What does 5x100 bolt pattern mean?
It means five lug holes arranged around a circle 100 millimeters in diameter. In other words, a 5-lug pattern with a 100 mm bolt circle.
Practically, this specification tells you how many studs your wheels require and how they’re arranged on the hub. It also signals potential compatibility considerations, such as hub bore size, lug nut type, and clearance around brake components. Getting this right is essential for safe and proper wheel mounting.
Understanding the 5x100 bolt pattern
Key elements of a 5x100 bolt pattern and what they tell you about wheels
- Lug count: there are five lug holes on the wheel or hub.
- Bolt circle diameter (BCD): the lug holes sit on a circle with a diameter of 100 millimeters.
- Center bore: the wheel’s center bore must fit over the vehicle’s hub; if it’s too large, a centering ring may be needed for proper mounting.
- Lug nut details: the lug nuts or bolts must match the wheel’s seat type (e.g., conical/ball) and thread size to secure the wheel safely.
- Brake and clearance considerations: the wheel must clear brake calipers, rotors, and other components; width and offset affect fitment.
Understanding these elements helps determine whether a wheel will bolt onto a vehicle with a 5x100 pattern and what additional fittings (if any) might be required.
Practical considerations for fitment
Basic checks to ensure a smooth fit between wheels and a car with a 5x100 pattern
- Confirm the pattern: ensure the wheel or aftermarket part is labeled 5x100 or 5-100.
- Check hub bore and centering: mismatch can cause vibration or improper centering; use hub-centric rings if needed.
- Verify lug nut size and seat type: ensure the lug nuts are compatible with the wheel’s seat and thread pitch.
- Assess offset and width: the wheel’s offset and width must suit the vehicle to avoid rubbing or suspension interference.
- Brake clearance: ensure the wheel shape doesn’t contact brake calipers or rotor hats at full steering lock or when the brakes are applied.
With these considerations in mind, you can avoid common fitment pitfalls and choose wheels that mount securely and perform as intended.
How to verify 5x100 on your vehicle
Ways to confirm a vehicle uses the 5x100 pattern and what to check beyond the bolt pattern itself
- Check official documentation: owner's manual or manufacturer specs typically list the wheel bolt pattern (5x100).
- Examine existing wheels: the current wheels on the car may show 5x100 in their specification labels.
- Use a bolt-pattern gauge: a simple tool can help confirm the pattern by aligning with the lug holes.
- Cross-check hub bore information: confirm the hub bore size on the car and the wheel, and plan for centering rings if needed.
- Consult a professional if unsure: a tire shop or mechanic can verify the pattern and assess fitment for your brakes and suspension.
Once confirmed, you can proceed with selecting wheels that match the 5x100 pattern while also considering offset, width, and hub compatibility.
Summary
A 5x100 bolt pattern indicates wheels with five lug holes arranged on a 100 mm bolt circle. This specification determines compatibility with the vehicle’s hub, center bore, lug nut type, and clearance for brakes and suspension. Always verify the pattern, hub bore, offset, and lug nut requirements before purchasing wheels to ensure a safe and proper fit. When in doubt, consult manuals or a qualified shop to confirm compatibility.
What cars will a 5x100 bolt pattern fit?
Many cars from brands like Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Chrysler use a 5x100 bolt pattern, including models such as the Subaru Impreza, Toyota Celica, Volkswagen Golf, and Chrysler PT Cruiser. It's crucial to check your specific vehicle's year, trim, and option packages for confirmation, as not all models within a lineup share the same bolt pattern.
Common vehicles with a 5x100 bolt pattern
- Subaru: Impreza, WRX, Forester, Legacy, Outback, BRZ, and Crosstrek (specific years and trims)
- Toyota: Celica, Corolla, Camry, Matrix, Prius, and the 86
- Volkswagen: Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle, and Polo (specific years and trims)
- Chrysler: PT Cruiser, Sebring, Cirrus, Neon, and Stratus (specific years and trims)
- Pontiac: Grand Am and Sunfire (specific years)
- Lexus: CT 200H
- Dodge: Acclaim and Sundance
Important considerations
- Check vehicle specifics: Always verify the correct bolt pattern for your exact car model, year, and trim, as variations exist.
- Other fitment factors: In addition to the bolt pattern, ensure new wheels have the correct offset, hub bore diameter, and load rating for your vehicle's safety and performance.
- Hub bore: Some models share the 5x100 pattern but have different hub bore diameters, which is another critical specification to match for a proper fit.
Can you fit 5x100 on 5x114 3?
Generally, as long as your vehicle's bolt pattern is 5×114.3, and the wheel's bolt pattern is 5×100, you can use a 5×114.3 to 5×100 wheel adapter. The simplest way is to check your car's year/make/model, then search the result on an authoritative website.
What does 5x100 mean?
"5x100" refers to a wheel's bolt pattern, which specifies that a wheel has five lug holes spaced evenly around a circle with a 100mm diameter. This measurement is critical for matching a wheel to a vehicle, as the holes must align with the studs on the car's hub for the wheel to be mounted correctly.
- 5: Indicates the number of lug holes on the wheel.
- 100: Represents the diameter in millimeters of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of each bolt hole.
- Vehicle compatibility: You can only install a wheel with a 5x100 bolt pattern on a vehicle that also has a 5x100 bolt pattern. A different pattern, such as 5x114.3, will not fit without adapters.
- Examples: This pattern is common on vehicles from brands like Subaru, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Which car has 5x100?
Toyota: The Toyota Celica, specific Corolla models, and the Scion tC are also known to use 5x100 wheels. Toyota's reliability and the right wheelset can enhance your driving experience. Volkswagen: Volkswagen models like the Golf, Beetle, and certain Jetta versions use the 5x100 configuration.
