Can the missing decorative cap be replaced, or is a new lug nut required?

Also, when using lug wrench, are the decorative caps removed before loosening the lug nuts?

The caps are cheap, even at a dealer

They are sold on ebay.

After mounting your tires, have your daughter paint them with a bit of silver Rustoleum and a brush - do not get any on the mating surface of the lug.

I do not know how old your daughter is, but both of mine turned out to be great drivers. They had to change a tire before they could drive alone, and they had to check tire pressures and fluids every Saturday if they wanted a car to drive.

Chris changed a tire on Duck's Unlimited's four-wheel drive Dodge pick-up in the wilds of Saskatchewan. She also can back a boat down a ramp.

Sharon has kept all her cars clean (I wish I could say the same for Chris!).

I tried to teach my daughter how to change a tire, but at 110 lbs soaking wet, she couldn't loosen a lug nut! I suppose I could have thrown a cheater bar in the trunk, instead I bought her a AAA card. And her car is so dirty you can't tell what color it is supposed to be - that's what you get when the car is parked under a bunch of trees year round.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat

AAA is the best investment I have made in the 25 Yrs I have been a member. I have AAA Plus. 100 Miles free tow. Once i Hda the car towed form JFK in NY to my home in Rhode Island when the alternator seized. It did cost a few bucks because it was over 100 miles. but changing the alternator in the driveway was way cheaper than having it done in NYC.

Robert,

Logic would say that the cap can be replaced. I don't see why they would make you buy a lug bolt just to get a cheesy plastic cap - but logic does not always apply.

Sounds like you made the same error I did the first time. I left all mine off at some point, tired of dealing with them - they are sitting in the garage. An utterly silly idea to save a few bucks, IMO. Now I have corrosion colored ends, and I just don't look that closely.

Thanks,

Guess I should look for a few spare lug nut covers. It's daughter's car!

Those caps are plastic and you cannot torque them without breaking them.
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My back feels better when I sit in a Volvo seat