Protect Your Tires and Yourself
When was the last time you had a wheel torque check? Do you know what your wheel torque is? If you have to ask, it’s time to find a Tread Connection van near you and have it checked today!
Learn more about a wheel torque check and how you can take care of this important service at your home or office.
What is Wheel Torque and How Do You Check It?
Wheel torque is when you adjust the lug nuts on your wheels to make sure they aren’t too loose or too tight. Each make and model vehicle has its own manufacturer-recommended torque specifications.
The amount of torque required for your wheels depends on the size of your vehicle and the size of the bolt or stud. You should always torque your wheels to your manufacturer specifications. Failure to do so can cause serious problems for your car.
Why Should I Call Tread Connection to Torque My Wheels?
While explaining wheel torque is easy, getting it right is a little more complicated. In addition to needing to be tightened to manufacturer specifications, there’s an order in which you should tighten your lug nuts. You can’t just tighten each nut in a clockwise circle. This could result in a wheel that is off-balance. An off-balance wheel impacts the quality of your ride and could warp your brake rotors.
The pattern in which the lugs are tightened depends on how many lug nuts your wheel has. Some wheels must be torqued in an “X” pattern, while others need to be tightened in a “star” pattern.
A Tread Connection technician has the tools and knowledge to ensure your wheel torque is correct, every time. We include a torque check with every one of our mobile tire installations to ensure your wheel is safe and secure.
What Happens if My Wheel Torque is Too Tight or Too Loose?
Overtightening your lug nuts does more than make it difficult to remove them later. It can strip the threads from either your lug nut or the bolt to which the nut attaches. It could even break off the bolt itself. Then you would have to take your car into a shop to replace the bolt. It can even distort your brake rotors!
If your wheel torque is too loose, you run the risk of losing your wheel while driving. We don’t have to explain what a disaster this would be. Get a wheel torque check every time you receive a tire service, and you can be confident your wheels are fastened tightly and securely.
Why Do I Need a Wheel Torque Check?
A wheel torque check is a vital service for the continued safety and performance of your vehicle. Any time you remove and replace your wheel, you should have your torque checked. This goes for adding new tires, too. You should always have your wheel torque checked approximately 50 miles after replacing a tire. This is often about 2-3 days’ worth of driving.
When you receive a wheel torque check from Tread Connection, you can expect the following.
- Vehicle is lifted on a jack.
- Lug nuts are removed using an impact gun.
- Wheel is removed from vehicle and a new tire is installed.
- Lug nuts are torqued with a click-type wrench to manufacturer specs.
Find a Tread Connection Van for Your Wheel Torque Check Today!
Don’t take a chance when it comes to your wheel torque. Find a TIA-certified Tread Connection tire technician near you and let us check your wheel torque today!