When it comes to maintaining or upgrading your vehicle, one of the key components that often gets overlooked is the bolt pattern. This is especially true for car owners who are considering changing their wheels or tires. The 2017 Kia Forte is a popular compact sedan, and understanding its bolt pattern is essential for ensuring proper wheel fitment and safe driving. Whether you’re replacing damaged wheels, upgrading to stylish rims, or simply doing routine maintenance, knowing the correct bolt pattern will save you time and money. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the specifics of the 2017 kia forte bolt pattern the importance of matching the correct pattern, and how to ensure you’re choosing the right wheels for your car.
What is a Bolt Pattern and Why is it Important?
Before diving into the specifics of the 2017 Kia Forte bolt pattern, it’s important to understand what a bolt pattern is and why it matters. A bolt pattern refers to the arrangement of the holes on the wheel that align with the bolts or studs on the vehicle’s hub. The pattern is typically represented by two numbers: the number of bolt holes and the diameter of the circle formed by these holes.
For example, a 5×114.3 bolt pattern means that the wheel has five bolt holes, and the diameter of the circle formed by those holes is 114.3 millimeters. The first number indicates the number of bolt holes, while the second number refers to the bolt circle diameter (BCD). This information is crucial when buying new wheels or tires for your car because the wheel must have the same bolt pattern as your vehicle for a proper fit.
Using a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern can lead to serious issues, such as improper wheel alignment, vibrations, or even unsafe driving conditions. This is why ensuring that the bolt pattern matches is vital for the performance and safety of your vehicle.
2017 Kia Forte Bolt Pattern: The Basics
For the 2017 Kia Forte, the standard bolt pattern is 5×114.3. This means that the vehicle uses a five-bolt configuration with a circle diameter of 114.3 millimeters. The 5×114.3 bolt pattern is one of the most common patterns found on many vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs from various manufacturers. It’s widely used on vehicles from Honda, Hyundai, Toyota, and Nissan, among others. Because of this, it’s relatively easy to find compatible wheels and tires for the 2017 Kia Forte.
However, while the bolt pattern is consistent, the wheel size, offset, and backspacing are additional factors to consider when selecting new wheels for your car. These specifications can vary depending on the trim of your vehicle and the type of wheels you choose. But for now, let’s focus on the bolt pattern itself and how it affects the fitment of your wheels.
How to Measure the Bolt Pattern on a 2017 Kia Forte
Even though the 2017 Kia Forte has a standard 5×114.3 bolt pattern, it’s always a good idea to verify the pattern yourself, especially if you’re replacing wheels or considering an upgrade. Measuring the bolt pattern is relatively easy, and you can do it with a few simple tools, such as a measuring tape or caliper. Here’s how you can measure the bolt pattern on your 2017 Kia Forte:
- Count the Number of Bolt Holes: Start by counting the number of bolt holes on your current wheel. The 2017 Kia Forte has five lug holes, so it will be a 5-lug pattern. This is the first part of the bolt pattern.
- Measure the Bolt Circle Diameter (BCD): The next step is to measure the diameter of the circle formed by the lug holes. This is where the 114.3 mm measurement comes in. To measure the bolt circle diameter, use a ruler or caliper to measure the distance from the center of one bolt hole to the center of the bolt hole directly across from it. This measurement will give you the diameter of the bolt circle. For the 2017 Kia Forte, this should be 114.3 mm.
- If you’re unsure about how to measure accurately, another method is to measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the next one, but this method is slightly less accurate than measuring across the circle.
- Double-Check Your Measurements: After measuring, it’s a good idea to double-check your results to ensure accuracy. If there is any doubt, you can always refer to the owner’s manual or consult with a professional to confirm the exact specifications.
Common Lug Patterns and Compatibility
While the 5×114.3 bolt pattern is common for the 2017 Kia Forte, it’s essential to know that other vehicles may have different patterns. Here are a few common bolt patterns that you might encounter:
- 4×100: Found on smaller cars, such as compact sedans or hatchbacks.
- 5×120: Common on BMWs and some European vehicles.
- 6×139.7: Typically seen on trucks and SUVs.
- 5×112: Used by some Mercedes-Benz and Audi vehicles.
The 5×114.3 pattern is one of the most common in the automotive industry, which makes finding compatible wheels for the 2017 Kia Forte relatively easy. When shopping for new wheels, always make sure that the bolt pattern matches the one required by your vehicle to avoid any issues with installation and fitment.
The Importance of Proper Wheel Fitment
Choosing wheels that match your 2017 Kia Forte’s bolt pattern is just the first step in ensuring proper fitment. It’s also important to consider other factors, such as wheel size, offset, and backspacing. Let’s briefly touch on these additional considerations:
- Wheel Size: The size of the wheel (e.g., 16 inches, 17 inches, or 18 inches) affects the overall appearance and performance of your vehicle. While the 2017 Kia Forte comes with stock 16-inch or 17-inch wheels, you may want to upgrade to larger wheels for a more aggressive look. When selecting larger wheels, ensure that the overall diameter and width are compatible with your car’s specifications.
- Offset: The offset refers to the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the mounting surface where the wheel bolts to the hub. For the 2017 Kia Forte, the typical offset is around +45 mm. The offset affects the vehicle’s handling and appearance, as wheels with too much positive or negative offset can cause the tires to rub against the wheel well or suspension components.
- Backspacing: Backspacing is another important measurement that affects how far the wheel sits inside the wheel well. It’s closely related to the offset and ensures that the wheel sits at the correct depth. When purchasing new wheels, it’s important to verify that the backspacing matches your vehicle’s requirements to avoid rubbing or clearance issues.
Choosing the Right Wheels for Your 2017 Kia Forte
When selecting new wheels for your 2017 Kia Forte, there are several factors to consider to ensure the best fit and performance. Here are some tips for choosing the right wheels:
- Check the Bolt Pattern: As mentioned earlier, the 2017 Kia Forte uses a 5×114.3 bolt pattern. Always verify the bolt pattern before purchasing new wheels, especially if you’re considering aftermarket options.
- Select the Right Wheel Size: The standard wheel size for the 2017 Kia Forte is usually 16 inches or 17 inches. While it’s possible to go larger, it’s important to consider the effects on ride quality, handling, and tire compatibility. Ensure that your tires are compatible with the new wheel size you choose.
- Understand the Offset: For proper wheel fitment and to avoid rubbing issues, it’s crucial to choose wheels with the correct offset. For most trims of the 2017 Kia Forte, the offset is around +45 mm, but this may vary depending on the specific wheel you choose. Double-check the offset before making a purchase.
- Material and Design: Wheels come in a variety of materials, such as steel, aluminum alloy, and forged options. Alloy wheels are often a popular choice due to their light weight and durability, and they can also enhance the appearance of your vehicle. Choose a material and design that suits your style and driving needs.
- Consult with Professionals: If you’re unsure about the size, offset, or compatibility of the wheels you want, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic or tire expert. They can help ensure that you choose the right wheels for your 2017 Kia Forte, taking into account all factors, including bolt pattern, size, and offset.
Conclusion
Understanding the 2017 Kia Forte bolt pattern is an essential part of ensuring that you select the correct wheels for your vehicle. The standard bolt pattern for this model is 5×114.3, and by knowing this, you can easily find compatible wheels for replacement or upgrades. Always double-check the bolt pattern, wheel size, and offset to make sure that your new wheels fit properly and provide the performance and appearance you desire. Taking the time to choose the right wheels will not only enhance the look of your car but also ensure a safe and smooth driving experience.