Lug Nuts 101: Mind the Threads

how to information lug bolts lug nuts lugs Tire wheel wheels

Class is in session!

Here at The Wheel and Tire Store, we sell custom rims so that you can enjoy your vehicle to its fullest. You came to us because you have good taste, but having good taste in wheels requires some technical knowledge. If you want to put custom wheels on your ride, there are a few things you need to know about lugnuts.

First, and possibly the most important, always start your lugs by hand! If you have a powered drill for putting on lugnuts, all the more power to you, but you need to start your lugs by hand! Cross threading lugnuts can make them hard to get on, hard to get off, and in the worst cases, it can even mean you have to replace the wheel studs. You've spent so much time choosing the perfect rims! Take the extra few seconds to put the nuts on straight.

Secondly, tighten your lugnuts slowly. I don't mean to turn them just a quarter at a time, either. Tighten a lugnut to as tight as your hand can get it and then tighten the one directly across from it. Then, use a wrench to tighten them. Finally, tighten each lug as tight as you can using the wrench. In each step, make sure to go from one side to the other, so you are never tightening two lug nuts that are beside each other. It's simple once you get the hang of it.

Next, know what kind of lug nut you need. There is such a thing as 'open' and 'closed' lug nuts. If your custom rims have a cap that goes over the lug nuts, you will need 'open' lug nuts. If it does not, you will need 'closed' lug nuts. A lug nut is 'open' when you can see the wheel stud through the center when tightening.

Finally, not every car manufacturer has lug nuts. Yes, you read that correctly. Certain manufacturers use lug bolts, which eliminate the need for the wheel stud. Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagon, and some Chryslers fall into this category. Check your car first.

If your lug nuts, or lug bolts, are not secured correctly on your wheel, then you can lose that wheel. It is incredibly dangerous to use improper lug nuts, lug bolts, or loose lugs, so be careful.

Remember, if you have any questions about your custom wheels, don't hesitate to contact us here at The Wheel and Tire Store. We're happy to help you with any of your purchases!

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