Why You Should Ditch The Chrome-Capped Lug Nuts On Your Car's Wheels

A lug nut is designed to secure a wheel to the car's axle — its very purpose dictates both form and the materials used in its construction. However, since almost everything on a car can be customized, you can add a bit of personality to your lug nuts as well. Some do this by installing chrome-capped lug nuts, but is that really a good idea? 

Chroming an entire lug nut is expensive, which is why manufacturers opted for chrome caps that can be placed on top of existing lugs. This leaves a bit of space between the cap and the nut, and this is where the problems begin. Because they react to temperature and can allow moisture to get in between the two layers, they are prone to swelling and corroding. This can damage your studs and strip the threads.

One of the biggest mistakes you can make while changing a tire is to fail to tighten them properly, but if your chrome bolts are toast, there really isn't much you can do in order to not make that mistake. Although they may look good, they serve a vital function, and therefore should be chosen in regards to reliability and durability, definitely not style. Here's why you should ditch the chrome-capped lug nuts on your car's wheels.

Aforementioned problems have also been part of the 2017 Wozniak v. Ford class-action complaint. The claim outlines how Ford installed two-piece chrome-capped lug nuts, and that they are susceptible to swelling, delamination, and corroding. According to the plaintiffs, this made it very difficult for drivers to change a flat tire, while also damaging the studs and stripping threads in the process.

The class action was ultimately dismissed due to procedural and pleading issues, and the court never addressed the merits of the claim. However, it has brought the issue into the spotlight. Worse than this, chrome capped lug nuts are known to even fall off. With the corroded nut now completely exposed to the elements, it can go out of shape and become difficult to manage.

This makes all the regular chores such as swapping seasonal tires or torquing your lug nuts properly, almost impossible without hammering, chiseling, and drilling. Worst of all, a thoroughly deformed and corroded nut may no longer be able to secure the wheel. Besides it costing a ton of money, if it fails altogether, it is likely going to leave you stranded without any immediate options to rely on.

The best thing to do would be to ditch chrome-capped lug nuts altogether, or to invest in aluminum-anodized lug nuts that are designed to resist these problems. It's also a good idea to opt for a one-piece construction lug nut that eliminates the sheer possibility of moisture seeping in. This will also prevent swelling and delamination.

Stainless steel is better than regular steel because it is extremely tough and can be used without caps or added coatings. The very top-end option would be to go with titanium lug nuts that are frequently mounted on super sports cars. They are particularly lightweight, durable, and are inherently corrosion-resistant.

For a more ordinary car though, these can be viewed as an expensive overkill. Even so, automakers are also switching from lug nuts to lug bolts since these are simple and are better at clamping the studs. No matter which option you go for, do pay attention to the thread, pitch, and the seat type.