Will Car Tire Bolts Become Looser Over Time?
2 Answers
Car tire bolts will not become looser over time because they are tightened clockwise. Here is the explanation of the numbers and letters in a tire model, using the example of tire model 225/60R1799H. 225: Represents the section width, simply understood as the width of the tire tread. 60: Represents the aspect ratio, simply understood as the height of the tire sidewall. R: Represents the tire type code, where R stands for radial tire. 17: Represents the rim diameter, indicating the tire is suitable for 17-inch rims. 99: Represents the load index, which is the maximum weight the tire can bear. A load index of 99 means the tire can bear a maximum weight of 775KG. H: Represents the speed rating, which is the maximum speed the tire can handle. A speed rating of H means the tire can handle speeds up to 210KM/H.
After normal installation, car wheel bolts typically do not loosen over time because they are tightened to a specific torque value, just like a nut being firmly pressed down. I've been driving for many years, and once on the highway, I heard a strange noise from the wheel. When I stopped to check, I found the bolts were slightly loose—it was due to improper tightening during installation. If the road is too bumpy or the parts are old and rusty, they might gradually loosen, but this isn’t a common occurrence. In fact, the forces generated by the wheel's rotation can make the bolts even tighter. The key is prevention: after every tire change, use a professional tool to check the torque, avoiding the use of an ordinary wrench that might tighten them too much or too little. I personally check my wheel bolts every month to ensure they are snug and secure, which is especially important for long-distance driving and can extend the lifespan of the parts. Don’t cut corners—safety comes first.
