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Bolt Pattern 101 : Everything you need to know before you buy new wheels 

Shopping for aftermarket wheels? There are more aftermarket wheel choices available than ever before. But how do you know what wheel fits your vehicle? Every vehicle requires a wheel with a specific bolt pattern in order for it to fit properly and safely. Most vehicles require a wheel with 4, 5, 6 or 8 bolts 

What is a bolt pattern?

A bolt pattern consists of two numbers. 6×5.5 is an example.     The first number, “6” indicates how many bolt holes or studs are on this vehicle. The second number, “5.5” indicates the diameter or “imaginary circle” formed by those 6 studs or holes, measured in inch units. It’s important to note that some manufacturers use millimeters rather than inches. A 6X5.5 inch wheel = 6X139.7 in millimeters and may be listed either way.   

What is the most common bolt pattern?

5X4.5  

How is the bolt pattern measured?

Some fitment experts will measure bolt pattern using a specialty tool called a bolt pattern gauge, but it can also simply be measured with a ruler or measuring tape. For even-numbered, lug wheel, you measure from the center studs across the wheel from left to right.  Odd-numbered lug patterns are more complicated. For odd-numbered lug wheels (3,5,7), you can measure from the outside of the center-left stud to the center point of the center-right stud.   

What is a multi-fit wheel?

Many aftermarket wheel manufacturers make multi-fit wheels. These wheels are designed to fit more than one vehicle. Manufacturers do this by drilling two sets of holes in the wheel. The wheel can be fitted using either set depending on the needs of the vehicle it’ll be run on.   

What is a single-drilled wheel?

A single-drilled wheel only has one set of lug nut holes drilled into it.   

What is a dual-drilled wheel?

Alloy wheel manufacturers often produce dual-drilled wheels because it cuts down on costs and allows greater versatility. Dual-drilled wheels have holes drilled into them for two sets of bolt patterns