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Hey all,
Did a few searches, couldnt find anything on this specifically:

I have a set of 4 winter tires, mounted on NON-oem steelies. I've had them for a few years, and have just taken them in to get put on (Toronto is getting alot of snow right now) for this winter. The guy there said that they couldnt put on the rims because the center of the rim that fits around the hub is too big. He said the OEM steelies fit snugly around, whereas this one is maybe 5millimeters too big, so that all of the weight of the car is resting on the four bolts, which he said is not good.

Does anyone know anything about this?
I can clarify if necessary.

Thanks!

 
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I've worked at America's/Discount Tire co. for about 5 years now and there is a couple things you need to check. The guy you talked to was talking about "Hub centric wheels" That is when the hub of the car and the hub of the wheel fit snug. What you have are "lug centric wheels" that is when the hub if the wheel and the hub of the car are different. Just about all aftermarket wheels are lug centric. That is why they make hub rings. (plastic or metal ring that fits on the hub) Just as long as the hub of the car is smaller than the hub of the wheel you it is ok. Now this may cause a little vibration but that is all, it is ok. Now are they honda wheels? If not you need to make sure it is the right bolt pattern. The bolt pattern for a civic is 4-100. Now if they are honda wheels you need to make sure to use your OE lugs. If they arn't Honda wheels you need to use a aftermarket lug nut. See Honda uses a special lug nut on there OE wheels called a "Ball Seat" lug. This is different than any other lug on the market. Everything else has a "Acorn Seat" If you use the wrong lugs for the wrong wheels your wheels may fall off. I know that is a lot of info so if you have any questions just let me know.

 
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Thanks for the huge post, very informative.

Since my first post I've contacted a few places around here, and im going to get some hub centric rings to fill out the rest of the hub space, while the NON-oem steelies are on. That should fix that problem.

But now the lugnut issue: I hadn't heard that honda uses different lugnuts. Would you recommend I buy a separate set of lugnuts entirely for the non-oem steelies? What do those run? Can you perhaps hit me with a URL that shows exactly what it is, so I can show it to the local guys that I can get it from.

Thanks again

 
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Any aftermarket lug will do just as long as it is the right size (12X1.5). You can only get ball seat lugs from a dealer like honda. so any 12X1.5 lug will work just fine. there not too expencive you can probabily get a set for under $20 depending where you go. They don't even have to be brand new you can get some used one's from a friend or something like that. Good luck

 
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xjoshmillerx: that was really good advice.


I spent a couple of years as a tire installer for a local franchise here in town.