We’ve written extensively about the Toyota Corolla and numerous questions you can have about this car. Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Toyota Corolla. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:
Generations of the Toyota Corolla made from 2003 onwards have a bolt pattern of 5×3.9 inches (5x100mm), a center bore of 2.1 inches (54.1mm), and five lug nuts with a thread size of M12 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 56 ft-lbs (76nm) of force.
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. 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 Toyota Corolla, 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 Toyota Corolla. 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 Toyota Corolla, 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.
2020 – 2022
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, 225/45R17, or 225/40R18
- Rim size: 6.5Jx15 ET40, 7Jx16 ET40, 7.5Jx17 ET40, or 8Jx18 ET40
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 195/65R15 or 205/55R16
- Rim size: 6.5Jx15 ET40 or 7Jx16 ET40
2013 – 2019
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 195/65R15, 205/55R16, or 215/45ZR17
- Rim size: 6Jx15 ET33, 6.5Jx16 ET39 or 7Jx17 ET39
2011 – 2013
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 VVTi engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size 195/65R15 or 205/55R16
- Rim size: 6Jx15 ET33 or 6.5Jx16 ET39
2009 – 2010
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 VVTi engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size 195/65R15 or 205/55R16
- Rim size: 6Jx15 ET33 or 6.5Jx16 ET39
Toyota Corolla with a 2.4 VVT-i engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 215/45ZR17
- Rim size: 7Jx17 ET39
2006 – 2008
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 VVTi engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 195/55R16
- Rim size: 6Jx16 ET45
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 VVTi engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 185/65R15 or 195/65R15
- Rim size: 6JJx15 ET45 or 6JJx15 ET45
2003 – 2005
Toyota Corolla with a 1.8 VVTi engine has the following specifications:
- Tire size: 185/65R15 or 195/65R15
- Rim size: 6JJx15 ET45 or 6JJx15 ET45
Retightening The Bolts
As said before, the latest Toyota Corolla generation that we discussed has 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. Toyota advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.
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 Toyota Corolla needs to have the bolts tightened to 56 ft-lbs (76nm).
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 is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Toyota Corolla, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it’s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 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 really dug deep into all the nitty-gritty about bolt patterns, lug nuts, and hub sizes across the different generations of Toyota Corolla. It might not be the most exciting topic, but hopefully we made it a little easier.
It’s also far from the only topic we’ve covered when it comes to your Corolla and we can get you up to spend on everything from selecting the right fuel to understanding the most common problems reported by Corolla drivers– and everything in between.
Wrapping things up, this in-depth look should give you the full picture when it’s time to choose new tires or rims for your Corolla. We’ve covered a lot of ground here, from wheel specs to the different tire sizes for each engine type. It’s pretty much your go-to guide when shopping for wheels. So now, you’re all set to make an informed decision. Remember, these little details can make a big difference in how your car rides and handles. Here’s to smooth and safe travels in your Toyota Corolla!
Sources
- https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/toyota/2020-corolla.pdf
- https://www.wheel-size.com/size/toyota/corolla/
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!