Car wheel security nut

[Jacob]

On wheels of my recently purchased Mazda 6 there are 4 normal nuts and one big one. Is this a cover for a security nut, as I don't seem to have special socket of any sort?
Can I take pot luck on tyre man being able to undo it or should I track down the proper job?

 

[Derek Cohen (Perth Oz)]

Jacob, that does not look like a anti-theft bolt. They usually have an unusual pattern and require a matching socket. The "big nut" looks just like a big nut - why you well ask?

Example ...

Regards from Perth

Derek

 

[niemeyjt]

I wonder if what you see is a cover to keep mud out of the security nut underneath. Certainly it was like that on our Discovery.

Look in your toolkit for two things - which may be together - the device to pull off the cover then the adapter for the security nut.

I would expect them to be with the jack and other items - if not maybe contact the seller - or Mazda dealer to order them - though you could try your friendly tyre dealer first.

 

[Jacob]

I've unscrewed it. It's just a nut. Probably someone hacked off the security nuts and replaced with nearest to hand - off an old tractor or something.
No spare wheel so I don't need a jack either but I'll put one in the boot. Instead there's a temporary mending gizmo which I'll check out next.
Off to La Belle France next week. It'll be nice to say hello to Marianne again!

 

[Adam W.]

Enjoy your trip to France, I hope you have a super time.

 

[niemeyjt]

I would suggest, if you can find one, replace that tyre gunge with a proper spare, jack, wheel brace etc. And get proper nuts and keys!

Those things only work on tiny holes that tend to be slow leaks anyhow - a big hole, tear or rip and you are stuffed.

 

[Jacob]

Going back to France I always imagine Barbara telling me to hurry up.

 

[MF1000]

If you are a 1st timer driving in France


https://www.leshuttle.com/uk-en/dis...nce-for-new-drivers-and-first-time-travellers

Things like warning triangles & hi viz are compulsory etc

 

[Jacob]

If you are a 1st timer driving in France


https://www.leshuttle.com/uk-en/dis...nce-for-new-drivers-and-first-time-travellers

Things like warning triangles & hi viz are compulsory etc

Thanks. Been there 100s of times. 1960 first time - school exchange. 3 weeks in Chamonix!

 

[Yojevol]

Those things only work on tiny holes that tend to be slow leaks anyhow - a big hole, tear or rip and you are stuffed.

Not necessarily so.
My neighbour was describing to me only yesterday that he once had a 1/2" pointed stick go through a sidewall. All he had was the gunge/compressor kit and this was in the middle of nowhere in Scotland. So he removed the stick leaving a 1/2"+ gash and pumped the gunge in. It started to ooze out of the gash so he stemmed the flow with his thumb. He then allowed it to cure for a few minutes before pumping up the tyre. It held up for 4 days until he was able to get a replacement tyre.
However, I agree, not something I would not like to rely on. In fact I replaced the gunge kit with a spare wheel on our Honda Jazz.
Brian

 

[MF1000]

And the use of the gunge kit for a simple puncture ( not the 1/2” hole Brian describes) generally renders the tyre useless im told…..garages cannot/will not clean out the foam residue etc and scrap the tyre.

 

[mcostello]

Did He have to run along side the car with His thumb in the tire?

 

[Spectric]

Instead there's a temporary mending gizmo which I'll check out next.

Unless it is a sidewall puncture. That goop is no substitute for a spare wheel.

 

[Yojevol]

Did He have to run along side the car with His thumb in the tire?

Yes, he's now bitter and twisted

 

[Geoff_S]

Thanks. Been there 100s of times. 1960 first time - school exchange. 3 weeks in Chamonix!

School exchange? Are you French or did they send you back?

 

[Sachakins]

If you get a puncture, and use the gunge, no tyre repair can then be made and no legitimate tyre place will ever repair it, so even a small puncture necessitate a new tyre.

 

[MikeJhn]

Just remember in France they do not stock run flat tyres, so the advice to have a spare wheel is well founded, ten year veteran of driving to our holiday home in Dordogne.

 

[MorrisWoodman12]

School exchange? Are you French or did they send you back?

He mentioned the S word. They couldn't send him back quickly enough.

 

[niemeyjt]

Also remember in France it is the law to have same make and tread pattern on the tyres on the axle - so one puncture may involve buying two tyres as this rule is often over-interpreted by tyre companies for extra sales.

 

[Jacob]

Just remember in France they do not stock run flat tyres, so the advice to have a spare wheel is well founded, ten year veteran of driving to our holiday home in Dordogne.

Thanks for that. Run flat tyres are news to me! https://www.kwik-fit.com/blog/discover-run-flat-tyres-how-they-work#
Looks like I need to buy a spare wheel then