How Tos, Wheel Academy
How to Determine Proper Wheel Fitment
Aug
Bolt Pattern
First we look at the bolt pattern. The bolt pattern of the wheel must match the bolt pattern of the vehicle or the wheel simply won’t bolt on.
Wheel Diameter
Next, we look at the diameter of the wheel. Most cars can easily plus size an inch or 2 with no issue. It’s never recommended to install a smaller diameter wheel than the OE wheel.
Wheel Width
It’s important to pick a wheel that fills up the wheel well nicely. You don’t want the wheel to be too narrow or it will lack traction and look goofy. A wheel that’s too wide can rub the inside suspension components or outside fender, or both!
Wheel Offset
Probably the most difficult to conceptualize, wheel offset is the horizontal wheel spacing that determines if the wheel sits closer towards the inside or further towards the outside of the vehicle.
Centerbore
The centerbore is the hole in the backside of the wheel. It must be the same, or larger than the vehicle hub size or the wheel won’t fit. In 99% of cases, the centerbore is larger (often 73.1mm) and adapted to be perfectly center on the vehicle by use of a hub centric ring.
X-Factor
Lastly, if all other criteria are met we look at the spoke design of the wheel, and whether or not it provides adequate caliper clearance. X-factor isn’t easy to quantify with a number, but a flat face or concave wheel often has much more room for a caliper than a deep dish wheel with a lip. High performance vehicles such as WRX, STi, EVO, or other cars with Brembo calipers need to pay close attention to a wheel’s X-Factor.
