Everything about wheel fitment — bolt pattern, offset, centre bore, torque and care. If your question is not here, ask us and we will add it.
What is PCD and why does it matter?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter — it's the diameter (in millimetres) of the imaginary circle drawn through the centre of each wheel bolt hole. For example, a 5x112 PCD means 5 bolts arranged on a 112mm circle.
Getting the PCD right is essential — a wheel with the wrong PCD simply won't bolt onto your car. Always verify your vehicle's PCD before ordering. You can find it in your owner's manual or use our vehicle fitment selector on the website.
What wheel size will fit my car?
Wheel fitment depends on three key measurements: PCD (bolt pattern), offset (ET), and centre bore. You'll also want to stay within a sensible diameter range for your car — typically the same or up to 2 inches larger than your OEM wheels.
The easiest way to find compatible wheels is to use our vehicle selector tool on the homepage — select your make, model, and year and we'll show you everything that fits.
What is the difference between forged and cast wheels?
Cast wheels are made by pouring molten aluminium into a mould — they're affordable and widely available. Forged wheels are machined from a single solid billet of aluminium compressed under extreme pressure, aligning the metal grain for superior strength.
Forged wheels are typically 20–25% lighter than cast equivalents of the same size, which reduces unsprung weight and improves handling, acceleration, and braking. At Hokuracing, all our wheels are precision forged for maximum performance.
What does offset (ET) mean?
Offset (marked as ET, from the German "Einpresstiefe") is the distance in millimetres between the wheel's mounting face and its centre line. A positive ET means the mounting face is closer to the outside of the wheel, while a negative ET pushes the wheel outward.
Running a lower (more negative) offset gives a wider, more aggressive stance but may cause the tyre to rub against the arch or suspension components. Always stay within your manufacturer's recommended offset range, or consult us if you want to run a modified fitment.
What is centre bore and do I need hub rings?
Centre bore is the diameter of the hole in the centre of the wheel that fits over the hub of your car. A hub-centric fit (where the centre bore matches your hub exactly) is ideal as the wheel is supported by the hub, not just the bolts.
If your wheel's centre bore is larger than your car's hub, you'll need hub centric rings — small plastic or aluminium rings that fill the gap. Without them, you may experience vibration at motorway speeds, even if the wheels are correctly torqued.
Can I fit wider wheels than my OEM fitment?
Yes — many drivers go one step wider than OEM for a more aggressive look and improved grip. However, you'll need to compensate with a different offset to ensure the tyre doesn't rub on the arch or suspension components.
As a general rule, going 1 inch wider requires roughly 5mm more negative offset to keep the wheel in the same position relative to the arch. We recommend always checking with a fitment specialist before purchasing wider wheels.
Do alloy wheels affect fuel consumption?
Yes — lighter wheels reduce rotational and unsprung mass, which means your engine has less work to do when accelerating. High-quality forged alloy wheels can improve fuel efficiency by a small but measurable amount compared to heavy steel or cast alloy wheels.
Conversely, fitting significantly larger or heavier wheels than standard can slightly increase fuel consumption. The key is to choose wheels that are equal to or lighter than your OEM fitment.
How do I clean and maintain alloy wheels?
Regular cleaning is the best way to protect your alloys. Brake dust is mildly acidic and will etch into the finish if left too long. We recommend cleaning your wheels every 1–2 weeks using a dedicated pH-neutral alloy wheel cleaner and a soft brush.
Avoid using harsh acid-based cleaners on polished or brushed finishes as they can cause permanent damage. After cleaning, apply a wheel sealant or wax to protect the surface and make future cleaning easier. For winter driving, consider a ceramic coating to protect against road salt.
Can I use winter tyres on my alloy wheels?
Yes, you can mount winter tyres on alloy wheels. However, many drivers choose to have a dedicated set of steel or budget alloy wheels for winter, keeping their premium alloys safe from road salt, grit, and the harsher winter conditions.
If you do run winter tyres on your alloys, make sure to clean them thoroughly after the winter season and inspect for any corrosion caused by road salt. A good wheel sealant applied at the start of winter will offer significant protection.
Will changing my wheel size affect my speedometer?
Your speedometer reading depends on the overall rolling circumference of the tyre and wheel combination, not the wheel diameter alone. If you increase wheel size but reduce tyre profile proportionally (keeping the same overall diameter), your speedometer reading will remain accurate.
However, if the overall diameter of your new tyre and wheel combination differs significantly from OEM, your speedometer may read slightly fast or slow. As a rule of thumb, keep overall tyre diameter within ±3% of OEM to avoid meaningful speedometer error. Online tyre size calculators can help you confirm this before purchasing.
What torque should I use when fitting alloy wheels?
Always tighten wheel bolts to your vehicle manufacturer's specified torque setting — typically between 100–130 Nm for most passenger cars, though this varies. Never use an impact gun to final-torque your wheel bolts as this can stretch or damage the bolts and distort the wheel.
Use a calibrated torque wrench and tighten in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force. After driving 50–100 km with new wheels, re-check the torque as bolts can settle slightly after the first drive.