When shopping for new wheels, one of the things you will need to know is the bolt pattern of your vehicle. The bolt pattern is also known as the lug pattern or bolt circle. The position of the bolts forms an imaginary circle and the bolt pattern. Simply put, the wheel bolt pattern is the number of bolt holes and diameter of the imaginary circle that goes through the center of the bolt holes.
If your wheel has an even number of bolts, you have to measure center to center between opposite bolt holes to get the bolt pattern. For an odd number of bolts, measure from the center of one bolt hole to the farthest edge of either of the two farther bolt holes on the wheel. Read more, and we’ll show you how to measure your wheel bolt pattern correctly.
How to measure the bolt pattern with even bolt holes
- Remove the existing wheel from your vehicle. Take out the rear wheel as it is easiest since the hub is not in the way.
- Use a ruler or tape measure and measure the distance from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole on the direct opposite side.
- The number you get is the bolt pattern of all wheels with an even number of bolt holes, 4, 6, and 8.
How to measure the bolt pattern with odd bolt holes
The standard personal vehicles will have five odd bolts, but larger cars will have higher odd numbers like 11 and 13 in trucks. Smaller cars like the Mercedes Smart have three lug bolts.
- Remove the existing wheel from your vehicle. Take out the rear wheel as it is easiest since the hub is not in the way.
- Use a ruler or a tape measure, measure the distance from the middle of one bolt hole, skip one bolt hole in any direction, and then measure to the farthest edge of that bolt hole.
- The number you get is the bolt pattern of wheels with odd numbers like 3 and 5.
To avoid any issues at the wheel fitment shop, make sure you measure the rear and front wheel to ensure they are the same. It is also best to measure the bolt pattern more than once before buying a wheel. Most wheel dealers do not accept returns of wheels after a fitting on your car.
How to write bolt patterns
The first number on the bolt pattern is the number of bolt holes, and the second is the diameter of the bolt circle in inches or millimeters. For instance, if you see the bolt pattern 4-4.25″; the ‘4’ indicates the number of lugs is on the rotor or the number of bolt holes in the wheels, the ‘4.25’ is the distance between the center of the bolt holes.
How to measure wheel backspacing
Backspacing is the distance between the hub mounting surface and the inside lip of the wheel in inches. The backspace determines how much space is behind the wheel where you will find the suspension, brake, steering, and drive systems. More backspacing means the tire is closer to the center of the vehicle and less backspacing means the tire is farther to the axle of the car.
Although manufacturers have a minimum backspacing requirement so that your wheel is not too close to your brake or suspension, you still have to measure the backspacing appropriate of your vehicle.
- Remove a wheel from your vehicle.
- Place the wheel on the ground upside-down with the backside facing up.
- Lay a straight edge across the inboard flange of the wheel.
- Using a tape measure, measure the distance from where the straight edge touches the inboard flange to the wheel’s hub mounting surface.
Does bolt pattern matter?
Bolt pattern is definite and specific to a vehicle. When replacing your wheels, even for custom options, they should always have the same bolt pattern. The bolt holes may seem insignificant, but they ensure your wheels stay securely attached to your vehicle. If the bolt pattern on the wheel does not correspond with the bolt pattern on the vehicle’s hub, then the wheel is not compatible with that specific vehicle. However, you can install a wheel adapter that changes the wheel bolt pattern on your car’s hub.
In addition to getting your car’s bolt pattern right, you must ensure there is enough backspacing such that the new wheels do not interfere with the brakes and suspension systems. The right backspacing is more critical for light trucks and SUVs as their tires exert much more force on their wheels than tires on smaller standard cars.
Wheel Bolt Patterns for Popular Car models
The table below shows the wheel bolt patterns and backspacing of the most popular cars on the market today.
| Car and brand | Bolt pattern (millimeters) | Backspacing/ Offset |
|---|---|---|
| Audi | ||
| A7 | 5/112 | 30 |
| Q7 | 5/130 | 55 |
| S4 | 5/112 | 45 |
| BMW | ||
| 2-series Coupé/Cab F22 | 5/120 | 42 |
| 5-series F10/F11/F07 | 5/120 | 25 |
| 7-series G11/G12 | 5/112 | 30 front 40 rear |
| Chevrolet | ||
| Silverado 1500 | 6/139 | 16 |
| Corvette C7 | 5/120 | 77 |
| Camaro | 5/120 | 36 |
| Chrysler | ||
| Grand Voyager, Voyager / Town & Country | 5/127 | 40 |
| 300C AWD | 5/115 | 55 |
| PT Cruiser | 5/100 | 40 |
| Dodge | ||
| Challenger (Gen 3) | 5/115 | 22 |
| Durango (Gen 3) | 5/127 | 53 |
| Ram Pickup 2500 (DR/DH, DS/DJ) | 8/165 | 45 |
| Ford | ||
| F-150 (Gen 11-13) | 6/135 | 44 |
| F-250, F-350, Super Duty (Gen 10-13) | 8/170 | 5 |
| Mustang (Gen 6) | 5/114,3 | 45 |
| Sierra, Sierra Cosworth | 4/108 | 41 |
| Honda | ||
| Civic Type R (Gen 9) | 5/120 | 55 |
| Insight (Gen 2) | 4/100 | 46 |
| Accord Coupé (Gen 6-9) | 5/114,3 | 55 |
| Hyundai | ||
| Santa Fe | 5/114,3 | 46 |
| Tucson | 5/114,3 | 51 |
| H-1 / Starex | 6/139,7 | 56 |
| Jeep | ||
| Cherokee KL | 5/110 | 42 |
| Compass (gen 1) | 5/114,3 | 40 |
| Wrangler JK | 5/127 | 44 |
| KIA | ||
| Carens | 5/114,3 | 46 |
| Sorento | 5/114,3 | 46 |
| Picanto, Rio, Sephia | 4/100 | 46 |
| Land Rover | ||
| Discovery 3, 4 (Gen 2, Series 1-2) | 5/120 | 55 |
| Range Rover, Range Rover Sport (Gen 3) | 5/120 | 52 |
| Range Rover Evoque | 5/108 | 45 |
| Mazda | ||
| CX-9 | 5/114,3 | 50 |
| MX-5 / MX-5 Miata | 4/100 | 45 |
| Volkswagen | ||
| Golf 7 | 5/112 | 42 |
| New Beetle | 5/100 | 38 |
| Touareg with V6-, V8- or V10-engine | 5/130 | 60 |
How to change a wheel bolt pattern
It is pretty common for drivers to want to change the bolt patterns on their wheels. Quality wheel adapters and proper installation of the adapters will ensure you have no issues will safety. Here is how you can change the wheel bolt pattern of your vehicle;
- Find the appropriate adapter for the bolt pattern you want to install. Shop for your adapters from a reputable company that ensures quality and safe products. We also recommend getting a custom-made adapter that will meet your specific requirements. The mass-producing companies may not guarantee the quality of your adapters.
- Use a floor jack to lift your vehicle and then lower it onto the jack stands.
- Remove the wheel bolts or lugs and the wheel and place the wheel aside.
- Set the wheel adapter onto the car’s hub and secure it in place with the bolts provided to 95 lb/ft with a torque wrench. Ensure the wheel studs are not sticking out past the adapter; if not, you will have to install shorter studs. The hub mounting surface must be level.
- Place the new wheel onto the studs on the adapter and tighten the bolts to 95 lb/ft with a torque wrench.
- Repeat the process on all wheels.
- Carefully, lower the car off the jack stand and onto the ground with the floor jack.
Check this too: How Often Should You Grease Trailer Wheel Bearings?
Conclusion
There are two factors that determine the bolt pattern; the number of bolt holes and the diameter of the bolt circle they form in inches. With the know-how for measuring your wheel’s bolt pattern and backspacing, you can now find the wheel design and size your desire for your vehicle. Remember always to get aftermarket products for your car from authentic dealers or, better yet, get custom-made products that will last longer and also not damage other parts of your vehicle.