provides equal pressure on the bolt. Also, be aware that some products are not suitable for use with an air-operated screw gun. Such a note must be placed on the packaging or directly on the screw and must be observed. Locking screws, if they are of good quality and properly used, can serve us for many years.
