Glossary / Engine

lug nuts

30 Episode Mentions

Too Afraid to Ask

They are the little nuts that hold a wheel onto the car. You need the right size and strength to keep the wheel on safely.

Technical Definition

Lug nuts are the fasteners that secure a wheel to a car’s hub. They must match the bolt pattern and torque specifications for safety.

Hear It Discussed

"And one time I personally was responsible for forgetting to tighten up the lug nuts when I had been doing something. I think I put new pads in it."
#2627: Better to Die in a Fiery Crash The Best of Car Talk 05:43

"I needed regular lug nuts to sell the car, right? I had the black ones for the HREs. I need silver ones to go back on the stock wheels."
Parts Site Nightmare; Plane Lands on Car; Volvo Review; The Smoking Tire 08:03

"And my my question is, I mean when that happens, I mean, do I have to check the lug nuts? ... Were any of the lugs damaged?"
Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor - Classic Car Doctor - October 10, 2015 - Hour 2 - You Love Your Car More Than You ThinkFrom the Car Doctor archives — originally aired October 2015. In this classic episode of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, Ron opens the hour with a thoughtful discussion about the emotional connection we develop with our vehicles—often without realizing just how attached we've become. Whether it's the family car that's been through years of memories or the vehicle that always seems to get us home, cars become more than machines. Ron then helps a caller diagnose cooling system problems on a 2007 Mercury Mountaineer and takes a call from a 2013 Toyota Highlander owner whose wheels were nearly left loose after a routine oil change, leading to an important conversation about trust, quality workmanship, and paying attention after service. Also featured is an interview with Derek Miller from ALLDATA, discussing vehicle repair information, diagnostic resources, and the growing complexity of modern automobiles. Ron rounds out the hour by answering listener emails about choosing the right OBD-II scan tool and diagnosing hesitation and rough idle concerns on a Toyota. A great mix of automotive advice, consumer awareness, and a reminder that our relationship with our cars is often more personal than we think. Ron Ananian The Car Doctor 15:53