I haven't been on here in a while b/c ownership has been pleasantly unremarkable. But thought I'd share my one bad experience I'd had recently. A few months ago, I had a blowout on the interstate. When I went to change the tire, the lug bolts just spun around like they were stripped. I realized they were just little caps over the actual bolt. But I had no way to "make" them work and ended up calling roadside assistance. When the guy got there, he said these caps are flimsy and when they get overtorqued, they no longer properly contact the underlying bolt and won't let you remove them. He ended up having to basically pry the caps off to get to the underlying bolt in order to change the tire. Anyone notice this or have an experience like this?
Changing a tire
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That's pretty typical of lug bolts these days.. My Jeep is also the same with caps. Per the Jeep dealer corrosion and heavy use of impact guns is the problem. The lug cover/cap begin to separate and moisture and salt get inside - Subsequent freezing and corrosion can make that cap fall off or become completely loose.
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I've had these cheap lug nuts on my last 3 or 4 cars. One of the first things I did with my MKC was go to Amazon. You can buy a set of 20 solid chrome lug nuts for about $20.00. I have two sets of wheels and tires (summer & snows), so I change them over myself twice a year. It's a lot easier with solid lug nuts, and the same tire wrench fits.
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Just go to Amazon.com. When you get the search screen just enter "Lincoln MKC chrome lug nuts". You'll find several different types listed. Just order the ones you want, and you'll have them in the mail shortly.
Nothing has changed they are an aluminum cap pressed over steel. The aluminum cap is to maintain the appearance over the years but its steel that has to contact the lug for strength - Many Ford products use the same wheel nut... Be advised that going with pure steel/chrome will tend to corrode more if you live in an area that uses road salt in the winter. Also once you use an impact wrench on a chrome wheel nut and scratch/chip the chrome surface they will start to rust.
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I've used impact wrenches on my cars for years and never had a issue with these lug nuts. You need the correct size six-sided socket. As far as corrosion, if you wash your car regularly you won't have a problem. Chrome certainly won't corrode like the factory caps will. Like anything else, there are different levels of quality. If you buy a decent brand, the quality will be good, and you won't have any problem. Believe me, I live in Syracuse, NY, and know all about road salt.
Speaking of Ford lug nuts:
http://www.autonews.com/article/20170825/OEM01/170829821/ford-sued-over-inferior-design-of-lug-nuts
http://www.autonews.com/article/20170825/OEM01/170829821/ford-sued-over-inferior-design-of-lug-nuts
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Had the same issue with my Mustang's lugs, crappy caps over lug just deteriorates rapidly....I complained about their quality and they supplied me with free replacements, in solid chrome....before I put mine on, as a rule I put a small dab of heavy grease in my hand and roll a lug in it, then wipe it down....it leaves a thin protective film on the lug. they are still new looking 2 years later!
From what I have been told, they tend to expand over time as corrosion builds up underneath (so more of a northern climate issue) and that's why the "proper size socket doesn't want to fit after a while. Its a cheap (ebay) upgrade to get decent chrome lug nuts . maybe $25.
For about one forth of that price you can get a stainless set. I have these coming for my replacements. The lugs on my 15 showed no real visual deformation but there were several I could not get the supplied wrench to go over.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N79T6CN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07N79T6CN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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