Did you know that there are 6,000 to 10,000 fasteners in a single vehicle? These little parts have a significant impact on vehicle safety, and with 233 million people on U.S. roads, these small parts have a key role in keeping you safe. As a car enthusiast, you understand how important vehicle maintenance is, but do you regularly check and maintain your fasteners?
Keep Them Clean
You probably regularly wash your vehicle to remove dirt, debris, and even salt from the roads. You may spend hours cleaning it inside and out. However, do you clean your exposed automotive fasteners? You should take a soft brush or compressed air to regularly clean these small parts and prevent them from becoming damaged or developing rust.
Keep Them Tightened
When you check your automotive fasteners, make sure they are not loose. They need to have proper alignment and sufficient torque applied to keep them tight. This requires that you use the right tools for each automotive fastener you tighten. If you use improper tools, you could strip or damage the fastener.
In addition, you need to make sure you do not under or over-tighten your fasteners. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended torque specs on each fastener you tighten or install.
Prevent Corrosion
Weather and general wear can lead to automotive fastener corrosion. Although most receive specialized coatings during their manufacturing process, especially those exposed to harsh conditions, this coating can wear down or become penetrated over time.
When you check and replace your exterior fasteners, choose those that do not rust or are anti-corrosive. Your fasteners should also have a similar electrical potential to the surface metals you install them in. Fitting your fasteners properly also prevents moisture leakage and proper installation reduces corrosion potential.
Lubricate the Threads
Some automotive fasteners, such as your lug nuts, should never receive lubrication. This could compromise their integrity and make it dangerous to drive your vehicle. Read the manufacturer’s instructions on your lubrication products carefully.
Although you can lubricate your bolt threads with almost any oil, choose anti-seize products, which contain graphite or other small metal pieces, for nuts, pipe fittings, plugs, and high-temperature applications. These products also work at high speeds without jamming, heating, and churning these parts.
Some of your automotive fasteners, those with light loads that move at high speeds, should receive grease. Grease is oil-based with a thickener, but to prevent oxidation and burning, do use grease for parts that reach 400 degrees.
Inspect Them Regularly
All your fasteners should receive regular inspections, such as when you get your oil changed, get a tune-up, when you change your tires, etc. Look for rust, corrosion, and other damage. Make sure each automotive fastener is tight and properly set.
Replace Worn Fasteners
If you notice signs of wear on your automotive fasteners, replace them immediately. When you do, you upgrade to non-corrosive, high-quality, aftermarket fasteners, especially for critical components. Also, use proper specialized fasteners if you have vehicle modifications or performance parts.
Keep Your Vehicle Performing at Optimal Levels
You should learn about the specific maintenance requirements of the fasteners on your vehicle. Review your car manual for guidance.
