Do you need all 5 lug nuts?

Yes. For a typical passenger car with a five-lug wheel, all five lug nuts must be installed and torqued to the manufacturer's specification to keep the wheel secure. Driving with a missing lug nut is dangerous and can lead to wheel detachment. If any lug nut is missing or damaged, replace it and inspect the wheel, studs, and hub before driving again.

Understanding lug nuts and five-lug wheels

Lug nuts secure a wheel to the hub by clamping it evenly against the wheel bearings. A five-lug pattern distributes clamping force around the hub so the wheel stays centered during braking and cornering. The nuts must match the wheel seat type (conical or ball seat) and be tightened in the recommended sequence to avoid warping or uneven load. Some wheels use locking nuts or a center-lock arrangement; these still require the proper fasteners and torque to ensure safety.

Is it safe to drive with a missing lug nut?

In nearly all cases, no. A missing lug nut leaves the wheel inadequately secured, increasing the risk of wheel movement or detachment under load. If you notice a missing lug nut, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, and arrange for a correct replacement nut and a check of the wheel and studs. Do not rely on a temporary or jury-rigged fix to reach a shop.

Immediate steps if you discover a missing lug nut

Take these steps to minimize risk and ensure proper repair.

1. Find a safe place to stop and turn on hazard lights; assess the tire area for hazards.


2. Do not continue driving; arrange for a spare nut or tow to a shop where you can get a replacement and verify the wheel is undamaged.


3. Inspect the studs, wheel hole, and thread condition for damage or wear; if you see damage, do not drive and seek professional service.


4. Install a correct replacement lug nut with the same type and thread pitch as the others, ensuring it seats properly with the rest of the nuts.


5. Torque all lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specification in the proper sequence, usually criss-cross, and recheck after a short test drive if safe to do so.

Conclusion: A missing lug nut compromises safety and must be corrected promptly by replacing the nut and inspecting for damage.

Best practices to prevent lug nut problems

Preventive measures help avoid issues during routine maintenance and driving:

• Always torque lug nuts to the vehicle manufacturer's specification using a calibrated torque wrench, following the recommended criss-cross pattern.


• Use the correct lug nuts for your wheel type and replace any that show signs of damage or wear; replace damaged studs if needed.


• Avoid reusing damaged or stretched nuts; if a nut shows wear or the threads are damaged, replace the nut (and possibly the stud).


• Ensure the wheel is seated properly on a clean hub surface before torquing; check hub-centric vs lug-centric configurations as needed.


• When rotating tires or switching wheels, retorque all lug nuts to spec after a short road test.

Bottom line: For safety and proper wheel function, all five lug nuts should be present, in good condition, and torqued to spec.

Summary

In short: Yes, you typically need all five lug nuts on a five-lug wheel. A missing lug nut compromises wheel security and can lead to dangerous failure. If you find one missing or damaged, stop driving, secure a replacement, inspect for damage, and have the wheel torque checked by a professional. Regular maintenance and careful torque practices prevent lug nut problems and keep wheels safely attached to the vehicle.

How many lug nuts do you really need?

You need the number of lug nuts specified for your vehicle, which is typically four or five for most cars, but can range from three on some small cars to eight or more on larger trucks and SUVs. To find the exact number, check your vehicle's owner's manual or look at the wheel's bolt pattern, which indicates the number of studs (e.g., a "5x110" pattern means five lug nuts). You must use the correct number of lug nuts for each wheel to ensure the wheel is securely and safely attached to the vehicle.
 
How to find the number of lug nuts you need

• Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable way to find the exact specifications for your car. 
• Look at the wheel: The number of lug nuts is determined by the vehicle's bolt pattern, which is often printed on the wheel itself or listed in the vehicle's specifications. A "5x110" pattern, for example, means there are five lug nuts. 
• Count the studs: You can also physically count the number of wheel studs on your vehicle's hub. This count directly corresponds to the number of lug nuts needed for each wheel. 

What to do if you are missing lug nuts

• Do not drive: Driving with missing lug nuts is extremely dangerous and can lead to wheel failure. 
• Replace immediately: Get the missing lug nut replaced and installed as soon as possible. Do not drive on a wheel with fewer than the recommended number of lug nuts. 

Can you drive without all 5 lug nuts?

Even if your vehicle seems to handle fine initially, it's rarely safe to drive with a missing lug nut for long. As mentioned, every mile you drive places more pressure on the remaining lug nuts, which could loosen, causing the wheel to shift, vibrate, or come off completely.

Can I drive with 3 lug nuts instead of 5?

No, it is not safe to drive with only three lug nuts; you should get the missing ones replaced immediately. Driving on three lug nuts puts excessive, uneven pressure on the remaining studs, which can cause them to break, leading to a wheel coming off. The safest option is to have the wheel serviced before driving any further. 
Risks of driving with only three lug nuts

• Excessive stress: The three remaining lug nuts are forced to carry the load of all five, which they are not designed to do. 
• Risk of failure: The additional pressure can cause the remaining studs to break, potentially in a chain reaction. 
• Wheel detachment: If the studs fail, the wheel can detach from the vehicle, which could cause a serious accident. 
• Other damage: Driving with only three lug nuts can also cause damage to other components, such as the wheel bearings and brake rotors. 
• Wobbly ride: The uneven pressure can cause the car to shake or vibrate while driving. 

Is it safe to drive with 4 out of 5 wheel nuts?

You can drive a short distance with 4 lug nuts instead of 5, but it is not safe for long-term driving and should be repaired immediately. The extra stress on the remaining lug nuts can cause them to fail, and the uneven pressure can lead to vibrations, premature wear on wheel bearings, and damage to brake components. It is best to replace the missing lug nut as soon as possible. 
This video explains why driving with 4 out of 5 lug nuts is not recommended: 43sCar Performance ProsYouTube · May 10, 2025
Risks of driving with missing lug nuts

• Increased stress: The remaining four lug nuts will bear the load of five, putting them under extra stress and increasing the risk of them failing. 
• Wobbly ride: The uneven distribution of pressure can cause vibrations, making the ride uncomfortable and potentially leading to further damage. 
• Component damage: It can put extra pressure on wheel bearings and may warp brake discs or drums. 
• Wheel detachment: In the worst-case scenario, the wheel could come off, which is extremely dangerous. 

What to do

• For an emergency: If you must drive, do so very slowly and carefully, avoiding hard braking, sharp turns, and high speeds. 
• Get it fixed ASAP: Make an appointment to have the missing lug nut or stud replaced immediately. 
• Check tightness: Before driving, make sure the remaining four lug nuts are properly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. 

This video shows how to replace a lug nut: 26sKONIG WHEELS USAYouTube · Sep 2, 2022