What is Torque?
Torque is rotational force. Think of it as "twisting power." In cars, it's what gives you that "push" in the seat when you accelerate.
The Units
- Newton-Meter (Nm): The metric unit used by almost everyone.
- Pound-Foot (lb-ft): The imperial unit used in the US and sometimes the UK.
The Conversion
- 1 lb-ft ≈ 1.355 Nm
- 1 Nm ≈ 0.737 lb-ft
Why It Matters for DIY
Using a torque wrench is critical for safety. If you over-tighten a bolt, it could snap. If you under-tighten it, it could vibrate loose.
Key Takeaways
- Torque is force × distance
- German cars almost always specify Nm
- American cars almost always specify lb-ft