How to Stop Spare Wheel Theft in South Africa
Spare wheel theft is one of the most common opportunistic crimes on South African roads. Thieves target spares because they are usually in good condition, quick to remove and easy to sell. Replacing a stolen spare can cost a couple of thousand rand, and most people only discover it is gone when they get a flat. Here is how to protect yours.
Why spare wheels are such an easy target
On most bakkies the spare wheel hangs under the rear of the chassis and is lowered with a winch. On many models that winch can be reached from outside the vehicle, so a thief with the right tool can drop the wheel in moments without ever breaking into the cab. SUVs with the spare mounted on the tailgate have the same weakness: only a few wheel nuts stand in the way.
6 ways to stop spare wheel theft
1. Lock the spare wheel to the vehicle
A physical lock is the strongest deterrent. Thread a steel cable lock through the rim and around a solid part of the chassis or tow bar mount, so the wheel cannot be carried off even if the winch or wheel nuts are undone. The BIG T Cable Lock is made for exactly this: tough steel with a plastic coating that keeps your rim scratch free, and weather resistant enough for life under a bakkie.
2. Park in secure, well lit places
Choose guarded parking, a locked garage or a busy, well lit spot. Where you can, reverse up to a wall so the back of the vehicle is hard to get to.
3. Check your spare regularly
Look under the vehicle every few weeks. Regular checks help you spot tampering early, so you never find out about a missing spare at the side of the road.
4. Mark your rim and tyre
Engrave or paint a discreet mark on the rim and write down the tyre size and DOT code. Marked parts are harder for thieves to sell and easier to identify as yours if they are recovered.
5. Secure tailgate mounted spares
If your spare sits on the back door, fit a locking wheel nut so it cannot be removed with a standard spanner, and add a cable lock for a second layer of protection.
6. Check your insurance cover
Not every policy covers spare wheels and accessories. Confirm with your insurer and keep photos and receipts in case you ever need to claim.
How to fit the BIG T Cable Lock to your spare wheel
- Wrap the cable through the rim of the spare wheel.
- Loop it around a solid, fixed part of the vehicle, such as the chassis or tow bar mount.
- Lock it and relax, knowing your spare is staying put.
Spare wheel theft FAQs
Why is spare wheel theft so common in South Africa?
Spare wheels sit outside the locked cabin, are usually in good condition and are always in demand, which makes them an easy win for opportunistic thieves. Vehicle tracking companies such as Cartrack have warned that wheel theft is on the rise.
Does a cable lock stop spare wheel theft?
No lock is impossible to beat, but a steel cable lock makes stealing your spare slow, noisy and obvious. That is exactly what opportunistic thieves avoid, so most will simply move on to an unprotected vehicle.
What else can the BIG T Cable Lock secure?
Besides spare wheels, it works for bikes and motorbikes. If you are not sure it suits your vehicle, get in touch and we will help you check.
Protect your spare wheel today
Do not wait for spare wheel theft to leave you stranded. The BIG T Cable Lock is available nationwide and backed by a 30 day full refund guarantee. Call +27 60 584 4800 or email info@bigtcablelock.co.za to order yours.