What Car Has 4x100 Bolt Pattern

Let's talk about wheels and, more specifically, a very common wheel specification: the 4x100 bolt pattern. If you're thinking about swapping wheels, upgrading your brakes, or simply need to understand why your car's wheels won't fit your buddy's, knowing the bolt pattern is absolutely crucial. This article will break down everything you need to know about the 4x100 bolt pattern, making you an expert in no time.

Why This Matters: Wheel Compatibility and More

Understanding bolt patterns isn't just about aesthetics. It's about ensuring your wheels are safely and correctly mounted to your vehicle. Incorrect fitment can lead to catastrophic wheel failure, damaging your car and potentially causing accidents. Moreover, knowledge of the 4x100 pattern opens up possibilities for aftermarket wheel upgrades, brake conversions, and even simple tire rotations without relying solely on a mechanic.

Purpose: Identifying and understanding the 4x100 bolt pattern enables safe and correct wheel mounting, opens up options for aftermarket upgrades, and allows for informed decision-making when performing vehicle maintenance.

Key Specs and Main Parts: Decoding the 4x100

The 4x100 designation is a concise description of a wheel's mounting specifications. Let's break it down:

4: This refers to the number of lug holes on the wheel's mounting surface. In this case, there are four.
100: This indicates the diameter of the bolt circle in millimeters (mm). The bolt circle is an imaginary circle that passes through the center of each lug hole.

Therefore, 4x100 signifies a wheel with four lug holes arranged on a circle with a diameter of 100mm. Other crucial related components include:

Lug Nuts/Bolts: These are the fasteners that secure the wheel to the hub. The thread pitch (e.g., 12x1.5 or 12x1.25) is critical for proper engagement. Never use lug nuts or bolts that don't match your car's specifications.
Hub Centric Ring (If Needed): Some aftermarket wheels have a larger center bore (the hole in the middle of the wheel) than your car's hub. A hub centric ring fills this gap, ensuring the wheel is centered correctly and minimizing vibration. Using the incorrect hub centric ring or not using one when needed can lead to vibrations and potential damage to the wheel studs.
Wheel Offset: Measured in millimeters (mm), wheel offset is the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. Offset affects wheel position within the wheel well and can impact handling and suspension clearance. Different offsets are written as either positive (+) or negative (-).
Center Bore: The diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel. It needs to be at least as big as your car's hub diameter. If it’s larger, you need a hub centric ring.

How It Works: Measuring the Bolt Pattern

While 4x100 is relatively straightforward, let's discuss how the 100mm measurement is determined. Since there are only four lugs, you simply measure the distance from the center of one lug hole to the center of the lug hole directly opposite it.

Important Tool: A bolt pattern gauge (also called a lug pattern gauge) is a handy tool to verify bolt patterns accurately. These gauges usually have multiple settings for different patterns. They save you from having to do the measurements manually.

Why Accuracy Matters: Even a slight deviation from the correct bolt pattern can prevent the wheel from seating correctly, putting undue stress on the lug nuts/bolts and potentially causing them to fail.

Real-World Use: Troubleshooting and Identification

Let's say you're buying a set of used wheels. Here are a few troubleshooting tips:

Visual Inspection: Before you even think about mounting the wheels, visually inspect them for any damage, cracks, or signs of repair. Pay close attention to the lug holes.
Bolt Pattern Verification: Use a bolt pattern gauge to confirm that the wheels are indeed 4x100. Don't rely solely on the seller's word.
Test Fit: Always test fit the wheels on your car *before* buying them. Ensure that the wheel clears the brake calipers and suspension components. Also check how the offset affects the wheel to the fender.
Lug Nut/Bolt Compatibility: Ensure that your lug nuts or bolts are compatible with the wheels. Aftermarket wheels sometimes require different lug nut seat types (e.g., conical, ball, flat).

Basic Troubleshooting: If you experience vibrations after installing new wheels, possible causes include incorrect bolt pattern, improper lug nut torque, missing or incorrect hub centric rings, or wheel imbalance.

Safety: Risks and Precautions

Working with wheels involves potential risks. Here's what to watch out for:

Over-Torquing Lug Nuts/Bolts: Over-tightening can damage the threads on the studs or the wheel itself, leading to failure. Use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
Under-Torquing Lug Nuts/Bolts: Under-tightening can cause the wheel to come loose. Re-torque the lug nuts after the first 50-100 miles after wheel installation.
Damaged Wheel Studs: If you notice any damaged or stripped wheel studs, replace them immediately. These are critical components that secure the wheel to the car.
Using the Wrong Lug Nuts/Bolts: Using incorrect lug nuts or bolts can prevent the wheel from seating properly and can damage the wheel studs or the wheel itself.
Working Under a Supported Vehicle: Always use jack stands to support the vehicle when working on wheels. Never rely solely on a jack.

Safety Highlight: Wheel studs and lug nuts/bolts are critical for vehicle safety. Damage or incorrect installation can lead to catastrophic wheel failure. Always inspect these components carefully and use the correct torque specifications.

Common Cars Using the 4x100 Bolt Pattern

Many popular vehicles utilize the 4x100 bolt pattern. This makes finding aftermarket wheels easier. Some examples include:

Honda Civic (certain generations)
Mazda Miata (NA and NB generations)
Toyota Corolla (certain generations)
Volkswagen Golf/Rabbit (Mk1, Mk2, and Mk3)
Nissan Sentra (certain generations)

Note: Always double-check your specific vehicle's bolt pattern using an online wheel fitment guide or by consulting your owner's manual before purchasing wheels.

Understanding the 4x100 bolt pattern is a fundamental skill for any car enthusiast or DIY mechanic. By understanding the specifications, potential problems, and safety considerations, you can confidently tackle wheel-related projects with confidence.

We've prepared a detailed diagram illustrating the 4x100 bolt pattern, including key measurements and component details. You can download it here for your reference.