Making Things Fit: Centering Rings

Many alloy wheels are manufactured with a relatively large center bore. This is because alloy wheels are designed to fit as many vehicle models as possible, and different automotive brands use different center bore diameters. Because the alloy wheel must perfectly fit on the vehicle hub, of course, there is a mounting aid to accommodate any difference between the wheel hub diameter and the center bore diameter: centering rings.

If the wheel is not installed with a perfect fit on the vehicle hub, the driver may notice that the vehicle is off balance, especially at high speeds. Everyone should check whether centering rings are required before mounting their alloy wheels.

As the name implies, centering rings serve to accurately center the wheel on the hub and screw it on with precision during mounting. They are also known as centric rings or hub centric rings. Centering rings are typically plastic, though some are also made of metal. Different sizes are often available in different colors, making it easier to tell the different dimensions apart from one another.

If centering rings are not already provided with your set of alloy wheels, you can buy a separate mounting set. Such accessory sets usually consist of four centering rings and the corresponding number of wheel bolts. A wide selection of RIAL mounting sets for various wheels and vehicle types can be found at specialist dealers.

For anyone who has ever held a wrench, attaching the centering rings will be no hurdle. Simply press the ring from behind into the alloy wheel’s center bore to reduce the diameter of the hole. The alloy wheel rim will then perfectly fit your vehicle and is ready to be mounted.

As always, only fastening components permitted by the wheel’s certificate should be used. Additionally, drivers should always get their wheels retorqued after driving approximately 50 kilometers.