Quebec's 'Lug Nut Challenge' Sparks Safety Alarm as Cars Targeted
Over recent weeks, a disturbing trend has emerged across Quebec that has automotive professionals and authorities deeply concerned. Multiple vehicles have been discovered with intentionally loosened or missing lug nuts, creating serious safety hazards for unsuspecting drivers.
Garage Reports Multiple Incidents
Mona Soukieh, owner of Speedy Auto Service in Dorval, has witnessed at least five vehicles arriving at her garage with the same alarming problem. "We don't even know how they made it to the garage," Soukieh revealed in an interview. "People are coming in complaining of a loud noise coming from underneath the car. When we put the car on the lift, usually it's the front left tire that's very, very loose."
The situation has become so concerning that Soukieh now actively warns customers about the potential danger. "It's scary, what they're doing," she emphasized, noting that many drivers don't realize the immediate risk they face when lug nuts have been tampered with.
Province-Wide Pattern Emerges
Raphaël Blais of Ste-Etienne-Des-Grès has been tracking similar incidents across Quebec after discovering four of five lug nuts loosened on one of his family vehicles in early January. What made his discovery particularly chilling was the presence of two baby seats in the back of the targeted car.
"If my partner had not had the presence of mind to call me, the worst could have happened on the highway—with my two children in the vehicle," Blais wrote in a Facebook post that has drawn attention to the growing problem.
Blais has documented reports from numerous Quebec communities including:
- Grand-Mère and Shawinigan
- Trois-Rivières and Drummondville
- St-Jérôme and St-Eustache
- Repentigny and Louiseville
- Multiple other municipalities across the province
Police Response and Legal Implications
The Sûreté du Québec has confirmed receiving reports about loosened or missing lug nuts, though specific numbers remain unavailable. Sergeant Marythé Bolduc clarified the potential legal consequences in an official statement: "If it were determined that the act was intentional or merely a bad joke, it could constitute a criminal offence of mischief or even lead to a charge of criminal negligence."
Bolduc emphasized the importance of vehicle safety checks: "We encourage motorists to pay close attention to the mechanical condition of their vehicles before taking to the road."
Montreal police, while not having received specific reports, maintain vigilance regarding the situation. Spokesperson Samantha Velandia noted they continue to monitor developments closely.
Social Media Connection and Safety Recommendations
The incidents appear connected to what's being called the "lug nut challenge," a dangerous trend that reportedly originated in the United States in 2021 and gained traction in Quebec during late 2024. While TikTok's response to inquiries about the challenge remains unclear, the platform displays safety warnings when users search related terms.
CAA-Québec communications adviser Simon Bourassa offered practical advice for vehicle owners: "What we recommend is walking around your vehicle once in a while, particularly after having been parked for a certain time in a public place where you don't necessarily usually park."
Bourassa also suggested using locking lug nuts as a partial deterrent, though he emphasized that driving with compromised wheel security remains extremely dangerous regardless of protective measures.
Expert Analysis of Social Media Dynamics
Emmanuelle Vaast, professor of information systems at McGill University's Desautels Faculty of Management, explained how such challenges gain traction: "Challenges make use of core features of social media: visibility, rapid circulation of content, and expression of approval or disapproval. With social media like TikTok or Instagram today, challenges grow in scale very quickly."
Vaast noted the persistent nature of digital content, explaining that even older challenges can resurface and spread rapidly through algorithmic distribution systems that remain largely opaque to users.
Broader Safety Implications
Soukieh highlighted the potential ripple effects of this dangerous trend: "The wheel could fly off and hurt someone else. Cars could try to avoid the tire and end up hitting someone. It's crazy."
She urges all drivers to be more vigilant about vehicle inspections, particularly when unusual noises or vibrations occur. "A lot of people don't even think about checking," she observed. "They say: 'Oh, there's a noise. I'll go check it at the garage in a day or two,' not realizing that they could lose a wheel within a day."
As authorities continue investigating these incidents, Quebec drivers are advised to conduct regular visual inspections of their vehicles and report any suspicious tampering immediately to local police services.
