Are You Going Nuts? (Lug Nut Replacement)
Andrew Whited • July 21, 2025
Lug Nut Replacement
If your vehicle has a few years on it, you've no doubt had your tires rotated a few times. That means, of course, that a technician has loosened the lug nuts (which hold the wheels on) to remove the wheels and then put them back on. Many vehicles have lug bolts that go through the wheel into the wheel hub rather than bolts that are attached to the hub and poke out through the wheel. For our purposes, we’ll simply refer to both styles as “lug nuts”. Don't be surprised if your Service Advisor tells you it's time for several of those lug nuts to be replaced. Here's why.
There are different styles of lug nuts. Many of them are constructed from two separate pieces. One is the main part that is steel, and the other is a chrome, aluminum, or stainless steel cap that fits on top and makes it look pretty. Time takes its toll on your lug nuts because they're exposed to the elements (salt, water, grime). The steel part oxidizes (otherwise known as "rusts"). That makes the steel expand, distorting the shape of the cosmetic cap, so it's no longer the right fit with your lug nut wrench. Corroded wheel nuts will also not torque correctly which can cause a wheel to come loose or even come off the vehicle.
After a while, those lug nuts lose their edges and can no longer be tightened or loosened properly. In some cases, it's impossible to budge them at all. Now, that's something no one wants. If you have a flat tire and your vehicle is at the side of the road, you may not be able to get the wheel off to put on the spare. The last resort may be towing the vehicle.
Each time a technician takes your wheels off, they will see what kind of shape the lug nuts are in and may recommend replacement before you get yourself into a predicament. Your NAPA AutoCare Center Service Advisor may suggest using a one-piece lug nut that is far less likely to develop this type of problem in the future.
You know the old saying: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. And in this case, replacing lug nuts before they become a problem can save you a lot of aggravation, time and money down the road.
Woodard's Smooth Ride
300 North Broadway
PORTLAND, TN 37148
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The Importance of Proper Tire Inflation: What Every Driver Should Know When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? If you’re like most drivers, it’s probably been a while. But here’s the truth: proper tire inflation is one of the simplest — and most important — things you can do to protect your tires, your vehicle, and your wallet. Why Tire Pressure Matters Tires are designed to operate at a specific pressure — usually between 30 and 35 PSI (pounds per square inch) for most passenger vehicles. When tires are underinflated or overinflated, it affects everything from how your car handles to how much gas you burn. Underinflated Tires: Cause uneven tread wear (especially on the edges) Reduce fuel economy Create more heat, increasing the risk of a blowout Reduce steering and braking performance Overinflated Tires: Wear out the center tread more quickly Provide a rougher, noisier ride Decrease traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions How to Check Tire Pressure Checking your tire pressure only takes a few minutes. Here’s how: Find the recommended pressure — Look for the sticker inside your driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. Use a tire pressure gauge — Digital, dial, or stick gauges all work fine. Check tires when cold — Tire pressure rises as you drive, so check them before the car has been on the road. Add or release air as needed — Most gas stations have air pumps. Many tire shops (including ours) are happy to top them off for free. When to Check Tire Pressure Once a month — Air naturally escapes over time, even without a leak. Before long road trips When seasons change — Cold air contracts, so you’ll lose pressure as temperatures drop. TPMS Warning Light ≠ Maintenance-Free Many newer vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), but don’t rely on it completely. TPMS usually only triggers when pressure is dangerously low — not when it’s a few PSI under. That’s why it’s still important to check manually. What We Do at the Shop At Woodard's Smooth Ride, we check tire pressures during every visit — whether you're in for a rotation, an oil change, or just a pit stop. We’ll make sure your tires are inflated properly and inspect them for any signs of damage, leaks, or uneven wear.
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