What Cars Have 5x100 Bolt Pattern

So, you're diving into the world of wheels and looking for cars with a 5x100 bolt pattern? Excellent choice! Understanding bolt patterns is crucial whether you're swapping rims for a fresh look, replacing a damaged wheel, or just trying to wrap your head around vehicle specs. This guide will give you the ins and outs of the 5x100 bolt pattern, helping you navigate the sometimes confusing world of wheel fitment.

Purpose: Why This Matters

Knowing your car's bolt pattern is essential for several reasons. First and foremost, it's about safety. Using the wrong bolt pattern can lead to loose wheels, vibrations, and potentially catastrophic wheel failure while driving. Beyond safety, understanding bolt patterns is key for:

Wheel Upgrades: Finding aftermarket wheels that fit your vehicle properly.
Tire Rotations: Ensuring compatibility if you're considering using spare tires from other vehicles.
Brake Upgrades: Sometimes, larger brake calipers require specific wheel offsets, which are affected by the bolt pattern.
Suspension Modifications: Changes to suspension can sometimes affect wheel clearance, making bolt pattern knowledge critical.
General Vehicle Maintenance: When replacing studs or hubs, knowing the pattern is vital.

Key Specs and Main Parts

Let's break down what "5x100" actually means. This notation describes two critical aspects of the wheel mounting interface:

Number of Lugs/Studs (5): The "5" indicates the number of lug holes or studs present on the wheel hub and the corresponding wheel. These are the points where the wheel is bolted to the car.
Bolt Circle Diameter (100mm): The "100" represents the bolt circle diameter, measured in millimeters. This is the diameter of an imaginary circle that passes through the center of each lug hole. It's a critical measurement because a slight mismatch here will prevent the wheel from seating correctly.

The main components involved are:

Wheel Hub: The central part of the wheel assembly that rotates. It contains the wheel studs or threaded holes for bolts.
Wheel Studs/Bolts: The threaded fasteners that secure the wheel to the hub. Studs are typically pressed into the hub, while bolts pass through the wheel and thread into the hub. The 5x100 pattern refers to the spacing of these studs.
Wheel: The metal disc to which the tire is mounted. The wheel must have a matching 5x100 bolt pattern to fit the hub correctly.
Lug Nuts/Bolts: The hardware used to tighten the wheel to the hub. Ensure they are the correct type (conical, ball seat, flat seat) for your wheels.

Understanding the 5x100 Diagram

While we don't have a visual diagram embedded directly here, imagine a circle. The "100mm" measurement is the diameter of that circle. Now, picture five evenly spaced points on the circumference of that circle. These points represent the centers of the five lug holes or studs. That's your 5x100 bolt pattern.

Think of the bolt pattern diagram as a template for the wheel's mounting surface. A correct match ensures that each lug nut/bolt can be tightened evenly and securely.

How It Works: The Mating Game

The 5x100 bolt pattern dictates how the wheel interfaces with the vehicle's hub. Here's a simplified explanation:

The wheel is placed against the hub, aligning the five lug holes with the five studs or threaded holes.
Lug nuts (for studs) or bolts (for threaded hubs) are then used to secure the wheel.
When tightened to the correct torque specification, the lug nuts/bolts clamp the wheel firmly against the hub, providing a friction-based connection that transmits driving forces.

It's critical that the lug nuts/bolts are tightened in a star pattern (e.g., 1-3-5-2-4) to ensure even clamping force and prevent wheel warpage. Uneven tightening can lead to vibrations and potential failure.

Real-World Use: Basic Troubleshooting

Here are a few real-world scenarios where understanding the 5x100 bolt pattern comes in handy:

Wheel Wobble/Vibration: This could indicate a bent wheel, loose lug nuts, or a mismatch in bolt pattern. Always check the torque of your lug nuts first. If the problem persists, inspect the wheel for damage.
Lug Nut Stripping: This often happens due to overtightening or using the wrong type of lug nut. Damaged studs need to be replaced, which can be a challenging DIY task.
Difficulty Installing Wheels: If you're struggling to align the wheel with the studs, double-check that the bolt pattern is correct. A slight mismatch will make installation extremely difficult or impossible. Never force a wheel onto a hub.
Finding Compatible Wheels: Use online wheel fitment guides or consult with a tire shop to confirm that a specific wheel will fit your vehicle. Enter your car's year, make, and model to get accurate results.

Pro Tip: Always use a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Over-tightening can damage studs and warp wheels, while under-tightening can lead to wheel detachment.

Safety: Highlight Risky Components

The wheel mounting system is a critical safety component. Always prioritize safety when working on your wheels. Here are some specific risks:

Using the Wrong Bolt Pattern: This is the biggest risk. Even a slight mismatch can compromise the integrity of the wheel mounting system.
Over-Tightening Lug Nuts: This can stretch or break studs, potentially leading to wheel failure.
Damaged Studs/Bolts: Inspect studs and bolts for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage. Replace them immediately if you find any issues.
Using Incorrect Lug Nuts/Bolts: Different wheels require different types of lug nuts/bolts (e.g., conical, ball seat, flat seat). Using the wrong type can damage the wheel and compromise safety.
Ignoring Vibrations: Unusual vibrations while driving can be a sign of a problem with the wheel mounting system. Address them immediately.
Working on a Jacked-Up Vehicle: Always use jack stands when working under a vehicle. Never rely solely on a jack.

When in doubt, consult with a qualified mechanic. This is especially important if you're not comfortable working on your car's wheels or if you suspect a serious problem with the wheel mounting system.

Common Cars with 5x100 Bolt Pattern:

While not exhaustive, here's a list of some common vehicles that often (but not always - always verify!) use the 5x100 bolt pattern. Note that trim levels, specific years, and market regions can affect this, so always double-check your vehicle's specifications before purchasing wheels.

Subaru Impreza (some models/years)
Subaru Forester (some models/years)
Subaru Legacy (some models/years)
Toyota Celica (1994-2005)
Toyota Corolla (some models/years)
Toyota Matrix (some models/years)
Scion tC (1st Generation)
Volkswagen Golf/GTI (MK3, MK4)
Volkswagen Jetta (MK3, MK4)
Volkswagen Beetle (some models/years)
Audi A3 (8L Chassis)
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Plymouth Neon

Remember that a 5x100 bolt pattern is just one aspect of wheel fitment. You also need to consider wheel width, offset, center bore, and tire size to ensure a proper and safe fit. Happy wrenching!

We have compiled a more detailed diagram that includes torque specifications and a troubleshooting guide. We can provide the file in a common image format like JPG or PNG upon request.