Land Rover locking wheel nut keys

Locking wheel nuts are designed to prevent theft of your wheels and tyres, but they can also cause a headache if you need to change a flat tyre or service your brakes.

Locking wheel nuts are special nuts that secure your wheels to your vehicle. They have a unique pattern or shape that can only be matched by a corresponding locking wheel nut key. This key is usually stored in your glove box or boot, and you need it to remove or tighten the locking wheel nuts. Without the key, you cannot remove the wheel, which makes it harder for thieves to steal your wheels and tyres.

There are different types of locking wheel nuts and keys for different Land Rover models and years. Some of the most common types are:

• Internal splines: These locking wheel bolts have internal teeth inside the circumference of the bolt that the key engages into. This type is found on older Land Rover models, such as the L322 Range Rover (2001-2005).
• Four blades: These locking wheel nuts have four blades at the base of the nut that the key inserts into. Each blade has a different width, which ensures that only the correct key can fit. This type is found on many Land Rover models, such as the Discovery, Range Rover Sport, and Range Rover Evoque (2005-2012).
• Flower shape: These locking wheel nuts have a flower-shaped pattern on the face of the nut that the key aligns with. The key has a matching flower-shaped socket that fits over the nut. This type is found on newer Land Rover models, such as the Discovery Sport, Range Rover Velar, and Range Rover (2012-present).

Losing your Land Rover locking wheel nut key is a problem. Each key is identified by a letter code stamped or etched on the key and is different for different Land Rover models. For example, a Freelander locking wheel nut key with a 'D' code differs from a Discovery 'D' coded locking wheel nut key. Sometimes the key code is noted in the owner's manual; if not, taking a note or photo of yours is a good idea!

Although some keys look similar, they will only fit with the same code. If you lose your locking wheel nut key and do not know the code, some specialists can remove the locking wheel nuts; some will have a master set of keys or special tools to remove them without damaging your wheels.