How many lugs are on a tire?

Tires themselves do not have lugs. The number of lugs refers to the wheel’s bolt pattern that attaches the wheel to the vehicle hub, and it varies by vehicle and wheel design rather than by the tire alone.

Clarifying what lug counts mean for wheels and tires

The term “lug” you hear when discussing wheels describes how many lug holes the wheel has and how it aligns with the hub. The correct lug count is essential for safe installation; a wheel with the wrong pattern will not fit. The tire size is independent of lug count, but you must pair tires with wheels that fit both the lug pattern and the vehicle’s hub specifications.

Common lug patterns by vehicle type

Below are the patterns you’ll most frequently encounter, along with the vehicle categories where they’re commonly found.

• 4-lug patterns: Found on some older or budget compact cars and certain small imports. Common configurations include 4x100 mm in various small models.


• 5-lug patterns: The most common on modern passenger cars, crossovers, and light trucks. Examples include widely used patterns such as 5x114.3 mm, 5x100 mm, and 5x112 mm, though exact measurements vary by model.


• 6-lug patterns: Seen on some mid-size trucks and SUVs, and certain off-road-oriented vehicles.


• 8-lug patterns: Typical for full-size pickups and heavy-duty SUVs.


• 10-lug and 12-lug patterns: Used on some heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles; these are far less common on standard passenger cars.

Knowing the lug pattern helps ensure you select wheels that fit the hub and provide proper engagement with the lug nuts. If you’re unsure, consult the vehicle’s manual, the door jamb sticker, or a professional mechanic.

How to determine your lug pattern

To safely replace wheels, you need to know the lug count, bolt circle diameter (PCD), thread pitch, and center bore. Here are steps to identify them.

1. Check the owner’s manual or the sticker on the driver's door frame for the stated lug pattern (for example, 5x114.3).


2. Count the number of lug holes on the wheel hub or on the current wheel to determine the lug count (4, 5, 6, etc.).


3. Measure the bolt circle diameter (PCD): the distance between the centers of two opposite lug holes. Common values include 100 mm, 114.3 mm, and 120 mm.


4. Verify thread size and pitch of the lug nuts to ensure compatibility with the hub and wheel.


5. Confirm the wheel’s center bore matches the hub or use hub-centric rings if needed to avoid alignment issues.

With the lug count and PCD known, you can select wheels that fit the vehicle’s hub and lug specifications, ensuring safe and proper installation.

Summary

Tires do not themselves determine lug counts; the wheel does. Lug patterns vary, with common configurations including 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, or 12 lugs. Passenger cars most often use 4 or 5 lugs, while heavier-duty trucks and commercial vehicles may use 8, 10, or 12 lugs. Always match the wheel’s lug pattern to the vehicle’s specification to ensure a safe fit, and consult manuals or a professional if you’re unsure.

How many different 5 lug patterns are there?

There is not one single number of different 5-lug patterns, as there are many variations used across different vehicles and manufacturers. The most common patterns are 5 on 4.5 inches (114.3mm), 5 on 4.75 inches (120.7mm), and 5 on 5 inches (127mm), but many others exist for various cars and trailers.
 

• Common patterns:
  • 5x4.5" (5x114.3mm): Very common for many vehicles, including older Jeeps and numerous trailers, says BB Wheels. 
  • 5x4.75" (5x120.7mm): Used by GM vehicles like Camaros, Firebirds, and Corvettes. 
  • 5x5" (5x127mm): A common pattern found on many minivans, sedans, and off-road vehicles, notes Discount Tire. 
  • 5x5.5" (5x139.7mm): Another common pattern, especially for some trucks and older vehicles, explains 1010Tires.com. 
• Other patterns:
  • 5x4" (5x100mm): Used on some smaller vehicles and trailers. 
  • 5x5.12" (5x130mm): Used by some European manufacturers like Porsche and Volvo. 
  • 5x8.07" (5x205mm): An example of a large pattern, like the one used on early air-cooled VWs, says 1010Tires.com. 

To determine your specific 5-lug bolt pattern, measure from the center of one stud to the center of another stud that is as far away from it as possible.

Is it safe to drive with 4 out of 5 lugnuts?

You can drive a short distance with 4 lug nuts instead of 5, but it is not safe for long-term driving and should be repaired immediately. The extra stress on the remaining lug nuts can cause them to fail, and the uneven pressure can lead to vibrations, premature wear on wheel bearings, and damage to brake components. It is best to replace the missing lug nut as soon as possible. 
This video explains why driving with 4 out of 5 lug nuts is not recommended: 43sCar Performance ProsYouTube · May 10, 2025
Risks of driving with missing lug nuts

• Increased stress: The remaining four lug nuts will bear the load of five, putting them under extra stress and increasing the risk of them failing. 
• Wobbly ride: The uneven distribution of pressure can cause vibrations, making the ride uncomfortable and potentially leading to further damage. 
• Component damage: It can put extra pressure on wheel bearings and may warp brake discs or drums. 
• Wheel detachment: In the worst-case scenario, the wheel could come off, which is extremely dangerous. 

What to do

• For an emergency: If you must drive, do so very slowly and carefully, avoiding hard braking, sharp turns, and high speeds. 
• Get it fixed ASAP: Make an appointment to have the missing lug nut or stud replaced immediately. 
• Check tightness: Before driving, make sure the remaining four lug nuts are properly torqued to the manufacturer's specifications. 

This video shows how to replace a lug nut: 26sKONIG WHEELS USAYouTube · Sep 2, 2022

How many lug nuts are on a tire?

The number of lug nuts on a standard car depends on its size and weight. In general, small cars, such as a Honda Civic, typically have five lug nuts per wheel, while larger vehicles, such as midsize SUVs and trucks, can have five, six, and up to eight lug nuts per wheel in the case of heavy-duty trucks.

How much is it to replace a lug stud?

Replacing a single lug nut stud typically costs between $60 and $300, depending on the vehicle and whether the hub needs to be removed. The cost is influenced by labor rates, which can vary based on the complexity of the job, and the low cost of the part itself ($3-$15). Some estimates are higher due to specific labor costs for certain vehicles or dealership prices, with a range of $55 to $400 also being cited. 
Cost breakdown

• Parts: The cost for a single replacement stud is low, typically ranging from $3 to $15. 
• Labor: This is the main factor that determines the total cost. 
  • The labor time can vary, from simple replacement if the hub isn't removed, to more complex procedures that require removing the hub or other components. 
  • Labor costs can range from about $55 to $350 for a single stud, depending on the shop and the vehicle. 

Factors that influence the cost

• Vehicle make and model: Some vehicles have more complex designs that require more labor, increasing the final price. 
• Complexity of the job: If the stud is seized, has stripped threads, or if the hub needs to be removed, the job will be more time-consuming and expensive. 
• Shop rates: The hourly labor rate of the mechanic or dealership will directly impact the final cost. 
• Location: Labor costs can be higher in certain geographic areas.