Introduction
In this episode of “I Never Knew,” we will delve into the topic of bolt patterns and help clear up any confusion you may have. At Custom Offsets, we often receive numerous questions regarding bolt patterns, so we want to provide you with a comprehensive guide to understanding them. Whether you’re scrolling through wheel options on our website or encountering fitment issues with your current wheels, this article will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
What is a Bolt Pattern?
A bolt pattern refers to the arrangement and spacing of the holes on your wheel that attach it to your vehicle’s hub. It is expressed using two numbers: the number of lug holes and the distance between them. For instance, a bolt pattern of “6x5.5” signifies that the wheel has six lug holes and is spaced 5.5 inches apart. Understanding bolt patterns is crucial because it determines whether a wheel is compatible with your vehicle.
Dual Drilled Wheels: Providing Versatility
When exploring wheel options on the Custom Offsets website, you may come across the term “dual drilled.” This indicates that the wheel has two different bolt patterns, allowing it to fit multiple vehicles. The advantage of dual drilled wheels is that manufacturers don’t have to create separate molds for each pattern, reducing costs and potential mistakes. For example, a wheel may have a bolt pattern of 5x150 and 5x5.5, which makes it compatible with Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s.
Inches vs. Millimeters: The Confusion Explained
One common source of confusion among customers is the use of inches and millimeters to describe bolt patterns. While some manufacturers use inches, others prefer millimeters. For instance, Chevrolet’s bolt pattern is often expressed as 6x5.5 in inches, but in millimeters, it translates to approximately 6x139.7. Similarly, Ford’s bolt pattern of 6x135 is easier to understand than 6x5.3 inches. The use of inches or millimeters often depends on ease of communication and standard practices within the industry.
Measuring Your Bolt Pattern
To determine the bolt pattern of your wheels, you can follow a simple measurement process. If you are dealing with a dual drilled wheel, such as the one mentioned earlier, the measurement will be slightly different. For a dual five-lug pattern, measure the distance from the center of the far right lug hole to the center of the farthest diagonal lug hole. In the case of 5x5.5, this measurement will be 5.5 inches. For the second bolt pattern, which is 5x150, measure the distance in millimeters and convert it to inches if needed. By performing these measurements, you can accurately determine your wheel’s bolt pattern.
Center Caps: To Cover or Not to Cover
When it comes to center caps, you may notice that some wheels have covered center caps, while others do not. Covered center caps are common in the majority of wheels, hiding the lug nuts from view. However, recent trends have seen the rise of exposed lug nuts, particularly with spike lugs. Wheels like American Force models often have exposed lug nuts due to their custom forged construction. Each American Force wheel is made to order, eliminating the need for molds and ensuring a unique fit for each vehicle. Exposed lug nuts are specifically designed for these custom-built wheels and may not be suitable for other dual drilled wheels.
Dual Drilled Wheels and Spike Lug Nuts
Customers often inquire about the compatibility of spike lug nuts with their dual drilled wheels. While it is possible to use spike lug nuts, it may not produce the desired aesthetic on wheels with multiple bolt patterns. With spike lug nuts, you may see the additional holes meant for the alternate bolt pattern, which can be visually unappealing. However, on American Force wheels or other wheels specifically built for spike lug nuts, this issue is not a concern.
Troubleshooting Fitment Issues
In some cases, you may encounter fitment issues when attempting to mount your wheels. If the wheel does not fit on the first set of lug holes, don’t panic. Dual drilled wheels offer an alternative set of holes that may align perfectly with your vehicle’s bolt pattern. If you are still experiencing problems, reach out to our customer service team for assistance. We can help you verify the part number and guide you through any difficulties you may encounter.
Conclusion
Understanding bolt patterns and their implications on wheel fitment is crucial when searching for the perfect set of wheels. By familiarizing yourself with the concept of bolt patterns, measuring techniques, and the versatility of dual drilled wheels, you can eliminate confusion and make informed decisions. Remember to consider the use of inches or millimeters, the options for center caps, and the compatibility of spike lug nuts when selecting wheels for your vehicle. For any further questions or suggestions for future videos, feel free to contact us. Happy wheel shopping!
