How to Choose Alloy Wheels
A wheel fits when four things match the vehicle: bolt pattern, center bore, offset and size. This guide explains each and what to check before you order.
Bolt pattern (PCD)
The bolt pattern, or PCD (pitch circle diameter), is written as the number of bolts and the diameter in millimeters of the circle they sit on: 5x114.3 means five bolts on a 114.3 mm circle. It has to match the vehicle exactly. Patterns that look alike do not interchange: 5x112 and 5x114.3 differ by only 2.3 mm, but a wheel drilled for one does not bolt onto a hub drilled for the other. Some wheels are drilled for two patterns; both are listed on the design page. The same pattern is also written 5*114.3 or 5-114.3 elsewhere; search the gallery for 5x114.3.
Offset (ET)
Offset, shown as ET, is the distance in millimeters from the wheel's mounting face (the side that touches the hub) to the center line of the wheel. A higher ET sits the wheel further in, toward the suspension; a lower or negative ET pushes it further out. Offset changes where the wheel sits in the arch and how close it is to the brakes and suspension, so stay near the vehicle's original offset. The Fits vehicle filter accepts wheels within 5 mm of the offset range the supplier lists for that vehicle.
Center bore (CB)
The center bore is the hole in the middle of the wheel that fits over the hub. The wheel is centered on the hub when its center bore matches the hub. If the bore is larger than the hub, a hub-centric ring fills the gap and keeps the wheel centered; if it is smaller than the hub, the wheel cannot be fitted. The Fits vehicle filter accepts a center bore from the vehicle's hub size up to 20 mm larger, which assumes hub-centric rings are used.
Diameter and width
Wheel size is written diameter by width in inches: 19x8.5 is a 19-inch wheel that is 8.5 inches wide. The tire has to match both. A larger diameter needs a lower-profile tire to keep the overall rolling diameter close to the original, and the width limits which tire widths fit. Ask the vehicle maker or a tire fitter which combinations suit your vehicle.
Forged or cast
Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminum alloy into a mold; they are the usual choice for original equipment and for most replacement wheels. Forged wheels are machined from a block of alloy that has been pressed under high pressure; the process usually allows a lighter wheel for the same strength, and it is how many custom and performance wheels are made. Every design on this site is marked forged or cast: browse forged alloy wheels or cast alloy wheels.
OEM-fit, aftermarket and 4x4
OEM-fit wheels are replacement wheels made to the fitment of the original wheel (size, bolt pattern, offset and center bore), so they bolt on without changes. Aftermarket wheels are styled designs offered in many sizes and offsets; their fitment still has to be checked.4x4 wheels are made for SUVs, pickups and off-road vehicles.
Finish
Each design comes in one or more finishes, such as gloss black, gunmetal or machined face. A finish changes the look, not the fitment, but not every finish is made in every size: each design page lists the specifications of each finish separately.
Before you order
- The bolt pattern is exactly the one of your vehicle.
- The center bore is not smaller than your hub; use hub-centric rings if it is larger.
- The offset is close to what the vehicle was made for, and the wheel clears the brakes and the arch.
- The diameter and width suit the tires you plan to fit.
- The hole type (cone, ball or flat seat) matches your bolts or nuts.
- The load rating, where the design page lists one, is enough for how you use the vehicle.
Fitment data on this site comes from our supplier's list. Confirm it for your exact vehicle and trim with the vehicle maker or a qualified fitter before you order.