It is not recommended to oil wheel bolts for several reasons. First and foremost, wheel bolts are tightened to a specific torque each time the wheel is installed. This torque ensures the wheel is correctly installed and will stay in place. Adding oil to the bolts can reduce the friction between the threads, meaning that not as much torque can be achieved when the wheel is installed. This can cause the wheel to become loose over time, which can be dangerous.
A second reason that oiling wheel bolts is not advised concerns the type of wheel it is used on. Most wheel bolts are designed to be used on aluminum wheels, and applying oil to these bolts makes them vulnerable to corrosion. This can cause them to become rusty over time and therefore require early replacement of the wheel bolts. This can also increase the cost of maintaining the wheel.
Finally, oiling wheel bolts can be messy and time consuming. Many wheel bolts require the wheel to be removed to be able to access them. On some wheels, it can be difficult to reach the bolts, and adding oil to the bolts adds an extra step. This can be frustrating and will add to the amount of time spent servicing the wheel.
Overall, it is not recommended to oil wheel bolts for two main reasons: it can reduce the torque achieved when the wheel is installed and make the bolts vulnerable to corrosion. Additionally, oiling wheel bolts can be messy and time consuming. For these reasons, it is best to leave wheel bolts oil-free.
