We’ve written extensively about the Canadian/Mexican-made GMC Terrain and numerous questions you can have about this car, whether it’s the GMC Terrain fuel type, or where GMC Terrain is made.
Today, we will talk about the information you need to select the correct new tires or rims for your Terrain. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
GMC Terrain manufactured from 2018 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×4.53″ (5x115mm), whereas Terrain manufactured between 2010 – 2017 have a bolt pattern of 5×4.72″ (5x120mm).
However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. 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. This way, you should know precisely what you can and cannot buy. Read on!
Also, read our main article in which we outline the bolt pattern for all GMC models.
Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation
To fit a wheel properly on your GMC Terrain, 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 Terrain. 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 Terrain, 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.
2018 – Present-day
GMC Terrain manufactured between 2018 – Present-day have a center bore of 70.3mm and a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.53″ (5x115mm). Furthermore, they have five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 103 lb-ft (140Nm).
- Terrain with a 1.5L and 1.6L engine have a standard tire size of 225/65R17 and a rim size of 7Jx17 ET41.
- Terrain with a 2.0L engine have a standard tire size of 235/50R19 and a rim size of 7.5Jx19 ET46.
- Terrain with a 2.4L engine have a standard tire size of 235/55R18 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET46.
- Terrain with a 3.6L engine have a standard tire size of 235/55R18 or 235/55R19 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET46 or 7Jx19 ET46.
2010 – 2017
GMC Terrain manufactured between 2010 – 2017 have a center bore of 66.9mm and a bolt pattern of 5 x 4.72″ (5x120mm). Furthermore, they have five lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 140 lb-ft (190Nm).
- Terrain with a 2.4L engine have a standard tire size of 225/65R17 or 235/55R18 and a rim size of 7Jx17 ET43 or 7Jx18 ET46.
- Terrain with a 3.0L engine have a standard tire size of 235/55R18 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET46.
- Terrain with a 3.6L engine have a standard tire size of 235/55R18 or 235/55R19 and a rim size of 7Jx18 ET46 or 7Jx19 ET46.
Retighten The Bolts
As said before, all generations of the Terrain 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. GMC 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 current generation of the Terrain needs to have the bolt tightened to 140 lb-ft. This is very tight.
It’s expected that your wheel also has 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 with when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Terrain, 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.
Sources
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/gmc/terrain/
- https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/dynamic/manuals/2021/gmc/terrain/2021-gmc-terrain-owners-manual.pdf
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!