We’ve written extensively about the American-made Ford Focus and numerous questions you can have about this car, like the Ford Focus fuel type, or where this model is made, among others.
Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Focus. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Ford Focus 1998 – 2011 have a bolt pattern of 4×4.25 inches (4x108mm) and models manufactured after 2012 have a bolt pattern of 5×4.25 inches (5x108mm). All generations have a center bore of 2.5 inches (63.4mm), and lug nuts with an M12 x 1.5 thread size, that need to be tightened with 99.5lb-ft (135Nm) of force.
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. While we’ve talked about the bolt pattern for all Ford models before, this time we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation of the Ford Focus.
We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub, and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your Focus, you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Focus. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.
We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Focus, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.
Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.
2015 – 2018
- Ford Focus with a 1.0 EcoBoost I3 or 2.0Ti I4 engine has a standard tire size of 195/65R15, 215/55R16 or 215/50R17 and a standard rim size of 6Jx15 ET46, 7Jx16 ET50 or 7Jx17 ET50.
- Ford Focus with a 2.0 EcoBoost I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/40ZR18 and a standard rim size of 8Jx18 ET55.
- Ford Focus with a 2.3 EcoBoost I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/35ZR19 and a standard rim size of 8Jx19 ET50.
2012 – 2014
- Ford Focus with a 2.0T I4 engine has a standard tire size of 235/40ZR18 and a standard rim size of 8Jx18 ET55.
- Ford Focus with a 2.0Ti I4 engine has a standard tire size of 195/65R15, 215/55R16, 215/55R16, 215/50R17 or 215/50R17 and a standard rim size of 6Jx15 ET46, 6.5Jx16 ET50, 7Jx16 ET50, 7Jx17 ET50 or 7Jx17 ET55.
2008 – 2011
- Ford Focus with a 2.0i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 195/60R15 or 205/50R16 and a standard rim size of 6Jx15 ET52.5 or 6Jx16 ET52.5.
2005 – 2007
- Ford Focus with a 2.0i I4 or 2.3i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 195/60R15 or 205/50R16 and a standard rim size of 6Jx15 ET52.5 or 6Jx16 ET52.5.
1998 – 2004
- Ford Focus with a 1.4i I4, 1.6i I4, 1.8TDDi (74hp) I4, 1.8TDDi (89) I4 or 2.0i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 175/70R14 and a standard rim size of 5.5Jx14 ET47.5.
- Ford Focus with a 1.8i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 175/70R14 or 185/65R14 and a standard rim size of 5.5Jx14 ET47.5 or 5.5Jx14 ET43.5.
- Ford Focus with a 2.0i (110hp) I4, 2.0i (130hp) I4 or 2.3i I4 engine has a standard tire size of 185/65R14 and a standard rim size of 5.5Jx14 ET47.5.
- Ford Focus with a 2.0i (170hp) I4 engine has a standard tire size of 215/45ZR17 and a standard rim size of 7Jx17 ET49.
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, most generations of the Focus that we discussed have five lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again.
This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Ford advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.
In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Focus needs to have the bolts tightened to 99.5 lb-ft.
It’s expected that your wheel also have a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.
It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.
When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires
Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period they need to be replaced.
Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.
Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Focus, it’s said that this needs to happen every 7,500 miles or 12,000 kilometers.
It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.
Closing Thoughts
We’ve crossed the finish line on our info-laden tour of the Ford Focus’s bolt pattern. Don’t forget, understanding your bolt pattern isn’t just about showing off shiny new rims—it’s about safety, performance, and the sweet satisfaction of knowing your ride inside and out.
If you’re the curious type and want to dig into bolt patterns for other Ford models, we’ve got you covered. Explore our articles on “The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Ford Fusion” or “The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Ford Mustang“, and many more, for more detailed information.
As always, thanks for joining us on this mechanical journey. Drive safe, keep that engine purring, and never curb your enthusiasm for all things automotive!
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
Read more about our fantastic team on our about page!