The most common question we see when upgrading the wheels on a car or truck is, "What size wheels can I put on my car?" When upgrading your vehicle's wheels, getting the correct wheel fitment is crucial for safety and performance. The right wheel fitment ensures that your vehicle handles properly, provides good traction, and maintains stability at high speeds. Several factors affect wheel fitment, including wheel size, bolt pattern, offset, hub size, and tire size. 

If you plan on going bigger with your wheels, adjusting the speedometer calibration becomes essential to ensure that your speedometer continues providing accurate readings. In this guide, we will walk you through each of these factors and provide the information you need to make an informed decision when selecting the right wheel fitment for your car or truck.

Wheel Size

The size of your wheel plays a significant role in the appearance of your vehicle and in determining correct wheel fitment for your car or truck. Wheel size refers to the diameter of the wheel measured in inches. When it comes to wheel fitment, selecting the right wheel size is important because it affects your vehicle's performance.

However, choosing the right wheel size is about more than just performance. You must also consider the clearance between the wheel and the vehicle's body, suspension, and brakes. Suppose you select a wheel that is too big. In that case, it can cause rubbing, affect your vehicle's suspension, and potentially cause damage to your brakes.

Factors to consider when selecting the wheel size

Choosing the right wheel size for your car or truck is crucial based on its specific requirements and recommended wheel size. We recommend that you first figure out your OEM or stock wheel size. Working from this information will help you properly size your replacement wheels.

If you want to increase your wheels' size, it’s good to remember the following information.

• Larger wheels generally provide better handling, while smaller wheels provide a smoother ride. 
• Larger wheels provide more clearance for larger brake systems, which can improve stopping power. 
• Larger wheels also affect the overall ride height of your vehicle, which can negatively impact handling and stability.
• Larger wheels and tires can increase unsprung weight, making your vehicle's suspension system work harder, affecting handling and acceleration. 
• Larger wheels can cause your tires to rub against the wheel well or other parts of your vehicle, leading to uneven tire wear, damage to your suspension, or even accidents.

Examples of common wheel sizes

Passenger Cars:

• 15-inch wheels are common on compact cars
• 16-inch wheels are common on mid-size cars
• 17-inch wheels are common on sports cars and luxury sedans
• 18- to 20-inch wheels are common on high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles

SUVs and Crossovers:

• 16- to 17-inch wheels are common on smaller SUVs and crossovers
• 18- to 20-inch wheels are common on mid-size and larger SUVs and crossovers
• 22-inch wheels are common on luxury SUVs and high-performance models

Trucks:

• 15- to 16-inch wheels are common on mid-size and compact trucks
• 17- to 18-inch wheels are common on full-size trucks
• 20- to 22-inch wheels are common on high-performance trucks and luxury models

It's important to note that the specific wheel size recommended for a particular vehicle will depend on several factors, including the vehicle's weight, suspension, and brake system, among other things. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted wheel and tire professional to ensure you choose the correct wheel size for your specific vehicle.

Bolt Pattern

The bolt pattern of a wheel is the arrangement of the lug nut holes on the wheel. It determines how the wheel is attached to the hub of the vehicle. The bolt pattern is measured in two ways: the number of lug holes and the distance between them. Choosing the correct bolt pattern is crucial because a mismatched bolt pattern can lead to improper installation, which can cause the wheels to wobble or vibrate while driving, leading to potential safety hazards.

The importance of matching bolt patterns

Matching the correct bolt pattern for your vehicle is relatively simple. Many vehicles have unique bolt patterns. Using wheels with a different bolt pattern can cause the wheels to be misaligned, leading to uneven tire wear, vibration, and even accidents. Most manufacturers provide bolt pattern specifications in their owners' manuals or websites. Additionally, many online resources and guides can help you determine the correct bolt pattern for your vehicle.

It is important to note that if you are purchasing aftermarket wheels, you must make sure that the bolt pattern of the wheels matches that of your vehicle to avoid any potential fitment issues.  It is also crucial to pay attention to the diameter of the wheel center bore, which should match the hub size of your vehicle. If the wheel's center bore is too small, it will not fit on the hub, and if it is too large, the wheel will wobble and damage the hub over time.

When selecting new wheels for your car or truck, always check the bolt pattern and center bore specifications before purchasing. If you need help with your vehicle's bolt pattern or center bore, consult your owner's manual or a professional to ensure the correct fitment.

Examples of common bolt patterns

Passenger Cars:

• 4x100mm
• 5x100mm
• 5x114.3mm
• 5x120mm

SUVs and Crossovers:

• 5x114.3mm
• 6x139.7mm
• 5x127mm
• 6x120mm

Trucks:

• 5x139.7mm
• 6x139.7mm
• 8x165.1mm
• 8x170mm

Some vehicles have unique bolt patterns that are specific to that make and model. Additionally, some vehicles may have different bolt patterns for different trim levels or model years. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted wheel and tire professional to ensure you choose the correct bolt pattern for your specific vehicle.

Offset

This determines the wheel's position relative to the vehicle's hub and suspension and can impact the vehicle's appearance and performance. Offset refers to the distance between the wheel's centerline and the wheel's mounting surface.

The offset affects several aspects of wheel fitment, including your vehicle's appearance, handling, and safety. Choosing the proper offset is critical because it determines the wheel's position in relation to the fender and the suspension. 

How to measure offset

Offset refers to the distance between the wheel's hub mounting surface and its centerline. The offset is usually expressed in millimeters and can be positive, negative, or zero. To measure offset for the correct wheel fitment for your car or truck, you must locate the wheel's mounting surface and the centerline. The centerline is the imaginary line that runs vertically through the center of the wheel. To measure the offset, you must subtract the mounting surface's distance from the wheel's centerline, giving you the offset measurement.

A positive offset means that the hub mounting surface is closer to the front (outside) of the wheel. In contrast, a negative offset means that the hub mounting surface is closer to the rear (inside) of the wheel. Remember that the offset can vary depending on the width and diameter of the wheel. It's crucial to check the offset specifications for the specific wheel size and style you are considering.

How offset affects the wheel's position relative to the vehicle

The offset can also affect your vehicle's overall handling and stability. A wheel with too much positive offset will be too far inward, making it appear "tucked" into the wheel well. At the same time, too much negative offset will push the wheel outwards, creating a more aggressive stance.

A positive offset will place the wheel closer to the suspension, improving handling and cornering stability. If the offset is too high, the wheel will be positioned further toward the outside of the vehicle, which can lead to rubbing against the fender.

A negative offset will place the wheel further away from the suspension. A further away position can provide a more aggressive stance and potentially better traction but may negatively affect handling and stability. If the offset is too low, the wheel will be positioned further toward the inside of the vehicle, which can cause clearance issues with the suspension or brakes.

A wheel with the wrong offset can cause problems, such as rubbing against the wheel well or other parts of the vehicle, leading to uneven tire wear or damage to the suspension system. Additionally, a wheel with the wrong offset can affect the vehicle's handling and stability, compromising safety. Therefore, choosing the correct offset for your specific vehicle is important based on its requirements and recommended offset range.

Factors to consider when selecting the offset for your vehicle

Consider these factors when choosing the right offset for your vehicle to ensure proper wheel fitment and optimal performance.

Suspension and brake components

Different suspension and brake components can impact the available clearance for your wheels. Therefore, choosing an offset that provides adequate clearance for your vehicle's suspension and brake components is essential.

Tire size

The offset can affect the tire size that will fit correctly on your vehicle. If you're considering upgrading to a larger tire. In that case, you may need to adjust the offset to accommodate the new tire size.

Wheel width

The wheel width can impact the available space between the wheel and the suspension. A wider wheel may require a lower offset to provide enough clearance. A narrower wheel may require a higher offset to maintain proper clearance.

Front space

The distance between the backside of the wheel mounting surface and the front edge of the wheel is considered the front space. Choosing the right front space is important to avoid interference with suspension or brake components.

Back space

The distance between the backside of the wheel mounting surface and the wheel's inner edge is considered the back space. Choosing the right backspace is crucial to avoid rubbing against the fender or other parts of the vehicle.

Driving style

Your driving style can also affect the right offset for your vehicle. A lower offset can help achieve this look if you prefer a more aggressive stance. However, if you prioritize handling and stability, a higher offset may be more appropriate.

Appearance

The offset can also affect the appearance of your vehicle. You may need to adjust the offset accordingly if you want a more flush or tucked-in look for your wheels.

Hub Size:

The hub size refers to the diameter of the wheel's center hole that fits over your vehicle's hub. The hub size must match the diameter of your vehicle's hub for the wheel to fit properly. 

It's important to note that hub size can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle.

Some aftermarket wheels may have a larger center bore than your vehicle's hub size. In this case, hub-centric rings can reduce the center bore to the correct size and ensure proper wheel fitment. Most wheel manufacturers provide hub-centric rings, which are plastic or metal inserts that fit over the hub to adjust the wheel's centering bore. These rings can help ensure the wheel is properly centered on the hub, reducing vibration and improving performance.

A hub that is too small can cause the wheel to be off-center, leading to vibration, uneven wear, and potential safety issues. On the other hand, a hub that is too large may prevent the wheel from fitting correctly on the hub, causing the wheel to not mount properly or creating clearance issues with the suspension or brakes. It's crucial to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted wheel and tire professional to ensure you choose the correct hub size for your specific vehicle.

How it is measured

To determine the correct hub size, you need to measure the hub diameter on your vehicle where the wheel will mount. To calculate the hub size, you will need to measure the diameter of the center bore, which is the circular opening in the center of the wheel where it fits over the hub. This measurement is calculated in millimeters. The easiest way to measure the hub size is to use a caliper or a tape measure.

First, you will need to remove the wheel from the vehicle and place it on a flat surface. Next, you can use the caliper or tape measure to measure the diameter of the center bore. Some hubs may have a slightly tapered shape, meaning that the diameter may differ slightly between the outer edge and the center of the hub. In this case, it's best to take several measurements and average them to get a more accurate measurement.

Once you have measured the hub size, choosing a wheel with the correct center bore size is important to ensure proper fitment. A wheel with a center bore that is too small will not fit correctly on the hub. In contrast, a wheel with a center bore that is too large will not center correctly on the hub, potentially causing vibrations and other issues.

Examples of common hub sizes

Passenger Cars

• 54.1mm
• 56.1mm
• 57.1mm
• 60.1mm

SUVs and Crossovers

• 66.1mm
• 67.1mm
• 72.6mm
• 74.1mm

Trucks

• 87.1mm
• 106mm
• 108mm
• 110mm

Please note that some vehicles may have unique hub sizes that are specific to that make and model. Additionally, some vehicles may have different hub sizes for different trim levels or model years. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted wheel and tire professional to ensure you choose the correct hub size for your specific vehicle.

Tire Sizes

The tire size refers to the height, width, and aspect ratio measured in inches or millimeters. Size is found on the tire's rim, the driver's side door jamb, or the owner's manual.

Tire sizes come with three essential numbers and letters. What those numbers and indicators on the sidewall indicate and how to understand them are as follows.

1. The first three-digit number is the tire’s width (from side to side, looking at the tire head-on) in millimeters.) In the reference photo above, the tire’s width is 215. This number is also referred to as the “section” width.
2. A forward slash separates the tire width number from the two-digit aspect ratio. Aspect ratio is indicated as a percentage of tire width - the height of the sidewall (measured from the wheel rim to the top of the tread). The bigger the aspect ratio, the higher/taller the tire’s sidewall. In the reference photo above, the aspect ratio is 55. This number is also referred to as the “profile.” 
1. The aspect ratio in the reference photo above is 55, meaning the sidewall is 55 percent as high as the tire is wide. To get the sidewall height, take the tire width of 215 mm and convert it to inches (8.46). Then multiply this by 55% (.55). This gives you an answer of 4.65 inches.
3. The letter that follows the aspect ratio indicates the tire construction type. 
1. R - is for radial tires - the industry standard for most tires today. In a radial tire, the plies (layers of strong cords made of a blend of polyester, steel, and fabric and coated with rubber) are laid perpendicular to the direction of travel.
2. D - is for bias-constructed tires built with diagonal (crisscrossed) plies. They are also called conventional, x-ply, or cross-ply tires. Some motorcycle and trailer tires still use this internal construction.
3. F - Some run-flat tires are identified with an F followed by the type of internal construction.
4. Z - indicates that a tire is capable of high-speed operation and is followed by the type of internal construction. These tires are typically used on high-performance vehicles. The reference photo above shows ZR for high-speed, radial tire construction type.
4. The last two-digit number specifies wheel diameter in inches. It’s the distance between the two bead seat areas (where a tire gets tightly sealed onto the wheel). The reference photo above shows a wheel diameter of 17 inches.
5. The two-digit or three-digit number that follows the gap specifies the tire load index or how much weight the tire can support. In the reference photo above, the load index is 94, which indicates the tire has a load capacity of 1,477 pounds when inflated to the tire’s maximum air pressure rating.
6. The last letter is the tire speed rating which indicates the top speed it’s safe to travel at for a sustained amount of time. A higher speed rating can handle heat better and provide more control at faster speeds. The speed rating is usually a single letter. The reference photo above shows W, which has a top speed of 168mph.

Choosing a complimentary tire size is crucial because it affects several aspects of your vehicle's performance, including handling, acceleration, traction, and speedometer accuracy. When selecting the right tire size for your vehicle, you need to consider the recommended tire size provided by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Factors to consider when selecting tire size

The right tire size for your specific vehicle is crucial based on its recommended tire size and other factors like wheel size, offset, and hub size. The wrong tire size can cause several issues, such as rubbing against the wheel well or other parts of your vehicle, affecting handling, or creating clearance issues with the suspension or brakes. Choosing the wrong tire size can also impact the accuracy of your vehicle's speedometer, affecting safety and potentially leading to legal issues.

Larger tires can provide more traction and improve off-road capabilities. In comparison, smaller tires can provide better fuel economy and handling. A tire that is too large can cause clearance issues with the suspension or body of the vehicle, leading to rubbing or potential damage. Additionally, an oversized tire can negatively impact handling and acceleration due to increased unsprung weight. Conversely, a tire that is too small can affect handling, stability, and braking performance and provide a rougher ride quality.

Tire size can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, as well as the intended use. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted wheel and tire professional to ensure you choose the correct tire size for your specific vehicle and intended use.

Examples of common tire sizes

Passenger cars

• 185/65R15
• 195/65R15
• 205/55R16
• 225/45R17

SUVs and crossovers

• 215/70R16
• 235/60R18
• 255/55R19
• 275/45R20

Trucks

• 265/70R17
• 275/65R18
• 285/70R17
• 305/55R20

Motorcycles

• 110/70-17
• 120/70-17
• 150/70-17
• 180/55-17

Please note that tire sizes can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle, and this list is not exhaustive. It's always best to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a professional mechanic to determine your vehicle's correct tire size. Consulting a tire or wheel professional will ensure that the new tire size will work with the existing wheels and that the new combination meets all safety and performance requirements.

Going Too Big and Speedometer Calibration

When selecting the right wheel fitment for your car or truck, it's important to consider both the diameter and width of the wheels. Going too big in either dimension can lead to problems, such as rubbing against the fender or suspension, affecting the speedometer calibration, and negatively impacting the handling and safety of the vehicle.

How to calculate the correct tire size to maintain accurate speedometer calibration

To calculate the correct tire size to maintain accurate speedometer calibration, you'll need to consider both the diameter and width of the tire. The first step is to determine the correct tire size for your vehicle based on the manufacturer's specifications. You can typically find this information in the owner's manual or on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb.

Once you have the correct tire size for your vehicle, you'll need to calculate the difference in diameter between the original tire and the new tire. You can use an online tire size calculator or formula:

(D1 - D2) / D1 x 100 = Percentage Difference.

Where D1 is the diameter of the original tire, and D2 is the diameter of the new tire. The percentage difference will tell you how much the speedometer reading will be affected by the change in tire size. It's always best to consult a professional mechanic or tire expert to calibrate your vehicle's correct tire size and speedometer.

The importance of speedometer calibration for safety and legal reasons

When you increase the wheel size, you also change the tire's sidewall height, which can cause clearance issues. For example, suppose the wheel size is too big. In that case, the tire may rub against the fender or suspension components, causing damage or compromising handling. A larger wheel and tire package can add unsprung weight, negatively impacting performance and ride quality.

If you go too big with the diameter of the wheels, the overall height of the tire will increase, affecting the speedometer calibration. A larger diameter wheel will cause the speedometer to read slower than your actual speed, leading to potential legal and safety issues. To correct this, you'll need to have your speedometer recalibrated or install a speedometer recalibration device to ensure accurate speed readings.

On the other hand, going too wide with the wheels can also affect the speedometer calibration. A wider wheel will cause the tire to bulge outwards, effectively reducing the overall diameter of the tire. This will cause the speedometer to read faster than your actual speed, leading to the same legal and safety issues.

In summary, selecting the right wheel fitment for your car or truck is crucial to avoid speedometer calibration issues and rubbing against the fender or suspension. Going too big in either diameter or width can cause these problems, negatively impacting the handling and safety of the vehicle. Consulting with a professional mechanic or wheel expert can help ensure the correct fitment for your specific vehicle.

Find the right wheel fitment from Speedzone’s selection of parts

Buying the correct wheel fitment for your car or truck requires careful consideration of several factors, including wheel size, bolt pattern, offset, hub size, tire sizes, and speedometer calibration. These factors are all interrelated and can greatly impact the handling and safety of your vehicle.

Whether it’s your vehicle's ride, fit, or style, Speedzone has what you need, whether you’re a casual driver or taking your ride on the track. Our massive inventory and certified technicians can provide full service from custom fabrication to engine building and many other installation services. Speedzone is constantly upgrading our line card with companies that bring the best new engineering and products to the industry. Check out our inventory or contact us to schedule your next vehicle upgrade.