How should lug nuts be tightened after changing a tire?

Tightening lug nuts in a star pattern is essential for ensuring that the wheel is secured evenly against the hub. This method minimizes the risk of warping the wheel and ensures that the wheel sits flush against the brake rotor, which is crucial for both safety and performance. The star pattern means you tighten one lug nut, then skip a lug nut, and move to the next one in a pattern that creates a star shape. This ensures that the pressure is distributed evenly across the wheel, reducing the likelihood of any one side being under or over-tightened, which could lead to possible wheel detachment or brake issues.

Using a hydraulic wrench, while effective for applying significant torque, does not guarantee that the lug nuts are tightened evenly compared to the star method. A standard circular pattern does not account for the uneven pressure distribution, and tightening only by hand may not achieve the necessary torque specifications required for safety, particularly if the tire will be subjected to high speeds or heavy loads. Thus, the star pattern is the most effective and safest method for tire installation.