How To Find The Bolt Pattern Rating On Your Car Wheels

Knowing your car's bolt pattern is crucial when selecting new wheels or ensuring a proper fit for wheel replacements. At the end of the day, there's nothing more annoying than finding the perfect size, finish and look of your wheels, only to find out that they won't fit on your car.

The bolt pattern, also known as the bolt circle or pitch circle diameter (PCD), ensures that the wheels are securely attached to your vehicle and are able to spin correctly without any issues. Today, we'll walk you through the steps to find the bolt pattern rating on your car wheels so that you can be sure that you know what you're looking for when it's time to upgrade.

Table of Contents

• What is a Bolt Pattern and Why Is It Important?
• Tools You'll Need To Find The Stud Pattern Of Your Wheels
• Steps Needed to Find the Lug Pattern Of Your Car Wheel
• Alternative Methods to Find Bolt Patterns
• Common Bolt Patterns by Vehicle Type
• Why Accurate Bolt Pattern Measurement Matters
• Shop Car Wheels In Your Bolt Pattern at Fitment Industries

What is a Bolt Pattern and Why Is It Important?

A bolt pattern refers to the arrangement of the bolt holes on a wheel. It is typically represented as a combination of the number of bolt holes and the diameter of the circle that the bolt holes form. For example, a 5x114.3 bolt pattern means there are five bolt holes arranged in a circle with a diameter of 114.3 millimeters.

Understanding your vehicle's bolt pattern is essential for selecting compatible wheels, because it will greatly narrow down your search to only the wheels that you know will fit. Of course, considerations need to be made for diameter and width, but knowing the bolt pattern will make looking for wheels that much easier in an ocean of options.

Tools You'll Need To Find The Stud Pattern Of Your Wheels

Before you start measuring, gather the following tools:

• Ruler or tape measure
• Caliper
• Bolt pattern gauge (optional)

Steps Needed to Find the Lug Pattern Of Your Car Wheel

Step 1: Remove the Wheel

Begin by safely removing the wheel from your car. Ensure the vehicle is on a stable surface and use a jack and jack stands to lift the car. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the hub and bolt holes.

Step 2: Count the Number of Lug Holes

Count the number of bolt holes on the wheel. This number is the first part of the bolt pattern notation. Most common configurations are 4, 5, 6, or 8 bolt holes.

Step 3: Measure the Distance Between Lug Holes

The method for measuring the distance depends on the number of bolt holes:

• 4-lug, 6-lug, and 8-lug patterns: Measure the distance between the centers of two opposite holes.
• 5-lug pattern: Measure from the center of one hole to the outer edge of the hole directly across from it.

Step 4: Calculate the Bolt Pattern

Using the measurements obtained, you can determine the bolt pattern. For example, if you counted five bolt holes and the measured distance is 114.3 millimeters (4 and a half inches), your bolt pattern is 5x114.3.

Alternative Methods to Find Bolt Patterns

Using a Bolt Pattern Gauge

A bolt pattern gauge is a handy tool designed to measure bolt patterns accurately. Simply align the gauge with the bolt holes, and it will indicate the bolt pattern directly.

Consulting the Vehicle Manual

Many vehicle manuals include specifications such as the bolt pattern. Check your manual for detailed information on your car’s bolt pattern, which can save you the hassle of measuring.

Common Bolt Patterns by Vehicle Type

Sedans: Commonly have 4x100, 5x114.3, or 5x120 bolt patterns. Just about every car type including JDMs, European cars and American cars will have four or five-lug bolt patterns.

Trucks and SUVs: Often feature 6x135, 6x139.7, or 8x170 bolt patterns. As you might expect, larger SUVs will usually have larger wheels to increase the amount of payload the wheels can carry.

Why Accurate Bolt Pattern Measurement Matters

Accurate bolt pattern measurement is vital for ensuring the safety and compatibility of your wheels. Incorrect measurements can lead to wheel fitment problems, compromised vehicle handling, and potential safety hazards.

Always double-check your measurements, do your research online or consult a professional if you're unsure about which bolt pattern your car's make, model and generation has. You might be able to get away with buying a wheel adapter to fit your wheels to your axle, but having wheels with the correct bolt pattern in the first place will be much easier.

Shop Car Wheels In Your Bolt Pattern at Fitment Industries

Finding the bolt pattern rating on your car wheels is a straightforward process that can be accomplished with a few tools and careful measurement. Remember to count the lug holes, measure the distance accurately, and use this information to determine your bolt pattern. If in doubt, consult your vehicle manual or use a bolt pattern gauge for precise results.

Ready to find the perfect wheels for your vehicle? Check out our extensive selection of wheels designed to fit various bolt patterns. If you need further assistance or professional measurement services, feel free to contact us. Our experts are here to help you find the right fit for your ride.