Rim center distance: definition and measurement

The distance between the centers of the rim is one of the characteristics of its dimensions. This is the distance between the centers of two diametrically opposed mounting holes. These holes, designed to install the rim nuts, are located in a circle. The distance between centers is expressed in inches or millimeters and is always preceded by the number of holes in the rim.

🚗 What is the center distance of the rim?

Lacar rim this is the part of the wheel on which the tire is mounted. It should not be confused with a cap, which is primarily an aesthetic accessory. The rim has different characteristics depending on the car: primarily the material, but also the dimensions.

Therim center distance plays a role in the dimensions of this rim. This is the distance between the centers of two diametrically opposite holes. It is these holes that receive fastening nuts the rim with which it is attached to the wheel hub.

These nuts are distributed in a circle. The number of holes in the rim can be different, for example, there can be four, five or six. When replacing a rim, the center distance of the rim must be observed. Its dimensions are expressed in inches or millimeters.

First of all, the center distance of the rim is also determined. depending on the number of holes... For example, a 4x150 rim is a five-hole rim with a center-to-center distance of 150 millimeters. We can also find a 5x5,50 rim from center to center: this time it has five holes and its center distance is in inches.

Did you know? One inch equals 25,4 mm.

🔍 How to measure the rim center distance?

When replacing a rim, you must consider the distance between the centers of the rim. There are different rim materials, but if you have aluminum rims, you must absolutely respect the center distance of the rim when replacing it. The distance between the centers is indicated in the parameters of the rim along with the number of holes.

Therefore, you need to know how to read or measure it. When the rim has an even number of mounting holes, such as four or six, the center distance of the rim is measured. between two centers of two opposite holes passing through the center of the rim.

When there are five mounting holes on the rim, the rim center distance is measured. between the center of the rim and the center of the hole, then multiply that dimension by two. You can also draw an imaginary circle going through the center of each hole and then measure the diameter of that circle.

Good to know : you should be aware that there are drive adapters designed for different centers. In this case, you must first check if the number of holes is the same between the original rim and the new one.

📝 How to determine the distance between the centers of the rim?

The distance between the centers of the rim looks like this: 5 × 120. You can also find this type of designation: 4 × 4,5. The first digit is always number of holes in the rim : for a car, this is usually between four and six.

The next number matches rim center distance... It can be expressed in inches, as in the second example above, or in millimeters, as in the first. Thus, the center-to-center distance of the rim is always noted: first, the number of holes in the rim is indicated, and then the center-to-center distance itself.

That's it, now you know everything about the center distance of the rim! As you may have guessed, this is simply one of the characteristics of your disks that should be taken into account in the event of a change. Feel free to accompany one of our trusted mechanics to replace your car rims!