Why you should tighten your lugs

Why you should tighten your lugs

I'd like to tell you that the featured image of this post is a stock image I found online. It isn't, and the events that led to this catastrophic failure in both judgement and mechanics we're both expensive and VERY dangerous. 
What is a tire section width? Reading Why you should tighten your lugs 5 minutes Next What makes Valor Different

If you've ever rotated your tires or had the misfortune of being on the receiving end of a flat tire, you know the old adage to "make sure you tighten your lugs after around 20 miles". If you're like most people, you probably shrug this sage advice off as a suggestion more than a requirement. Take a pause here and revisit the picture above. Seriously. It's real and if you don't tighten your lugs after installation or re-installation, you're going to regret it, trust me.

How to install wheels the correct way

Let's make sure we're all on the same page on what the correct procedure is for installing new wheels or rotating your tires to prevent localized wear. You just received your first set of Valor Offroad wheels and you're excited to get them mounted on your vehicle. We STRONGLY recommend you have a professional install your wheels and/or tires. If you do not know of a reliable dealer or technician near you, call us and we can help locate one for you. If you insist on mounting your own wheels, you MUST follow all steps below to ensure a proper and safe installation:

  • First step is to make sure you have the correct installation kit (lug nuts). Not all lugs are interchangeable and if you're planning to run any Valor Offroad wheels, your OEM stock lugs WILL NOT WORK. You must purchase a spline kit from our Installation Kits. Not sure what kit you need? Check out our Fitment Guide.
  • Next, you're going to want to find flat ground to jack your vehicle off the ground. Because UTVs and ATVs do not come with an OEM parking/emergency brake, finding flat ground is your best bet for a safe start.
  • Before you start jacking your vehicle up, use a quality torque wrench to loosen the lugs on the wheel while all four tires are still on the ground. This will ensure you're not wrenching on a stuck lug in the air or while the tire is spinning. Getting the lugs loose ensures a safe swap while vehicle is up on jack or rack.
  • Using a floor jack or emergency jack from your vehicle, begin to raise your vehicle up enough where the tire rotates freely. Are you plus-sizing your tires (increasing overall diameter)? You're going to want to factor in more room off the ground to allow for new, larger tires.
  • Once your vehicle is safely jacked up and wheel and tire are ready to be removed, unscrew all lugs using your fingers or socket. If you need to use the torque wrench, you didn't loosen them enough while on the ground. Stop what you're doing and go back two steps. 
  • After you swap out your wheels and tires, finger tighten your new spline lugs as far as you can.
  • Using the socket only (not attached to torque wrench), tighten lugs down as much as you can using a star pattern (view diagram below). 
  • Lower the vehicle just enough to where the tires make contact with the ground and prevent the wheel and tire from spinning. 
  • Using torque wrench, tighten each lug to vehicle OEM spec. Not sure what your OEM spec is? Contact your local dealer or visit your vehicle's owners handbook. 
  • Completely lower the vehicle down to the ground and using the torque wrench again, ensure all lugs are to spec again using star pattern below. You'll hear an audible noise when lugs are correctly torqued. 

HOW TO TIGHTEN LUGS

How to tighten lugs UTV ATV SXS

But wait, there's more!

You MUST re-torque your lugs to OEM spec after no more than 20 miles. This applies to your daily driver, towing trailer, lawn mower and especially your UTV, SxS or ATV. Want a reminder pic of what happens when you don't? Check out the studs below when my tire wobbled off the studs, leaving the lugs behind. 

always tighten your lugs or else

Warning Signs:

How do I know if my lugs are loose?

  • Your gut is your best bet to prevent a catastrophic accident. If anything feels "off" with your vehicle, don't wait until you get home, pull over immediately and do a thorough inspection. Look at irregular stud length or abnormal wear on any parts. 
  • A wobble in your steering wheel is the first dead give away that something is up with one or more of your wheels and/or tires. You'll feel a tug on your steering wheel that will make it wobble back and forth. This may be a subtle wobble but follow step one above and always trust your gut. The wobble may be as simple as you threw a tape weight on your truck wheels or that your alignment is out of whack, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. 
  • Smoke. If you see or smell smoke, you've already hit the point of no return. Pull over IMMEDIATELY. 

The Source is your destination for applicable and useful posts, how-tos and recommendations to keep you and your passengers safe and prepared. Have a topic you'd like to know more about? Search the site using top navigation. Have a topic we haven't covered yet? Shoot us an email using our contact form.

backspacing vs offset what is the difference powersports utv atv
Backspacing

Wheel Offset vs. Backspacing

4+3? 6+1? 25mm? We put to bed the UTV industry debate on what measurement is better, why we use wheel offset and wheel backspacing in the powersports industry, and we do a deep dive into why each m...
What happens when a tire is over inflated?
Learn

What happens when a tire is over inflated?

When you are mounting a tire to a wheel there are several warnings and risks that need to be considered, primarily overinflation. We break down the science of professional wheel and tire mounting s...
Polaris Xpedition Accessories
New

Polaris Xpedition Accessories

So, you're looking for new accessories for your Polaris Xpedition eh? We put together a collection of some of the best upgrades, accessories and parts we recommend adding to your Xpedition build li...
kawasaki krx utv tires utv wheels

VALOR OFFROAD

UTV Wheel and Tire kits for sale

Valor Offroad

Valor Offroad is a leading manufacturer of products developed exclusively for the powersports industry. Our wide collection of utv wheels, utv tires, and accessories are designed to enhance the performance and appearance of your offroad vehicle. Whether you're a seasoned offroader or just starting out, Valor Offroad has everything you need to take your powersports experience to the next level. Our utv wheels are crafted with precision and durability in mind, ensuring that they can handle even the toughest terrains. With a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, you can customize your offroad vehicle to reflect your personal style.

But it's not just about looks - our Valor utv tires are engineered to provide optimal traction and stability, giving you the confidence to conquer any trail. From trails to rock crawling, our tires are designed to withstand the harshest conditions, so you can push the limits of your offroad adventures.

At Valor Offroad, we understand that offroading is more than just a hobby - it's a lifestyle. That's why we are committed to providing top-quality products that not only perform well but also enhance the overall appearance of your offroad vehicle. With our extensive selection and dedication to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to be your go-to source for all your Polaris, Can-AM, Honda, and Kawasaki utv accessories.

So whether you're tackling the trails or hitting the dunes, choose Valor Offroad to equip your offroad vehicle with the best wheels, tires, and accessories on the market. Experience the difference that our products can make and elevate your offroading adventures to new heights.