During vehicle use, many car owners notice that bolts originally installed by the factory rarely loosen, even after long-term driving and vibration. In contrast, bolts replaced during later repairs tend to loosen more easily. This difference is not simply due to bolt quality, but rather stems from the professional tightening tools and scientific tightening strategies used by the original factory. These technical details are what ensure the stability and reliability of bolt connections.
High-Precision Smart Screwdrivers
From the perspective of tightening tools, OEMs typically use high-precision smart electric screwdrivers for critical bolt assembly. Compared to ordinary manual tools or conventional electric tools, these offer much higher precision control. They can monitor torque and rotational speed in real time during the tightening process, avoiding under-tightening or over-tightening due to human error. While regular tools rely heavily on operator experience—often resulting in torque deviation—smart screwdrivers use built-in sensors and control systems to keep torque within a specified range, laying a solid foundation for stable bolt connections.

The “Angle Tightening Method”
Another key technology is the OEM’s use of the “angle tightening method.” This process follows strict protocols:
Initial Torque Phase: The smart screwdriver tightens the bolt to an initial torque, typically set at 40%–60% of the target torque. At this point, the bolt is not yet under high stress and remains in a relatively stable initial fixation phase.
Angle Control Phase: Once the initial torque is reached, the screwdriver rotates the bolt by a precise specified angle. The core advantage of this step is that it controls clamping force by managing the tightening angle, bringing the bolt close to its yield state. This allows the bolt to achieve higher connection performance and utilization, while avoiding damage from over-tightening.
Moreover, the angle method effectively reduces the influence of variables like the friction coefficient. During bolt tightening, factors such as thread friction and contact surface friction can cause deviations between actual and intended clamping force. By using a fixed angle to control clamping force, this method minimizes the impact of such variables, ensuring each bolt meets design standards and significantly improving connection stability and reliability.
Application and Benefits
Whether for engine block bolts, chassis suspension bolts, or key body structure bolts, OEMs combine high-precision smart screwdrivers with the angle tightening method to achieve high-quality assembly. This professional approach not only ensures initial assembly quality but also helps bolts resist long-term effects like vibration and temperature changes, effectively preventing loosening and providing solid safety assurance for vehicle operation.
Advice for Car Owners
For car owners, understanding the technical advantages of OEM bolt assembly can help emphasize the importance of professional tightening during maintenance and repairs. Choosing service providers with the right technical capabilities ensures the quality of bolt connections in critical areas, further safeguarding driving safety.