Why Wheel Nut Torque Is Critical To Safety

Did you know? According to ‘Brake’, the road safety charity, runaway wheels kill around 8-10 people and injure many more each year in the UK.

Combine this with a recent report for the Department of Transport which showed 150-400 wheel detachments annually, resulting in over 140 accidents, and the scale of the problem becomes clear … Wheel detachment is a serious issue.

With the IRTE and FTA both identifying incorrect wheel nut torque — both insufficiently tightened AND over-tightened — within their top causes for wheel detachment, it is clear that both drivers and fleet managers must do everything possible to prevent issues before they lead to dangerous accidents.

One excellent way to make wheel nut torque testing a regular occurrence is to use wheel nut indicators to promote frequent visual checking and early identification of problems. These indicators provide a clear warning system, alerting drivers, transport managers or mechanics that a wheel nut may have lost torque.

Procap Loose Wheel Nut Markers are small, pointed tags fitted to lug nuts of large vehicle wheels. Operators fit them over adjacent wheel nuts, with indicators pointing towards each other. If a nut loses torque, the indicators move out of alignment, providing a clear visual signal that maintenance is needed.

This is no replacement for regular torque checks by a qualified technician, but it makes daily visual checks far easier and much more effective.

Procap Wheel Nut Markers are uniquely designed to fully cover the vehicle wheel nut, protecting against dust, dirt and corrosive road grime — major causes of wheel stud corrosion and failure. They are available in both long reach and short reach versions, and can even be fitted through nut rings for maximum visibility.

With sizes from 17mm to 41mm and a wide choice of colours, they’re an essential fleet safety product, and should be used alongside other solutions such as Zafety Lug Locks for maximum protection.

In summary: Wheel detachment due to loose wheel nuts is a serious issue, but by maintaining correct torque and using the right safety products, we can minimise the risk, protect fleets, and ultimately save lives.