What Are Lugs on a Tire and Why Are They Important?

Lugs are the protrusions or bumps on the tire's sidewall that help to secure the tire onto the wheel. They are typically found on high-performance tires and are designed to provide a more secure fit between the tire and the wheel.

Lugs are usually made of metal and are located at regular intervals around the circumference of the tire. They are typically secured to the wheel using bolts or nuts, which are tightened to hold the tire in place. The number of lugs on a tire can vary depending on the size and type of tire, but most passenger cars have four or five lugs.

The purpose of lugs is to:

1. Provide a secure fit between the tire and the wheel, which helps to maintain proper alignment and prevent the tire from coming loose while driving.
2. Help to distribute the load of the vehicle evenly across the tire, which improves handling and reduces the risk of tire failure.
3. Provide a point of attachment for the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors, which monitor the air pressure in the tire and alert the driver if the pressure falls below a certain threshold.

Overall, lugs are an important feature of modern tires that help to ensure safe and reliable performance on the road.