Bolt Pattern
The bolt pattern, or bolt circle, of a vehicle refers to the diameter of an invisible circle that passes through the center points of the wheel lugs. Most vehicles feature bolt patterns with 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 lug holes. Example is a bolt pattern of 6x135 represents 6 lugs on circle with a diameter 135mm.
Dual Bolt Pattern
Manufacturers are increasingly designing wheels with dual bolt patterns, broadening their compatibility across various vehicles. For instance, a wheel featuring a 5x112/120 bolt pattern has 10 lug holes, making it suitable for both 5x112mm and 5x120mm configurations.
CENTERBORE
In simple terms, the centerbore is the large, machined hole at the center of a wheel, typically concealed by a center cap. It is precisely crafted to match the diameter of the vehicle's hub, ensuring the wheel is perfectly aligned with the hub and reducing the risk of vibration during driving.
Factory wheels are HUB-CENTRIC, tailored specifically for the vehicle. Conversely, aftermarket wheels tend to have a larger centerbore, allowing them to fit various vehicles and earning them the name LUG-CENTRIC wheels. This larger centerbore creates a small gap between the hub and the centerbore. HUB-CENTRIC RINGS, usually made from plastic or metal, are used to fill this gap, ensuring proper alignment of aftermarket wheels for a smooth, vibration-free driving experience.
OFFSET
Wheel offset refers to the measurement, in millimeters, of the distance between a wheel's hub mounting surface and its centerline. Offsets are categorized as Positive, Neutral, or Negative:
Positive Offset: Common in front-wheel-drive vehicles and newer rear-wheel-drive models, this means the hub mounting surface is closer to the outer face of the wheel.
Zero Offset: Here, the hub mounting surface aligns exactly with the wheel's centerline.
Negative Offset: Frequently found on vintage muscle cars or lifted trucks, the hub mounting surface is positioned closer to the wheel's inner lip, further from the spokes.
GLOSSARY
Aspect Ratio: Refers to the height of a tire's sidewall expressed as a percentage of its width.
Asymmetric: Indicates that the tread pattern on opposite sides of the tire is different.
Balance/Imbalance: Describes whether a tire and wheel spin with evenly distributed weight. Imbalances can be corrected by adding weights to the wheel.
Blocks: Raised segments of rubber on the tire tread.
Carcass: The underlying structure of a tire that supports the tread, belts, bead, and sidewall.
Casing: The framework of tire cords secured around the wire beads.
Chafer: A fabric strip used to safeguard the tire's bead area against the rim.
Compound: The formula of the tread material, made from elements like rubber, carbon black, and curing agents, tailored for specific performance characteristics (e.g., heat resistance or increased traction).
DOT Code: A 10-digit identifier following the "DOT" marking, providing details about the tire's production date, manufacturer, plant, tire line, and size.
Filler: Material that fills the space above the bead and can stiffen the lower sidewall.
Grooves: Channels running around the tire between the tread ribs.
Light Truck Tires: Designed for off-road or mixed on/off-road use on SUVs, small commercial vehicles, and recreational vehicles.
Load Rating: A scale (e.g., B, C, D) that indicates a tire's load-carrying capacity based on its ply rating.
Low-Profile: Refers to tires with a relatively small aspect ratio.
M+S Marking: Shows that the tire is certified for Mud and Snow use, as approved by the RMA.
Metric Tire Size System: Tire sizing based on section width (mm), aspect ratio, speed rating, construction type, and rim diameter (inches). Example: 185/70SR13.
P-Metric System: Similar sizing as the Metric System but includes a prefix ("P") for passenger tires. Example: P225/45R17.
Ply: Layers of coated fabric or wire within the tire's casing.
Radial Tire: A tire constructed with plies that intersect the crown at a 90-degree angle.
Ribs: Parts of the tread pattern formed by circumferential grooves.
Rolling Resistance: The force required to maintain a tire’s movement at constant speed. Lower resistance means less energy consumption.
Series: The numerical representation of a tire's aspect ratio, such as "50 series."
Shoulder Blocks: Raised rubber segments at the edge of the tread near the sidewall.
Sipes: Small slits in the tread to enhance traction.
Staggering: The practice of fitting larger wheels on a vehicle’s rear compared to the front.
Steel Belt: Stiff belts in radial tires for improved handling and reduced wear.
Stud Holes: Cavities in a tire tread designed for installing studs to enhance snow traction.
Tire Profile: Represents the tire's aspect ratio or series.
Tread Blocks: Raised segments on the visible part of the tread.
UTQG: A government-mandated grading system assessing a tire's treadwear, traction, and temperature resistance, shown on the sidewall.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) A TPMS alerts you when one or more tires are significantly under-inflated, potentially creating unsafe driving conditions.
Max Sensors We proudly offer Max TPMS sensors, known for 98.5% vehicle coverage. These lightweight sensors feature strong signal strength, pre-programmed frequencies, and support easy relearning with tools like BARTEC or ATEQ. Max Sensors can program through tires up to 40” in diameter and 12-ply F-rating.
Types of TPMS Sensors
Indirect TPMS: Uses the ABS wheel speed to infer low pressure, relying on changes in tire diameter. However, it cannot specify which tire is low or detect uniform pressure loss.
Direct TPMS: Sensors in each wheel measure real-time tire pressure and temperature, alerting the driver when pressure drops 25% below the recommended level.
Original vs. Universal Sensors
Original sensors are vehicle-specific and pre-programmed for precise frequencies.
Universal sensors adapt to any frequency, making them more versatile and popular.
Programming & Synching Max Sensors are shipped pre-programmed. Vehicles may sync via:
Autolearning (automatic detection while driving),
Manual Relearning (specific steps outlined in the vehicle manual), or
Programmed Relearning (using tools like BARTEC or ATEQ). Refer to your user manual for details.
Troubleshooting TPMS Lights
Blinking light while driving: A tire is approaching critically low pressure.
Continuous blinking light: Indicates a defective sensor requiring testing and replacement.
Steady light: Signals low pressure in one or more tires; correct the pressure to resolve.
Note: TPMS does not notify if tire pressure is too high, which may cause uneven wear and reduced traction.
