[s-cars] replacement lug bolt

[Varon H. Fugman]

Last time I bought a replacement lug bolt almost 10 years ago it matched my
original OEM bolts exactly.  However, I got a replacement from a dealer for
a lost lug bolt* this week and it doesn't match-the spherical head and
length are correct, but it is chromed and doesn't have the "castle-top" like
my original grayish-greenish bolts.  Is it OK to mix and match?

 

Is it OK to mix a new bolt with a set of 15-year old bolts which have
undoubtedly stretched over the years?

 

Varon

'95 urS6

 

*The reason I needed a replacement is I lost one.  Despite re-torquing a few
days after installing snow tires about 5 weeks ago, my left-rear wheel
loosened up.  I had a strange vibration driving home from work on
Monday-only noticeable during coast or cruise-went away on acceleration or
braking.  Got home and found one lug bolt missing and the other 4 loose.
Maybe I didn't do a careful enough job seating the wheel on the hub (I
shouldn't wait until it is already frigid cold and snowing to put the
Hakkapelittas on!)  My new advice for those running winter tires: CHECK YOUR
LUG BOLTS REGULARLY!