2012 Chevrolet Traverse - Lug Nut

What Are Lug Nuts?

Lug nuts help secure a wheel to its hub by threading over the lug stud. The lug nuts on your vehicle are often specific not only in terms of thread size and the size of the head, but also in the type of seat or taper required for your wheels. This can include acorn or ball seat lug nuts, flat seats, tapered seats, or mag seats which also require washers to be installed securely. Locking lug nuts are also available to help prevent theft by using a specially keyed socket for installation and removal. Ensuring that you use the correct size and type of lug nuts, and torquing them to the proper specification during installation, can help ensure that your wheel is installed securely and limit the risk of loosening over time. Lug nuts are sturdy, and are designed to handle weather and corrosive elements, road debris, and frequent tire changes or rotations. However, lug nuts can develop damage over time that may render them unusable. It may be time to replace your wheel lug nuts if they're rusting if the hex head is worn or rounded if the threads have been damaged or crossed, or if the lug nuts are especially hard to install or remove. Inspecting your lug nuts for signs of damage any time you remove the wheel can help you determine if they may need to be replaced, and replacing rusty lug nuts can also improve the overall look of your wheels. O'Reilly Auto Parts has a selection of steel and aluminum lug nuts for most vehicles on the road today, along with a selection of spline and locking lug nut options to allow you to customize your vehicle easily. Check out our selection of lug nuts and other wheel accessories to find the best lug nuts for your vehicle.