Introduction
In this episode of “I Never Knew,” we will be discussing Bolt Pattern 101. Many customers often have questions and confusion about bolt patterns, so we want to provide a quick rundown and clear up any misconceptions. This article will explain what a bolt pattern is and what you can expect when purchasing wheels and tires for your Chevy vehicle. So let’s dive in and explore the world of bolt patterns!
Understanding Bolt Patterns
When browsing through wheels on the Custom Offsets website, you will come across various options. When you select a wheel, whether individually or as part of a wheel and tire package, you will find the bolt pattern information at the bottom of the page. For example, if you own a Chevy 1500, the bolt pattern will be listed as “6x5.5” in red text. Additionally, you might see another bolt pattern, such as “6x135,” selected. This indicates that the wheel is dual drilled with two different bolt patterns.
Dual Drilled Wheels
To eliminate the need for separate part numbers and save costs, wheel manufacturers often create dual drilled wheels. Instead of producing two different molds for each bolt pattern, they make a single wheel with both patterns. For instance, a wheel may have a 5-lug bolt pattern of 5x150 and 5x5.5, fitting Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s. This approach benefits both manufacturers and consumers by reducing production complexity and inventory management.
Inch Measurements vs. Millimeters
One common confusion arises when customers notice a discrepancy between the bolt pattern listed on a website and their vehicle’s specifications. For example, someone might order wheels for their 2015 Chevrolet 1500 with a known bolt pattern of 6x5.5, but the website claims it is 6x139.7. There is no need to worry because both measurements refer to the same bolt pattern. Some manufacturers use inches or millimeters interchangeably to denote bolt patterns. In Chevy’s case, 6x5.5 in inches is equivalent to 6x139.7 in millimeters. This difference in units is merely for convenience and does not affect the compatibility of the wheels.
Other Examples
The same conversion between inches and millimeters can be observed in Ford’s bolt patterns. For instance, Ford’s 6-lug bolt pattern is listed as 6x135 instead of 6x5.3 inches. Similarly, Ford’s 8-lug pattern is expressed as 8x170, although the exact conversion to inches may not be immediately clear. While some patterns may seem arbitrary, they are designed this way to simplify communication and differentiate between various bolt patterns.
Measuring Bolt Patterns
Now that you understand how bolt patterns are designated, let’s move on to measuring them. It’s a straightforward process that anyone can perform.
To measure a bolt pattern, follow these steps:
- Identify the number of lugs on your wheel.
- If your wheel is dual drilled, choose one set of holes to measure.
- Measure the distance from the center of the far right lug hole to the center of the far across lug hole.
- This measurement represents the second portion of your bolt pattern.
For example, let’s say you are measuring a dual 5-lug bolt pattern. The measurement from the center of one lug hole to the center of the far across hole is 5.5 inches. This means your bolt pattern is 5x5.5, indicating a 5-lug pattern with a 5.5-inch distance between the lugs.
Similarly, if you’re measuring a 5-lug pattern with a center-to-center distance of 150 millimeters, your bolt pattern would be 5x150.
Remember, if you encounter any difficulties fitting your wheels or have concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle.
Covered Center Caps vs. Exposed Lug Nuts
While browsing through wheels, you might notice some have covered center caps, while others expose the lug nuts. This difference in design serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Most wheels feature covered center caps, which conceal the lug nuts. This design choice creates a sleeker appearance and protects the lug nuts from dust and debris. However, the trend of exposed lug nuts has gained popularity, especially with spike lug nuts. American Force wheels, for example, have exposed lug nuts because they are forged and custom-made per order. These wheels are not cast in a mold like other wheels. As a result, American Force can easily accommodate different bolt patterns and sizes, which is why they feature exposed lug nuts.
Keep in mind that not all wheels can support spike lug nuts. If your wheel has multiple sets of lug holes, using spike lug nuts may result in an unsightly appearance. It is best to opt for traditional lug nuts for a clean and cohesive look.
Conclusion
By now, you should have a solid understanding of bolt patterns for Chevy vehicles. Remember that bolt patterns are designated using either inches or millimeters, and manufacturers often opt for one measurement unit over the other for ease of communication. Additionally, dual drilled wheels can accommodate multiple bolt patterns, simplifying inventory management for both manufacturers and customers. When measuring bolt patterns, ensure you take accurate measurements across the necessary lug holes. And if you encounter any issues fitting your wheels or have questions, our customer service team is always ready to assist you.
If there’s anything we missed or if you have any other topics you’d like us to cover in future videos, please let us know in the comments section. We’re here to help. Until then, see you next time on Custom Offsets!
