When checking your wheels and rims during a pre-trip inspection, which statement is true?

During a pre-trip inspection, noticing rust around wheel nuts is a critical observation. Rust can indicate that moisture has penetrated the area around the lug nuts, which may be a sign of looseness. Loose lug nuts can lead to wheel detachment while the vehicle is in motion, posing serious safety risks. Therefore, assessing the condition of the lug nuts and their surroundings is vital for ensuring that the wheels are properly secured.

The other provided statements do not reflect best practices for vehicle safety. For example, operating with a missing lug nut compromises the integrity of the wheel assembly. Using mismatched lock rings can lead to uneven pressure and potential failure, while the color of lug nuts does not impact their functionality, provided they are all appropriate for the vehicle's specifications. Thus, being vigilant about rust around wheel nuts is a straightforward but crucial part of maintaining vehicle safety before driving.