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GM Now Offering Optional Thatcham Wheel Locks

GM customers interested in adding an extra layer of protection to their vehicle’s wheels can now do so with the optional Thatcham wheel locks accessory.

The new optional Thatcham wheel locks are offered as an official GM accessory, with Thatcham acting as a certification company that certifies the security level of the locks. Thatcham is based out of the U.K., and serves as a not-for-profit insurer-funded vehicle research center.

According to GM, the new wheel locks offer more security than the standard wheel lug nuts, with a special design that can be unlocked with the included wheel lock key. In addition to being more secure, the wheel locks also offer better corrosion resistance and better durability as compared to the standard factory lug nuts.

Customers can opt for either the Bright wheel locks kit, which is tagged with RPO code SPE and priced at $95, or the Black lug nut and wheel lock kit, which is tagged with RPO code SPZ and priced at $285. Both kits include enough wheel locks for all four wheels, plus an associated wheel lock key, with the components in the Bright wheel locks kits presenting a polished silver finish, and the Black lug nut kit presenting a darker finish.

The new Thatcham wheel locks accessory will be offered on several 2023-model-yer GM vehicles, starting with the Chevy Traverse, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave crossovers.

For those GM customers that want to ensure the safety of their wheels, this new optional extra seems like a relatively low-cost bit of insurance. In addition, the new wheel locks also look pretty good, and could serve as a fantastic complement to an upgraded set of optional GM wheels, covering rollers with either a silver finish, or a darker finish. Although it’s a small detail, it makes a difference for those customers that want to keep their ride looking its best.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. The wheel locks and mandatory OnStar are the only options not under supplier constraint.

    Reply
  2. Highly recommend. Ask your insurance carrier for a slight premium adjustment. I’ve had wheel theft issues in Sacramento, and a whole car theft issue with my Suburban, at the Marriott on Harbor Blvd. across from Disneyland.

    The bad actors punched the front passenger side door lock out but were stopped by onlookers. I installed an ignition interlock in a hidden place.

    Tijuana is a chop shop capitol.

    Reply
  3. Why would people spend more than 4X the price of big name wheel locks? Just because they’re from a dealer?

    Reply
  4. These are not new. My 2021 Camaro came with these from the factory.

    Reply
    1. Were the standard? Or an option?

      Reply
  5. European cars have had to meet Thatcham requirements for theft for years. About time giving the rising crime rates in this country.

    Reply
  6. Nowhere in this article do you picture the new Thatcham Style Wheel Locks. GM part# 85548789.

    Reply
  7. I have these Genuine GM wheel locks (Chrome) on my 2019 GM Canyon I purchased brand new. All four of them are rusting? Poor quality, lousy plating job!

    Reply
    1. Kevin Hintz:

      Research the wheel lock vendor that GM used. Contact them about your rust issue and request free replacements. Contact GM or your dealer, for the vendor name. 90 % of the parts on cars, trucks, equipment are vendor sourced. Been there, done this. If you need help, let me know. I have some SEMA connections.

      Reply

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