Top Picks For Wheel Nuts & Bolts Related Parts

Lug nuts are fasteners that are used to secure the wheel on the vehicle and are also known as wheel nuts. The design and shape of lug nuts can vary depending on the type and usually they have a rounded or tapered end (seat). They are made from different materials like chrome-plated steel, anodized aluminum, and often titanium in racing applications. As wheel fasteners, they play a vital role in keeping the wheels attached to the hub and are of various types depending on their design including, conical lug nuts, spherical lug nuts, extended threaded lug nuts, etc.

Wheel lug nut locks, also known as locking wheel nuts, are like regular lug nuts but with a cut-out head design that can only be opened using a key. Unlike regular nuts that feature a hexagonal head, these locking nuts require a unique locking wheel nut key that features the same design as on the locking nuts. This helps in preventing thieves from stealing your wheels, especially if you have expensive aftermarket rims installed on your vehicle.  Also, you need to keep the lock key with you at all times so you can take the wheel off whenever necessary.

A wheel center cap is a small disc in the middle of a wheel, which is also known as a hub cap and usually features the manufacturer's logo. It's a fairly simple part that adds to the aesthetics of the vehicle and also plays an important role in protecting the spindle nut and the wheel bearing. Wheels are provided with a hole in the middle called the center bore, which keeps the wheel perfectly aligned to the hub and reduces wheel vibrations. The center cap sits on this center bore and protects the wheel bearing and its seal from external hazards like road salt, dirt, and dust. Some wheel caps are big enough to cover the lug nuts too and keep them safe from corrosion. They help in keeping the lug nuts clean, making it easier to remove and install wheels.

Under normal circumstances, a wheel center cap will last a long time, but sometimes it can fall off due to poor installation during a tire repair. The absence of a wheel center cap can be detrimental to the health of your wheel bearings and therefore should be replaced ASAP. They can break due to an impact while driving on rough terrains or can go missing, exposing the wheel hub center. Get new ones quickly if you witness a broken or missing wheel center cap since they are inexpensive items that are important for the aesthetics and proper working of the wheels.

Wheel covers are wheel trims generally made of plastic that fit over your wheels. They are mostly used to improve the appearance of the car and they also protect the wheel and lug nuts from salt, water, or mud. Wheel covers can be made of plastic or metal and can be snapped on using a clip-on retention system or bolted onto the wheels. They are available in various materials, designs, and finishes to enhance your vehicle's appearance and can be replaced without removing the wheels. Wheel covers are generally used on cars with stamped steel wheels to conceal the rim, whereas cars with alloy wheels or styled wheels use smaller hubcaps, also known as wheel center caps.

Mostly, wheel covers are provided with a snap-on installation system that allows for a quick installation without removing the lug nuts of the vehicle. While riding on rough surfaces, these wheel covers can get damaged, causing them to crack and often to come loose. Over time, the color of the wheel covers can fade due to exposure to UV rays, mud, and road salt, spoiling the look of the vehicle. A simple visual inspection can tell a lot about the condition of the wheel covers and if they look damaged, faded, or broken, they should be replaced.

Wheels, as we all know, are integral to a vehicle, as it cannot be driven without them. Apart from offering easy movement to the vehicle, wheels also play an important role in the vehicle's performance which depends on various factors like wheel construction, manufacturing process, wheel size, etc. Steel wheels are very common and are the cheapest and most durable wheel option. However, modern vehicles have started to use alloy wheels as they are comparatively lighter and offer better handling. Some high-end performance cars also use carbon-fiber wheels, but they are very expensive. Wheels come in various sizes, with bigger wheels offering better torque, whereas wider wheels offer better handling and traction due to a larger contact patch. Although most people upgrade their wheels for aesthetic purposes, they can significantly improve the performance of your vehicle and it's just a matter of knowing what you want from your vehicle.

Your car wheels are the unsung heroes of your vehicle and when it comes to repair and maintenance, they are usually not the first thing that you may think about. However, a bent or damaged wheel can pose some serious problems, and usually, the first sign of a failing rim is its inability to hold air for long. Many times, the tire won't hold air after filling and will deflate overnight. Wheels can get damaged or bent when you hit an object or a deep pothole, often causing them to crack if the impact is strong. One of the obvious symptoms of a bent rim is shakiness and vibrations, which can be felt at the steering wheel. Any visible damage and signs of deformation are clear signs of a wheel replacement which often go unnoticed and have to be checked by removing your wheel for a thorough inspection. Minor damage to the wheels of your vehicle can lead to a sudden blowout while driving, therefore if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms and suspect that your wheels are compromised, get them checked and replaced.