Looking to get new wheels for your ’99 Accord? Let me help you find the right bolt pattern without any headaches.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your Accord’s bolt pattern. As a mechanic who’s worked on hundreds of Hondas, I know how frustrating it can be when wheel specs aren’t clear.
Here’s what we’ll cover: The exact bolt pattern measurements for your 1999 Accord, What these numbers mean for buying new wheels, Common wheel sizes that fit your car, Potential issues to watch out for
No more scrolling through endless forum posts or dealing with confusing technical jargon. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly what to look for when shopping for new wheels. Let’s get your Accord sorted out!
Understanding the Bolt Pattern
Let me explain what a bolt pattern is and how to measure it correctly for your 1999 Honda Accord. No fancy terms – just the basics you need to know.
What’s a bolt pattern? A bolt pattern is simply the arrangement of lug holes on your wheel. Your Accord has a 5 x 114.3mm pattern.
The first number (5) is how many lug nuts you have, and the second number (114.3mm) is how far apart they are in a circle.
How to measure it yourself
- Count the lug holes on your wheel (you’ll find 5)
- For the diameter measurement:
- Measure from the center of one lug hole to the center of the hole directly across from it
- If there’s no hole directly across (like in a 5-lug pattern), measure to the edge of the farthest hole
Pro tip: If you’re not confident about measuring, grab a wheel measuring tool from any auto parts store. It’s worth the few bucks to get it right.
Remember: Being exact is super important here. Even a tiny mismatch means your new wheels won’t fit at all. When in doubt, double-check your measurements or ask a local tire shop to confirm.
1999 Honda Accord Bolt Pattern
The 1999 Honda Accord has a 5 x 114.3mm bolt pattern. This means your Accord has five lug nuts arranged in a circle that’s 114.3mm in diameter. You might also see this written as 5 x 4.5 inches – it’s the exact same thing.
1. Quick Specs
- Number of lugs: 5.
- Bolt circle: 114.3mm. (4.5 inches)
- Center bore: 64.1mm.
- Thread size: M12 x 1.5.
2. Key Info for Wheel Shopping
If you’re looking at new wheels, the bolt pattern is a must-match spec – there’s no wiggle room here. Too often, I see folks buy wheels without checking the pattern, only to find they don’t fit.
3. Notable Compatibility
Your ’99 Accord shares this bolt pattern with many other Honda models. This is helpful when you’re wheel shopping, as it gives you more options. However, remember that bolt pattern is just one part of wheel fitment – you’ll also need to match:
- Wheel size
- Offset
- Center bore (though hub-centric rings can help here)
Make sure any wheels you buy match these specs exactly to avoid fitment issues.
Choosing the Right Wheels
Now that you know your 1999 Honda Accord’s bolt pattern, let’s talk about picking the right wheels. I’ll help you avoid common mistakes and save some money in the process.
1. Factory Wheel Specs
Your Accord came with these original specs:
- Wheel size: 15 x 6 inches.
- Offset: +45mm.
- Tire size: 195/65R15.
2. What Size Can You Actually Fit?
You’ve got some wiggle room here. Your Accord can safely handle:
- 15 to 17-inch wheels.
- Widths from 6 to 7.5 inches.
- Offset range: +35mm to +50mm.
Money-Saving Tip
While bigger wheels look cool, sticking closer to factory sizes means cheaper tires and better ride comfort. Plus, your speedometer stays accurate.
Watch Out For
Don’t just check the bolt pattern. A wheel can have the right 5 x 114.3mm pattern but still cause problems if:
- The offset is wrong. (your wheels might rub)
- The center bore doesn’t match. (though hub rings can fix this)
- The width is too wide. (hello, fender rubs)
Remember: The cheapest route isn’t always the smartest. Quality wheels from known brands tend to be more precise with their specs and last longer.
Conclusion
Getting the right wheels for your 1999 Honda Accord doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember, you’re looking for a 5 x 114.3mm bolt pattern – that’s your starting point.
While you’ve got some flexibility with wheel sizes and styles, the bolt pattern is non-negotiable. Take your time measuring, double-check all specs before buying, and don’t hesitate to ask a professional if you’re unsure.
After all, your wheels literally keep you connected to the road. Though larger wheels might look tempting, consider sticking close to factory specs for the best balance of performance, comfort, and cost.
With the information from this guide, you can now shop for wheels confidently, knowing exactly what will fit your Accord.
And if you’re still unsure about anything, most tire shops will be happy to help you confirm your measurements before you make a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the exact bolt pattern for a 1999 Honda Accord?
The bolt pattern is 5 x 114.3mm (or 5 x 4.5 inches). This means it has 5 lug nuts arranged in a circle that’s 114.3mm in diameter.
Can I put 17-inch wheels on my 1999 Accord?
Yes, you can safely fit 17-inch wheels on your ’99 Accord. Just make sure they have the correct bolt pattern, offset, and width. Keep in mind that bigger wheels mean more expensive tires and potentially a firmer ride.
Will wheels from a 2002 Accord fit my 1999 model?
Most likely, yes. Honda Accords from 1998 to 2002 share the same 5 x 114.3mm bolt pattern. However, always verify the offset and center bore measurements before purchasing.
What’s the center bore size for my Accord’s wheels?
The center bore on a 1999 Accord is 64.1mm. This is important to know when buying new wheels, though hub-centric rings can help if the new wheels have a larger center bore.
Do I need special lug nuts for aftermarket wheels?
It depends on the wheels. Your Accord uses M12 x 1.5 thread-size lug nuts, but you must match the seat type (conical or flat) to your new wheels. Some aftermarket wheels might require specific lug nuts, so check with the manufacturer.