Wheel nuts and wheel bolts: here's what you need to know

Essentially, the wheels can be connected to the vehicle in two different ways. In addition to commonly used wheel bolts, wheel nuts are also available. If you regularly change tires on your car, you should be familiar with both elements and know what to look for in each system. We have compiled all the information you need about wheel nuts and wheel bolts for you in this detailed article below.

The difference between wheel nuts and wheel bolts

You can tell at a glance if the vehicle uses wheel nuts or wheel bolts .

When the tire is removed, the so-called studs protrude outward, since when wheel nuts were used, they were attached directly to the hub. Now the bus follows put on studs with corresponding holes , after which it can be fixed with wheel nuts.

On the other hand, the wheel bolt system only has matching bolt holes in the hub . Here the wheel must be properly aligned when changing so that the wheel bolts can be inserted and secured through the provided screw holes.

In addition, two different systems are used for wheel nuts . Wheel nuts are available in conical or spherical shapes. Therefore, the type of wheel nut must match both the tire and the fastening of the wheel nuts provided in it. . This is important because the wrong combination of wheel nut and tire can cause the wheel nut to loosen and therefore reduce safety.

Are there really more wheel bolts than wheel nuts?

• Many specialized publications claim that nowadays almost only wheel bolts are used and almost no wheel nuts are used . However, this delusion , as many car manufacturers still rely on the wheel nut system.
• Opel and Ford , for example, are known for almost all vehicles in their range come with a typical wheel nut system . Kia and Honda also continue to use wheel nuts in their range and therefore rely on this technology .
• Nevertheless , many car manufacturers, including top brands such as VW, rely primarily on wheel bolts as they provide more flexibility for the user .
• However, major parts dealers still stock both wheel bolts and wheel nuts in a variety of designs. . So getting the right parts for your car and tires is easy.

What are the benefits of each system?

If we look at both systems in direct comparison, the big advantage of wheel nuts is that changing a tire is faster and often easier since the tire can be put directly on the wheel hub and studs.

• Tire slippage on the hub is easily prevented by fastening . However, there is also shortcomings . For example, the wheel nuts need to be tightened up after some time of operation to ensure the safety of the car .

• In addition, it becomes very difficult if corrosion of the wheel nut is found during tire replacement. . In this case, if necessary, you can drill out the wheel bolt and thus remove it without problems. On the other hand, a rusty wheel nut is not easy to remove and can take a lot of time and energy before the tire can be removed.

• This can quickly become a problem in the event of an unscheduled quick tire change on the open road with only standard tools at hand. . In general, this also applies to wheel bolts, but they are usually much easier to loosen even with the wrong tools at hand.

Can both systems serve as security protection?

It makes sense to protect high-quality discs from theft . Both wheel nuts and wheel bolts make this possible. That is, you can buy wheel bolt and/or wheel nut kits. , which can only be loosened with a special key.

One bolt or one nut per tire is enough to effectively protect it from theft . Standard bolts and safety kits are also available from a wide range of specialist dealers. Autopartspro is highly recommended due to its wide range and attractive prices.

Wheel Nuts and Wheel Bolts: Should You Grease?

Fearing rust, many car owners think about lubricating wheel bolts or studs, as well as wheel nuts, when changing tires. . There are very few manufacturers on the market that even allow such a procedure with special devices. The reason is simple:

• Due to the close proximity to the braking system bolts and nuts are exposed to very high temperatures. In this case grease will only burn and, in the worst case, can lead to even more jamming of nuts and bolts .

• For this reason, wheel nuts and bolts must never be lubricated. . It is enough to carefully clean the threads and surfaces from corrosion with a wire brush.

Wheel bolts must be screwed this far

Wheel bolts must always be tightened to the specified torque. . However, many find that even a few turns are enough to keep the bolt securely in place. But this is a delusion. In order for the wheel bolt to obtain a forced flush connection, at least six turns must be made. Only then is the desired safe position achieved.

The benefits of flexibility are in the details

Wheel bolts offer even more benefits for car owners .

• This is because wheel bolts come in different lengths and therefore different sizes.
• For wheel nut systems, you should always make sure that the desired rims fit the studs and their length.
• With wheel bolts you have more freedom and you can adapt the bolts to the respective rim thickness .
• This means you can easily change the length of the bolt to the appropriate length when purchasing replacement parts such as new rims or even winter tires.

Tightening wheel bolts and wheel nuts:
fairy tale or common sense?

It is important that both wheel bolts and wheel nuts are tightened to the correct and specified torque. . In this case, re-tightening of the wheel bolts can be dispensed with, as they have been tightened sufficiently. However, this does not apply to wheel nuts. You must tighten them to the appropriate torque after about 50 kilometers. . If you have had your tires changed at a specialist workshop, they will often put a reminder in your car to retighten them.