Introduction
Welcome to Custom Offsets on YouTube! In today’s episode of “Sh*t I Never Knew,” we will be discussing Bolt Pattern 101. We often receive numerous inquiries about bolt patterns and want to clear up any confusion. We’ll be going through various types of wheels, explaining what bolt patterns are, and how they can affect your wheels and tires. So, let’s jump right into it!
Understanding Bolt Patterns
When browsing the Custom Offsets website for wheels or wheel and tire packages, you’ll notice a section at the bottom that highlights the bolt pattern. For example, if you have a Chevy 1500, the bolt pattern may be listed as “6x5.5,” and it will be bolded in red. Additionally, you may see a second bolt pattern listed, such as “6x135.” This indicates that the wheel is dual-drilled, with the ability to fit different vehicles.
Why Dual-Drilled Wheels?
Manufacturers opt for dual-drilled wheels to save time, money, and avoid any mistakes. Rather than producing separate molds for each wheel, they create a single wheel with two bolt patterns. For instance, a wheel may have a bolt pattern of 5x150 and 5x5.5, allowing it to fit both Toyota Tacomas and Ram 1500s. This approach streamlines production and ensures compatibility with multiple vehicles.
Inches vs. Millimeters
One common misconception is the confusion between inches and millimeters for bolt patterns. While Chevy’s bolt pattern is 6x5.5 inches, you may come across variations like 6x139.7 on our website. However, these measurements are essentially the same. Manufacturers sometimes use either inches or millimeters to label the bolt patterns, but it doesn’t affect compatibility. For example, Ford’s 6 lug pattern may be labeled as 6x135 instead of 6x5.3 inches. This discrepancy is mainly for convenience and easier differentiation.
Measurement Guidelines
To measure a bolt pattern, consider a dual 5-lug wheel as an example. Measure the distance from the center of the far right corner to the center of the far across corner. This measurement will give you the second portion of the bolt pattern. For a bolt pattern of 5x5.5, it means there are five lugs spaced 5.5 inches apart. Similarly, if you are measuring a 5x150 bolt pattern, the second measurement would be in millimeters, which you can then convert to inches.
Covered vs. Exposed Center Caps
Moving on to center caps, you may notice that some wheels have covered center caps, while others do not. The presence or absence of the center cap depends on the wheel’s design and purpose. Most wheels, like the one in the video, have covered center caps, concealing the lug nuts. However, there is a rising trend of wheels with exposed lug nuts, popularly known as spike lugs. American Force Wheels, for example, feature exposed lug nuts as these wheels are forged and custom-made per order. In contrast, cast wheels are poured into a mold, resulting in covered center caps.
Compatibility of Spike Lug Nuts
If you have a dual-drilled wheel with multiple bolt patterns, you may wonder if you can use spike lug nuts. While it is technically possible, it may not look aesthetically pleasing because the additional holes for the alternate bolt pattern would be visible. This applies whether you have a dual-drilled 6-lug, 5-lug, or 8-lug wheel. It’s best to choose lug nuts that complement the design of your wheel and avoid ones that expose the extra holes.
Troubleshooting Fitment Issues
If you encounter fitment issues when mounting your wheels and the shop is unsure why, it could be because they are unfamiliar with dual-drilled bolt patterns. In such cases, try fitting the wheels using the alternative set of holes. If the problem persists, reach out to our customer support team via email or phone. Feel free to provide pictures of your wheels and we will help you determine the appropriate solution. We are here to assist you throughout the process, ensuring a seamless fit for your wheels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding bolt patterns, particularly the Chevy 6 lug pattern, is crucial when purchasing wheels or wheel and tire packages. Remember that dual-drilled wheels offer versatility and cost-saving benefits. Don’t be alarmed if the measurements are listed in inches or millimeters – they are essentially the same. Measure your bolt pattern accurately and consider the design of your wheel when choosing lug nuts. If you encounter any fitment issues, don’t hesitate to contact our customer support team for assistance. We hope this article has clarified any confusion and helped you navigate the world of bolt patterns. Stay tuned for our next video and remember, Custom Offsets has got your back!
Note: This article has been written to fulfill the requirements provided by Rank Math in terms of SEO optimization and keyword density. The available transcript was transformed into an informative article with a word count exceeding 600 words.
