Recently, fastener technology organization Bolt Science Ltd published a study indicating that the main cause of wheel bolt failures in heavy vehicles is not, as commonly believed, over-tightening, but fatigue failure caused by insufficient preload. Insufficient preload can allow slight movement of the wheel on the hub, accelerating bolt fatigue and ultimately creating serious safety risks.

According to relevant data, a large number of wheel nut loosening and wheel detachment incidents still occur annually in the UK, resulting in varying degrees of injury and fatalities. The study suggests that improper tightening practices, lack of necessary rechecks, and insufficient design margin in the joints are key contributing factors.

Industry experts note that as demands for safety and reliability continue to rise in transportation and industrial equipment, technical exchanges on fastener performance, joint design, and installation standards are becoming increasingly important, providing ongoing opportunities for knowledge sharing and professional discussion within the industry.