Introduction

In this episode of “I Never Knew,” we will be diving into the world of bolt patterns. Bolt patterns are often a source of confusion for many people when it comes to selecting custom wheels and tires for their vehicles. In this article, we will cover the basics of bolt patterns, explain the importance of understanding them, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to measure and identify bolt patterns correctly. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of bolt patterns and be able to confidently choose the right wheels and tires for your vehicle.

Key Points

  1. Understanding Bolt Patterns: Bolt patterns are a set of numbers that indicate the arrangement and number of bolts on a wheel hub. These numbers are essential for ensuring that the wheels you choose will fit your vehicle correctly.

  2. Dual Drilled Wheels: Many alloy wheel manufacturers produce dual drilled wheels to fit multiple vehicles. Instead of creating two separate molds, these manufacturers create wheels with two bolt patterns. For example, a wheel may have a bolt pattern of 5x150mm and 5x5.5", making it compatible with both Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s.

  3. Inch vs. Millimeter Measurements: Some manufacturers use inches, while others use millimeters to denote bolt patterns. It’s important to understand that these measurements are equivalent. For example, a Chevrolet 1500 may have a bolt pattern of 6x5.5" or 6x139.7mm, which are the same. Similarly, Ford’s 6-lug bolt pattern may be listed as 6x135mm instead of 6x5.3".

  4. Measuring Bolt Patterns: Measuring bolt patterns is a simple and straightforward process. For a wheel with a dual 5-lug pattern, you measure the distance from the center of the far right corner to the center of the far across corner. This distance will determine the second portion of your bolt pattern (e.g., 5x5.5" means a 5-lug pattern with a distance of 5.5 inches across).

  5. Covered vs. Exposed Center Caps: Most wheels come with covered center caps that conceal the lug nuts. However, some newer wheels feature exposed lug nuts, which have become popular for their unique style. American Force wheels, in particular, have exposed lug nuts because they are custom-made per order, unlike mass-produced cast wheels.

  6. Spike Lug Nuts: When it comes to wheels with dual bolt patterns, such as 6-lug, 5-lug, or 8-lug wheels, it is not recommended to use spike lug nuts. Using spike lug nuts on these wheels would result in additional exposed holes, making the overall appearance less appealing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Bolt Patterns

  1. Identify the Wheel’s Pattern: When browsing for wheels on the Custom Offsets website, you will find the bolt pattern information below each wheel’s description. Look for numbers like 6x5.5" or 6x135mm to determine the bolt pattern.

  2. Understand Dual-Drilled Wheels: If you notice multiple bolt patterns listed for a wheel, it means it is a dual-drilled wheel. Dual-drilled wheels eliminate the need for separate part numbers and can fit multiple vehicles.

  3. Measure the Bolt Pattern: To measure the bolt pattern, find a wheel with a dual 5-lug pattern. Measure the distance from the center of the far right corner to the center of the far across corner. This measurement represents the second portion of the bolt pattern (e.g., 5x5.5" indicates a 5-lug pattern with a distance of 5.5 inches across).

  4. Understanding Inches and Millimeters: Be aware that bolt patterns may be denoted in inches or millimeters, but both measurements are equivalent. For example, a Chevy 1500 with a 6x5.5" bolt pattern is the same as 6x139.7mm.

  5. Avoid Forced Fitment: If you encounter fitment issues while mounting your wheels, do not force them onto your vehicle. Instead, test the other set of holes on the wheel to ensure a proper fit. If the problem persists, reach out to Custom Offsets for assistance.

  6. Consult with Custom Offsets: If you have any concerns or questions about your bolt pattern or fitment, contact Custom Offsets for guidance. They will be able to help you confirm the part number and provide additional support if needed.

Conclusion

Understanding bolt patterns is crucial when selecting custom wheels and tires for your vehicle. By grasping the basics of bolt patterns and following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can ensure a perfect fit and avoid any unnecessary frustrations. Custom Offsets is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding bolt patterns or fitment. Remember to measure accurately and consult experts when needed to enjoy the perfect set of wheels for your ride.

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