How To Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern

Measuring the wheel bolt pattern is an essential aspect when it comes to changing your wheels or upgrading them in the aftermarket. The bolt pattern refers to the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle they form on your wheel. If you can measure the bolt pattern correctly, you will ensure that the new wheels will fit precisely on the hub of your vehicle. In this blog, Velgen Wheels guides you on how to measure the wheel bolt pattern.

How To Measure Wheel Bolt Pattern

Step 1: Find the Bolt Pattern Standards of your Vehicle

The first step in measuring your vehicle's bolt pattern is to determine the bolt pattern standards of your vehicle. Manufacturers use various bolt patterns for different vehicle models and can be different between vehicles. Therefore, it is essential to consult your vehicle owner's manual or contact the manufacturer to determine the bolt pattern standards of your car.

Step 2: Count the Lug Holes

After confirming the bolt pattern standards, the second step is to count the number of lug holes on your wheel. Most cars have four, five, six, or eight lug holes, and some trucks can have more. Counting the lug holes is a relatively simple task since they are apparent on the wheel.

Step 3: Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter

Once you’ve established the number of lug holes your wheel has, it’s time to measure the bolt circle diameter. This is the diameter of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of each of the wheel’s lug holes.

Take a ruler or tape measure and measure the distance between the center of one lug hole to the center of the opposite lug hole. To get an accurate measurement, it is recommended to measure from the center of one lug hole to the farthest edge of the hole opposite it.

Then, find the diameter of the circle by multiplying the distance between the holes by 1.15. The reason for multiplying by 1.15 is to take into account the diameter of the lug holes. Alternatively, a wheel bolt pattern gauge can be used that can quickly measure the bolt circle diameter and the number of lug holes.

Step 4: Verify the Bolt Pattern

After obtaining the bolt pattern measurement, it is recommended to confirm the bolt pattern again to avoid any errors before purchasing new wheels. Confirming the bolt pattern is also essential when buying aftermarket wheels as misplaced bolt patterns can cause vibrations and damage to your hub.

Another way to verify the bolt pattern is by measuring the distance between the centers of any two adjacent lug holes. If the measurement is consistent with the bolt circle diameter measurement taken earlier, then the pattern is confirmed.

Wrapping Up

Measuring the bolt pattern may seem like a lot of work, but it's a crucial step in ensuring that you get wheels with the right fit for your car or truck. By following these steps, you will be able to measure your wheel bolt pattern accurately and buy wheels that fit your vehicle precisely. Remember, always confirm the bolt pattern before purchasing wheels or making any upgrades to avoid any issues.

At Velgen Wheels, we offer a wide range of aftermarket wheels that are engineered with the highest standards in mind. We understand that wheels can be a significant investment, which is why we are committed to providing our customers with some of the highest-quality wheels on the market.