What indicates that lugs and studs are secure?

The presence of rust trails is an important indicator of whether the lugs and studs are secure. When lugs and studs are tight and intact, there should be no movement or loosening that allows moisture to seep through, which could lead to rust formation. If you observe rust trails around the lugs or studs, this can signify that they are loose and may not be providing the necessary security for the wheel.

In contrast, even color or shiny appearances do not necessarily indicate the integrity of the lugs and studs. These visual characteristics might simply result from normal wear, cleaning, or different materials but do not provide any definitive information about whether the wheels are properly secured. Resting pressure also does not provide a clear indication of tightness; rather, it's more about the state of the lugs and studs themselves. Thus, the absence of rust trails directly reflects the likelihood that the lugs and studs are maintained properly and are secured effectively.