Wheels
When choosing wheels, the diameter, width, bolt pattern (PCD), ET offset and centre bore must all suit your vehicle. You will find these values in the owner's manual or on your current wheels; the filters let you narrow the selection by diameter, PCD, ET offset and centre bore. Read the guide
How to read a wheel marking
Wheel dimensions are marked, for example, as 7Jx17 ET45 5x112:
- 7J – rim width in inches and the J flange profile;
- 17 – rim diameter in inches;
- ET45 – offset in millimetres, i.e. the distance from the centre line of the rim to the mounting face: the higher the ET, the further the wheel sits inside the wheel arch;
- 5x112 – PCD or bolt pattern: five holes on a circle 112 mm in diameter.
The centre bore, which centres the wheel on the hub, also matters.
What must match your vehicle
- PCD and centre bore – the bolt pattern must match the vehicle exactly. If the wheel's centre bore is larger than the hub, centring rings are used; a wheel with a smaller bore will not fit the hub.
- ET offset – an unsuitable offset changes the wheel's position: it may touch the suspension or stick out beyond the wheel arch.
- Bolts or nuts – their seat (conical, spherical or flat) must match the wheel. Switching from steel to alloy wheels often requires different bolts or nuts; tighten them to the manufacturer's torque and check them again after about 50 km.
- Tyre pressure sensors – if your car has a direct tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the new wheels need sensors that may have to be paired with the system.
Rules in Estonia
Under Annex 1 to the regulation on technical requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers (in Estonian), wheels must meet the ETRTO standard and be free of damage; rims repaired by welding or rebuilt (widened, narrowed) must not be used. The tyre size must match the rim, and the wheel must turn freely in the wheel arch. Alloy wheels must be fastened with bolts or nuts made for them, and a tyre pressure monitoring system must be in working order.
Wheels in winter
In winter, wheels are exposed to road salt, so wash them regularly. Tyres for your wheels are in the tyres category; for winter, see winter tyres.