Wheel Safe

Adding a fresh set of big wheels and high-performance radials makes any vehicle look better. However, because of their value, those dubs are a potential target for thieves. For instance, the Hummer pictured here has a set of five 30-inch TIS wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires, which cost $25,000! For thieves, that alone makes it well worth the time and effort to steal them.

Now, thanks to the makers of Power Lock (the only system guaranteed to prevent your vehicle from being hot-wired and driven away), there is a simple way to protect those expensive wheels…Wheel Safe.

Wheel Safe is a wireless electronic security system using wireless sensors mounted on each wheel and wheel hub. If the wheel is removed from the hub without authorization, a wireless signal is triggered sounding an alarm. A flashing dashboard-mounted status display gives the current status of all wheel sensors and also acts as a visual theft deterrent.

Wheel Safe passively arms when the ignition is turned off. The control module automatically performs a routine system diagnostic every 24 hours by each sensor “checking in” with the main control module. Wheel Safe proprietary wheel sensors install easily and permanently to the inside of the wheel and will not affect the wheel balance.

Tire rotation can be performed while the system is in “valet” mode. The system also has a “learn” mode for adding an optional fifth wheel sensor for externally mounted spare tires or for rotating sensor locations.

Tools needed include a crimping tool, wire stripper, razor knife, computer-safe 12-volt test light, electric hand drill and bits, screwdrivers, flashlight and electrical tape. Simple three-wire hookup makes it easy for anyone to install the system and includes a detailed installation guide.

We recently visited Radioactive Autosound & Accessories (Ontario, California) where Marc Maglinte was about to install a system on a Hummer. Follow the photos to see how simple it is to protect your wheels (for under $200) with Wheel Safe.