Torque Wrenches & Tire Changes: Why Precision Matters
Every spring and fall in Calgary, many vehicle owners face the same routine: swapping between winter and summer tires. It’s a chance to change your tires, but also a critical moment to ensure safety and longevity of both your tires and car. One tool that plays a central role in that process, but is sometimes overlooked, is the torque wrench.
What Is a Torque Wrench?
A torque wrench is a precision tool used to apply a specific amount of torque to bolts or nuts. For tire changes, the lug nuts need to be tightened within a specific range specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Too loose, and the wheel could vibrate or even detach. Too tight, and you risk damaging threads, warping rotors, or breaking studs.
Common Mistakes During Tire Changes
Over-tightening lug nuts – This can strip threads, damage the wheel hubs, or make it nearly impossible to remove the nut later.
Under-tightening – Even if the wheel seems secure, under-tightened bolts can loosen over time (especially with driving), creating dangerous wobble or risk of the wheel coming off.
Using impact wrenches without final torque – Impacts are great for quickly removing or initially setting lug nuts, but they are not accurate enough for precise torque. A torque wrench is needed to finish the job correctly.
How Often Should You Check Accuracy / Calibrate?
Torque wrenches tend to drift out of spec over time, especially if used frequently, dropped, exposed to harsh conditions, or misused. Calibration ensures that when you set the wrench to, say, 90 ft-lbs (or whatever your vehicle requires), it is actually delivering what it claims. Industry guidance and expert advice (including from Torque Medic) typically suggest:
Calibrate at least once per year for regular use.
More often if the wrench is used heavily (e.g. commercial shops, fleets) or subjected to rough handling.
After any event that may cause damage (dropping, going past the torque range, etc.).
Tips for Using Torque Wrenches Properly (Especially for Tire Changes)
Always clean the lug studs and wheel seats before installation—dirt or rust can throw off torque readings.
Use a torque wrench set to the correct spec given by the manufacturer (often in owner’s manual or on a sticker).
Tighten in a “star” or criss-cross pattern (especially for wheels with five or more lug nuts) to distribute load evenly.
Approach the final torque in stages (if high torque), rather than going full torque in one go.
Keep your torque wrench at its lowest range when not in use, store it properly (don’t drop it, don’t leave under stress).
After use, set it back to zero (if applicable, for click-types) so the internal spring/ratchet isn’t under load constantly.
Changing tires is something many do twice a year in Calgary, and ensuring lug nuts are torqued properly is critical for safety, performance, and avoiding damage. A quality torque wrench is essential—but only if it’s accurate. That’s where services like Torque Medic come in, offering repair, calibration, certification, and support so your tools are up to the task.
How Torque Medic can Help
For people and businesses in Calgary who rely on accurate torque wrenches (whether for tire shops, automotive garages, fleet maintenance, or individuals) Torque Medic offers a full suite of services to ensure your tools are safe, accurate, and reliable. Here’s what they do:
Who They Are
Torque Medic is an expert torque wrench and air tool repair service centre based in Calgary, Alberta.
The company has 40 years of expertise in torque wrench and air tool repairs.
They are an authorized service centre for many major tool brands (Snap-On, Proto, Ingersoll Rand, etc.), meaning they have access to genuine parts and manufacturer warranty service.
What They Provide
Repair of Torque Wrenches
Their technicians diagnose issues (e.g. worn internal components, damaged ratchets, or damaged click-mechanisms) and perform repairs to return your wrench to good working condition.Calibration & Certification
They calibrate all types of torque wrenches: click, digital/electric, electromechanical, hydraulic. Calibration is done to meet manufacturer specs and industry standards, and every calibrated tool is issued a certificate.Mobile Pick-Up & Delivery
For convenience, they offer a mobile truck service in and around Calgary: pick-up of tools, servicing in their shop, then delivery back. This is especially valuable for busy shops or fleets that can’t always bring tools in themselves.Tool Parts & Sales
They stock tool parts (including sometimes hard-to-find or obsolete ones) so repaired tools can use genuine replacements. They also offer tool sales (new & refurbished) and rentals.Free Estimates
If you bring in (or have them pick up) a tool, they’ll inspect it and give a free estimate for repair. They aim for fast turnaround—same-day or next-day estimates.
Why Choose Torque Medic for Tire Changes & Lug Nuts
Using a torque wrench for installation of your wheels (especially after a winter) is a safety step that many people overlook, but it matters. Torque Medic ensures:
Your wrench gives accurate readings so you can torque lug nuts to the spec on your vehicle.
That any drift or damage is caught and fixed.
You have proof (a certificate) that your wrench is calibrated if ever needed (for instance in fleet work, liability circumstances, or just peace of mind).