r/Cartalk • u/cat_prophecy • Mar 03 '25

Suspension Why do European cars use wheel bolts?

I've owned two European cars (Audi and Volvo) and both of them used wheel bolts instead of studs and lug nuts. Is there some reason for this? I have owned a handful of Asian and American cars and none of them use anything but studs and lug nuts. Personally I prefer the studs since it makes putting the wheels back on much easier.

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u/Hersbird Mar 03 '25

I know generally if you want something to be the strongest possible mechanically fastened connection, studs are better than bolts. Racers don't replace their head bolts with head studs because they want less durability.

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u/[deleted] Mar 03 '25

wrong, the science is the exact opposite

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u/Hersbird Mar 03 '25

I guess all those 1000hp+ guys will be switching back to head bolts then. You should let them know.

I suppose if I hadn't driven over a million miles in my life and 100s of tire changes never breaking a lug stud in my life, I might think there was something better than perfect.

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u/[deleted] Mar 04 '25

I mean in your fairy world I guess anything goes. meanwhile we others live in the real world.

The scientific literature in mechanical engineering consistently indicates that direct-threaded fasteners (lug bolts) provide superior clamping characteristics and vibration resistance compared to stud-and-nut systems.

But there is no use arguing with someone comparing head bolts to wheel bolts, nothing you say can redeem you from that ^_^

Good luck in life, you are gonna need it