Bizarre Repair Scam: Ex-Mechanic Plugs Oil Pan with Anti-Theft Lug Nut

A mechanic at a UK auto repair shop discovered during a routine service that a previous technician had replaced the standard oil drain plug with a star-shaped anti-theft wheel lug nut—specifically, a hexalobular security lug nut requiring a special key for removal. Neither the car owner nor the current mechanic possessed the required tool. Even more puzzling, the vehicle’s wheel lug nuts lacked matching security inserts, leaving the mechanic unable to perform even the most basic oil change. Frustrated, he posted a plea for help on TikTok: “I’ve been searching for an hour—I’m going crazy!” Online users flooded the comments with suggestions: some recommended simply replacing the entire oil pan, while others identified the part as Volkswagen’s proprietary security lug nut model 742. Industry insiders noted that although highly unconventional, such makeshift “if it fits, it works” solutions occasionally surface in the repair trade. It remains unclear why the previous technician opted for this unusual modification.