OE Lug Nut Replacement
You probably don’t think about your wheel lug nuts very often. They’re one of those vehicle components that you forget about until something goes wrong. But they’re actually very important in how well your wheels and tires fit on your vehicle.
Lug nuts are the hardware that secures your wheel and tire assembly to your vehicle. They’re small but they have a big job. You may have heard them called “bolts” or “wheel nuts” depending on where you’re from.
Usually, a new set of wheels or lug nut damage is the instigation to lug nut replacement. Damage can include swelling, rust, corrosion, cracking, a worn seat or stripped thread.
why would I need to replace my OE lug nuts?
In a word: safety. Original equipment (OE) lug nuts are not always the best quality hardware; they’re often poorly constructed and made of cheap materials to save the auto manufacturer money. They’re prone to damage and stripping, which can result in your wheel and tire assembly not sitting correctly onto the wheel hub.
OE lug nuts often include fragile tin caps that tend to break, swell or even fall off, causing tire changes to become a real headache. They can make removing your wheel hub nearly impossible if they get stripped or swollen. A roadside emergency flat situation can become even more complicated and dangerous thanks to OE lug nuts.
On the other hand, aftermarket lug nuts are a solid, one-piece design that are much more reliable and damage resistant. It’s a small, inexpensive long-term investment that will pay off over time.
For this reason, we recommend replacing your original equipment (OE) lug nuts if the OE lug nuts are the tin cap type before they become a problem.
HOW TO REPLACE OE LUG NUTS
Replacing your lug nuts is a simple process you can do yourself at home with a few tools. Or you can leave it to us, your tire experts, to get the job done in a jiffy.
Schedule An AppointmentReplacing your OE lug nuts uses almost the same process as changing your tire.
You will need:
Jack
Lug wrench
Wheel chocks (if available)
New set of lug nuts
step-by-step instructions on how to replace OE lug nuts:
Park in a safe, flat location
Put on your emergency brake. (place wheel chocks if available)
Loosen old lug nuts with your lug wrench by rotating each one counter clockwise in a star pattern.
Jack up your vehicle until it is fully raised off the ground.
Remove the loosened lug nuts.
Replace with a new set of lug nuts, installing in the same star pattern.
Lower your vehicle to the ground.
Check that the wheel lugs are properly torqued. You can bring your vehicle to America's Tire for a free torque and inspection check.
If they are stripped or damaged, take your vehicle to your local America's Tire store for professional help. Don’t try to remove it yourself.
How much does it cost to replace lug nuts?
The cost to replace your lug nuts depends entirely on how many you need, which is determined by your vehicle’s bolt pattern, the lug nut type and size. In general, each lug nut will cost a minimum of a couple of dollars each.
The average cost to replace your lug nuts is $45-$65. Discount Tire does not charge customers an installation fee. Other auto shops will charge you a fee, likely an entire billable hour, to change out your OE lug nuts for you.
LUG NUT KEY REPLACEMENT
Increasingly, many wheel and auto manufacturers are using locking wheel lug nuts to deter or prevent theft.
Locking wheel lug nuts make it very difficult to remove a wheel’s lug nuts without the correct key. They utilize a special socket that fits over the lugs with a unique pattern to allow for rotation, very much like a key.
Unfortunately, if you lose or damage your lug nut key, you will need a new one in order to service or replace your wheels.
Discount Tire sells spline tuner style lugs but does not sell original equipment (OE) style lock keys. If you need to replace your OE lug nut key, please contact your vehicle brand’s local dealership.
Ready to roll?
Discount Tire believes safety comes first. If you’re concerned about your wheels or tires, please drop by or call to make an appointment.
We’re always happy to see you in-store to further assist you. Save some time and buy and book online!
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