Bolt Pattern and Hole Distances on Car Wheels
Choosing the right wheel for a vehicle isn’t just about design or diameter—it also depends on a key technical factor: the distance between the bolts or studs, known as the PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter). This detail determines whether a wheel can be safely mounted and ensures the tires operate correctly without vibrations or risk of detachment.
🔩 What Is PCD or Bolt Pattern?
PCD refers to the number of bolts and the diameter of the imaginary circle on which the mounting holes are arranged. For example, when a wheel is labeled 4x100, it means:
- 4 → number of bolts or studs
- 100 → diameter in millimeters of the circle formed by the holes (in this case, 100 mm)
Common Bolt Patterns by Vehicle Type
Depending on the vehicle, the most common measurements are:
-
Compact cars and small sedans:
- 4x98 mm (Fiat, some older models)
- 4x100 mm (Honda, Toyota, Volkswagen)
- 4x108 mm (Peugeot, Citroën, European Ford)
-
Mid-size sedans and light SUVs:
- 5x100 mm (Subaru, Volkswagen, Toyota)
- 5x108 mm (Volvo, Ford, some Peugeot)
- 5x110 mm (Chevrolet, Opel)
-
Large SUVs and trucks:
- 5x114.3 mm (Nissan, Honda, Mitsubishi, Toyota RAV4)
- 5x120 mm (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Chevrolet Captiva)
-
Pickup trucks and off-road vehicles:
- 6x114.3 mm (Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder)
- 6x139.7 mm (Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-Max, Chevrolet Colorado)
-
Heavy-duty vehicles:
- 8x165.1 mm (large pickups and cargo vans)
- 8x170 mm or more (Ford Super Duty, light trucks)
🚨 Why Is This Measurement Important?
- Safety: A wheel with the wrong pattern may not fit properly, causing bolts to loosen.
- Stability: Ensures the tire rotates evenly.
- Mechanical compatibility: Prevents damage to studs, bearings, or brake discs.
🛠️ Other Related Factors
Besides the bolt pattern, when choosing a wheel it’s important to check:
- Center Bore (CB): The central hole of the wheel that fits over the hub.
- Offset or ET: The distance between the wheel’s centerline and its mounting surface.
- Stud thread (e.g., M12x1.5): The bolt’s thickness and thread pitch.
🔧 What Is the CB (Center Bore)?
The center bore (CB), also called the central hole or hub bore, is the diameter of the hole at the center of the wheel.
This hole fits over the car’s hub (the central part where the bolts or studs are mounted). Its main function is to align the wheel perfectly with the axle so the tire rotates smoothly and without vibrations.
Key Points About Center Bore:
- Measured in millimeters (e.g., 54.1 mm)
- If the wheel’s CB is smaller than the hub → it won’t fit
- If the wheel’s CB is larger than the hub → hub rings can be used to fill the gap and prevent vibrations
- Just as important as the bolt pattern, as it ensures proper fitment and stability
📌 In Summary:
- PCD (e.g., 4x100) ensures the bolts align properly
- Center Bore (e.g., 54.1 mm on many Kia/Hyundai models) ensures the wheel is centered on the axle
