FLEETS are being asked to remind drivers to look after the keys for locking wheelnuts to avoid costly roadside delays.

Locking wheelnuts which protect expensive alloy wheels from being stolen can lead to hours of delays when having a new tyre fitted if the driver has lost the key.

The security devices used to deter thieves are a problem for in one in 10 tyre replacements, taking on average several hours to fix as opposed to about half an hour, according to AA Tyre Fit.

General manager David Goodyear said: 'This is becoming a bigger problem as more and more cars are being fitted with alloy wheels and locking nuts. Our customers, and motorists in general, expect that removing a wheel should be an easy job but if the key is lost, it creates a real headache. Our mobile units carry tools to help fitters remove locking nuts but the task is never easy and it increases the risk that the wheel will be damaged.'

AA Tyre Fit has found the most common problem is a missing nut key. It advises motorists to keep keys in a secure place inside the vehicle.

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