What size bolts are used in cars?
When it comes to car maintenance and repair, understanding the types and sizes of bolts used in vehicles is essential. Bolts play a critical role in holding various components together, ensuring the safety and functionality of your car. In this article, we’ll explore the common bolt sizes used in cars, their applications, and tips for selecting the right bolts for your automotive needs.
Common Bolt Sizes Found in Cars
Cars use a variety of bolt sizes depending on the make, model, and specific application. These bolts are typically categorized into two main systems: metric and imperial (SAE). Here’s a breakdown of the most commonly used bolt sizes:
- Metric Bolts: These are measured in millimeters and are commonly used in European and Asian vehicles. Common sizes include M6, M8, M10, and M12, where the number represents the diameter of the bolt in millimeters.
- Imperial (SAE) Bolts: These are measured in inches and are more common in American-made vehicles. Sizes like 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" are frequently used.
Applications of Different Bolt Sizes
The size of the bolt used in a car depends on the specific component it is securing. Here are some examples of where different bolt sizes are typically used:
- Engine Components: Bolts like M8 and M10 are often used to secure engine parts such as the cylinder head, intake manifold, and exhaust manifold.
- Suspension and Steering: Larger bolts, such as M12 or 1/2", are commonly used in suspension systems and steering components to handle the stress and load.
- Interior and Trim: Smaller bolts, such as M6 or 1/4", are used for securing interior panels, trim pieces, and other lightweight components.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bolts
When replacing or working with bolts in your car, it’s important to choose the correct size and type to ensure safety and proper functionality. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Check the Manufacturer’s Specifications: Always refer to your vehicle’s service manual for the correct bolt size and torque specifications.
- Use High-Quality Materials: Opt for bolts made from durable materials like stainless steel or high-grade alloy steel to prevent corrosion and ensure longevity.
- Match the Thread Pitch: Ensure the thread pitch of the replacement bolt matches the original to avoid damaging the threads.
- Use Proper Tools: Use the correct tools, such as a torque wrench, to tighten bolts to the specified torque value.
Conclusion
Understanding the sizes and applications of bolts in cars is crucial for any car owner or mechanic. Whether you’re performing routine maintenance or tackling a major repair, using the right bolts ensures the safety and reliability of your vehicle. If you’re ever unsure about the correct bolt size or type, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic or reach out to your trusted auto repair shop, like Kevin’s Autos, for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common nut sizes on cars?
The three most common hex sizes for lug nuts are 17 mm, 19 mm, and 21 mm, while 22 mm, 23 mm, 11⁄16 inch (17.5 mm), and 13⁄16 inch (20.6 mm) are less commonly used.
What size bolts are used on cars?
95% of the fasteners on modern vehicles are 6, 8, 10, or 12mm. Head sizes and thread pitches may vary. A majority of modern fasteners are reduced head/integral washer or torx types.
What is the most common wrench size for cars?
The most commonly used and sold SAE sizes for wrenches and sockets are:
- 11/16″
- 3/4″
- 13/16″
- 7/8″
- 1″
- 1-1/4″
- 1-7/16″
- 1-1/2″
What does sae stand for?
the Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE, the acronym for the Society of Automotive Engineers, is responsible for establishing a classification system based solely on oil viscosity. To classify the oils, their viscosity is measured in cold conditions at different temperatures below zero, and then in hot conditions at 100ºC.
What grade bolts are used in automotive?
Grade 10.9 bolts: As these bolts are most often used in the automotive industry, they are also referred to as 'car bolts'. They are made of boron or carbon steel and have high tensile strength (1040 MPa).
What bolts do American cars use?
Metric Fasteners for the Automotive Industry
Even American-made cars use metric bolts.
Do American cars use metric bolts?
Even today's modern cars continue to use metric fasteners as the standard because they have various decimal dimensions instead of inches like standard measurements. Even American-made cars use metric bolts. This universal use makes it easier for mechanics and dealerships to work on vehicles using one set of sockets.
Do cars use sae or metric bolts?
The answer depends on where and when the car was made. Cars manufactured by American companies used SAE measurements until about the mid-1980s, when American legacy companies started the transition (now complete) to metric. Manufacturers outside of the U.S. have for the most part always used metric standards.
What bolts to use on a car?
SAE Grade 2 (Metric 5.8): This is the most common grade made of low or medium-carbon steel used throughout the vehicle, primarily for interiors, body hardware, brackets and trim. You can quickly recognise it since the bolt's head has no markings or has “5.8” stamped on it. The Grade 2 bolts have proof of load 385M Pa.
What is the most common automotive bolt?
Hex-head automotive bolts and screws are the most common automotive fasteners. They have a six-sided head or hexagonal (hex) head, with the bolts having a shank while the screws have a full threading profile.
