What is a primary reason for a wheel detaching from a moving vehicle?

A primary reason for a wheel detaching from a moving vehicle is improper maintenance after wheel installation. Ensuring that wheels are installed correctly is crucial for vehicle safety. This includes torqueing the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications and periodically checking their tightness, especially after initial installation or any significant driving event.

If proper maintenance is neglected, such as failing to recheck lug nut torque after the first few hundred miles or not regularly inspecting the wheels for signs of wear or damage, the lug nuts may loosen over time. This loosening can lead to a catastrophic failure where the wheel detaches from the vehicle while in motion, posing significant risks to the driver and others on the road.

Other factors like excessive speed, inaccurate wheel alignment, and insufficient air pressure in tyres can contribute to vehicle instability and can lead to a tire blowout or loss of control but are less directly related to the actual detachment of the wheel itself.