How to Measure Wheel Size
Wheel size is a crucial aspect to consider when upgrading or replacing your vehicle’s wheels, whether for aesthetic purposes or improved performance. However, correctly measuring wheel size can be confusing, especially with various sizes and fitment standards.
This step-by-step guide will break down the process, ensuring you can accurately estimate your wheels and make informed decisions when purchasing new ones.
Necessary Tools
To accurately measure your wheel size, gathering the necessary tools is essential before beginning the process. Start by obtaining a tape measure, ideally a flexible one, making it easier to measure curved surfaces.
A straight edge, such as a ruler or flat wood, will help determine the level and perpendicular measurements. Additionally, having a pen and paper on hand will allow you to record your measurements for future reference. Lastly, ensure access to a flat, level surface where you can place the wheel for precise measurement.
Understand the Key Terms
Before you start measuring, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the following key terms:
- Diameter: The distance across the wheel through its center.
- Width: The distance from one edge of the wheel to the other, measured at the wheel’s widest point.
- Bolt pattern: The arrangement of lug holes on the wheel, usually described as the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle they form.
- Center bore: The hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the vehicle’s hub.
- Offset: The distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and its centerline.
Measure the Wheel Diameter
Start by placing the wheel on a flat, level surface to measure the wheel diameter. Utilize the straight edge to locate the wheel’s widest point, typically where the tire bead seats.
Ensure the straight edge is level as you hold it against the wheel at this widest point. Using the tape measure, determine the distance from the straight edge to the wheel’s opposite side, representing the wheel diameter. Finally, record the diameter in inches for future reference.
Measure the Wheel Width
To determine the width of a wheel, begin by locating the widest point, which is typically where the tire bead seats. Next, position a straight edge vertically at the edge of the wheel, ensuring it is perpendicular to the ground.
Using a tape measure, accurately measure the distance from the straight edge to the opposite side of the wheel. Finally, record the wheel width in inches for future reference or comparison.
Determine the Bolt Pattern
- Count the number of lug holes on the wheel.
- Measure the distance between the center of one lug hole and the center of the hole directly across from it. If your wheel has an even number of lug holes, this measurement will give you the bolt circle diameter.
- For wheels with an odd number of lug holes, measure the distance from the center of one lug hole to the midpoint between the two lug holes directly across from it.
- Record the bolt pattern as the number of lug holes followed by the bolt circle diameter (e.g., 5×114.3).
Measure the Center Bore
Begin by using a tape measure to determine the diameter of the hole in the wheel’s center, and record the center bore measurement in millimeters. Place the wheel face down on a flat, level surface to calculate the wheel offset. Position a straight edge across the backside of the wheel, ensuring it is level.
Using the tape measure, measure the distance from the mounting surface (where the wheel contacts the vehicle’s hub) to the straight edge. Lastly, subtract half the wheel width from the measured distance to obtain the wheel offset.
Record the wheel offset in millimeters. A positive offset indicates the mounting surface is closer to the wheel’s outer edge, while a negative offset means closer to the wheel’s inner edge.
Compile Your Wheel Measurements
Now that you have gathered all the necessary measurements compile them into a single, easy-to-read format. Your wheel size will be expressed as follows: Diameter x Width (Bolt Pattern) Center Bore Offset
For example, a wheel with the following measurements:
- Diameter: 18 inches
- Width: 8 inches
- Bolt Pattern: 5×114.3
- Center Bore: 64.1 mm
- Offset: +35 mm
Will be described as: 18×8 (5×114.3) 64.1 +35
Compare The Measurement
Before purchasing new wheels, it’s essential to ensure the measurements align with your vehicle’s specifications. Check your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for accurate information on compatible wheel sizes and fitment requirements. You can also check your vehicle doorjamb to know the wheel size. Normally the tire size should be written down on the doorjamb.
Test Fit the Wheels
It’s a good idea to test the fit of the wheels on your vehicle before finalizing your purchase. This will confirm that the measurements you took are accurate and the wheels will fit correctly without causing any issues, such as rubbing or clearance problems.
What Size Wheels Fit My Car?
To determine the appropriate wheel size for your car, you must check your vehicle owner’s manual or the vehicle doorjamb for the recommended wheel and tire specifications.
The wheel size for a specific car depends on factors such as the vehicle’s make, model, and year. Various trim levels and optional packages may also affect the compatible wheel sizes.
Keep in mind that you can fit different wheel sizes on your car as long as they meet the specifications related to the diameter, width, bolt pattern, center bore, and offset. When considering aftermarket wheels, ensure they comply with your vehicle’s requirements, and avoid sizes that may cause clearance or performance issues.
Conclusion
Measuring wheel size may seem daunting, but with this comprehensive step-by-step guide, you can confidently determine the correct dimensions for your vehicle. Remember the importance of compatibility and test fitting when making your final decision. Properly sized wheels enhance your vehicle’s aesthetics and ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity.
