If you can do it yourself — you will save money

Dear Car Talk: You missed a chance to tell John (the guy with the swollen lug nuts) to just go to his Friendly Local Auto Parts Store to get replacement lug nuts for his 2015 Lincoln MKZ.

I had the same problem, and my local O’Reilly store had a set of four for $10. Buying them there for all four wheels totaled $40 plus tax vs. the Lincoln dealership’s $100 plus tax. — Dennis

A: This is a fine solution, Dennis. As long as you are willing and able to remove the old lug nuts yourself.

There are a lot of readers who just don’t want to remove a set of lug nuts and then make sure the new ones are torqued to the right specification. And, in some cases, when the nuts are swollen, they can be hard to remove. But, if you’re willing and able to remove the old ones and install the new ones, you can save yourself $60 with Dennis’ advice. Go with my blessing, child.

Dear Car Talk: You recently answered a question about swollen lug nuts that the manufacturer’s wrench would not fit. I had the same problem with a flat tire on a 2011 Toyota van. Even the AAA guy had trouble removing the wheel.

My solution was to buy a slightly larger, 22 mm X ½ inch socket that I attached to an (18-inch) expandable socket wrench, which gives you lots of torque. The socket fits all the expanded nuts. I leave the wrench in the car. Cost was about $40.

Of course, I haven’t had a flat since I bought this. Different cars will require a different-sized socket. — Charles

A: Another good, moneysaving solution, if you’re a do-ityourselfer and comfortable with tools.

And, as long as the lug nuts don’t swell up any more before your next flat tire, and require a 23mm socket by then, Charles, I think you’ll be OK.

Got a question about cars? Write to Ray in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email by visiting the Car Talk website at cartalk.com.