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Wheels generally have 4 lugs, 5 lugs, 6-lug or 8-lug bolt patterns. The technique for measuring 4, 6 or 8 lugs wheel is same. However, the measurement technique for odd number of lugs pattern is difficult. That being said, it’s not impossible, you just need to learn how to measure a rim pattern.
How To Measure a Rim Bolt Pattern
We will illustrate how to measure a 4 lugs or a 5 lugs pattern.
Measurement of a 4-Lug Pattern
This pattern means that the wheel has 4 lugs hole spaced evenly on the diameter of the circle. Remember, the diameter of the bolt circle may vary.
The bolt circle measurement is easy. You need a scale or gauge. Measure from the center of one lug to the center of the other lug hole that is sitting right across the first one.
Measurement of a 5-Lug Bolt Pattern
This measurement is a bit difficult. For accurate estimation, you need a wheel pattern gauge. Since the 5 lug holes are not exactly across each other, the measurement is different.
In a 5-lug wheel, measure from the back side of one lug hole to the center of another lug hole that is sitting across the former lug hole. In this process, you will be skipping the hole that lies in between the two holes you are measuring.
On the other hand, 6 or 8 patterns are measured from centrum to centrum of two opposite holes, just like the 4-lug pattern.
Some Added Tips in Conclusion
That’s all about wheel bolt pattern. Just as we differentiate standard and metric wrenches, prior to buying a rim next time, measure your wheel bolt pattern first and buy the perfect rim for your vehicle.
