What should you do if the lug nuts are rusted and difficult to remove?

Using a rust penetrant before attempting to remove rusted lug nuts is the recommended approach for several reasons. Rust penetrants are specifically formulated to seep into the corrosion and create a barrier that eases the bond between the rusted metal. This can significantly reduce the amount of force needed to remove the lug nuts, thereby minimizing the risk of damaging the nuts or the wheel itself. It also prevents potential injury that could occur from using excessive force.

The other options are less effective or could potentially cause harm. Forcing a wrench to turn rusted lug nuts can strip the threads or break the nut itself, leading to complications and needing replacement parts. Tapping them with a hammer might seem like a way to loosen them, but it could also lead to damage to the wheel, the lug nut, or other associated components. Skipping the removal altogether isn’t practical, especially if the lug nuts need to be addressed for maintenance or replacement of tires. Therefore, applying a rust penetrant first is the safest and most effective method to deal with rusted lug nuts.