K Charles wrote:
If you do check them and they are tight, what's the big deal?
If you don't check them and they come loose, that could be a big deal.
Here's the big deal IMO. When the trunk monkeys in the tire shop use pneumatic wrenches to tighten your lug nuts/bolts, often they get lazy and just "run the nuts/bolts down" without concern for tightening pattern or torque. Those pneumatic wrenches are easily capable of generating +300 ft-lbs of torque, and more. If the torque spec. for your lugs is 150 ft-lbs, then, they are way over torqued. Now, let those go through a few heat/cool cycles and a few months time and try to remove the lugs. You may need as much as 500 ft-lbs of torque to break the lugs loose. What if you get a flat (or any other issue) and need to remove the wheel to change to the spare and you cant get the lugs off with the tools you have? (often minimal) Or, maybe you round off a hex on one or more of the lugs, or break one off, or split your only socket? Now you are really screwed and YOU could have avoided the situation if you would have checked the lug torque in a timely manner.
That's why I ALWAYS check the lug nuts/bolts after ANYONE touches the wheels on ANY of my vehicles. (don't ask me how I learned this)
Chum lee
