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What would cause the wheel studs to break off while driving?

I can’t figure out why my wheel studs broke off yesterday while I was driving, but it made me a little nervous to drive my car again. What could have caused that to happen?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re right to be nervous about driving your car again since you risk losing a tire by driving in that condition! Usually, the wheel studs will only break off while driving if you have a loose wheel on your car. The loose wheel might be due to over-torquing or under-torquing the lug nuts when the tire was installed—either way, the problem probably originated when you last had new tires put on.
Regardless, you shouldn’t drive your car until you get the problem fixed, even if your wheel is still attached to your vehicle. Getting a broken wheel stud replaced will typically cost you $100 to $125 and is a relatively quick fix.
Call your mechanic
to learn more about the cost of repairs and, potentially, of towing your car to the shop.
Worried that something like this might happen again?
Jerry
offers customers a modern roadside assistance membership. Along with traditional benefits, you get Uber-like tracking for the status of your service and the ability to contact your service provider directly for as low as $4.16 a month.
Hopefully, you can get your car repaired soon!
View full answer 
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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