TPMS & Valve Stems vs. Wheel Bolt Patterns
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS, mandated by the US TREAD Act and EU UNECE Regulation 64) utilize Direct TPMS wheel-mounted valve sensors communicating via RF radio frequencies (315 MHz in North America, 433.92 MHz in Europe and Global). Utilizing the standard Schrader pneumatic valve with unified 8V1-32 UNEF cap threads.
Wheel Bolt Patterns (defined by the number of wheel lugs and their Pitch Circle Diameter / PCD in millimeters or inches, e.g. 5×114.3 mm or 5×4.5") establish the mechanical bolt hole circle on the wheel hub. Standardizing automotive fitments across Japanese (5×114.3), German VAG/Mercedes (5×112), BMW (5×120 / 5×112), Ford/PSA (4×108), and pickup trucks (6×139.7 / 6×5.5").
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Pneumatic Valve Standard
|
Schrader automotive tire valve (standard TR413 / TR414 rubber snap-in or metal clamp-in) | — |
|
Valve Thread Specification
|
8V1-32 UNEF (0.305 in / 7.7 mm diameter with 32 threads per inch) | — |
|
North American TPMS Frequency
|
315 MHz UHF radio frequency (FCC Part 15 compliant) | — |
|
European & Global TPMS Frequency
|
433.92 MHz UHF radio frequency | — |
|
Direct vs Indirect TPMS
|
Direct: Physical pressure sensor in each wheel | Indirect: ABS/ESP wheel speed sensors calculate rolling circumference drops | — |
|
TPMS Warning Threshold
|
Mandated dash warning triggers when pressure drops 25% below the placard recommended cold pressure | — |
|
Definition of PCD
|
— | The diameter of the notional circle passing through the center of all wheel lug stud holes |
|
5×114.3 mm (5×4.5 in)
|
— | The most widely used Japanese/American pattern: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, Ford Mustang, Tesla Model 3/Y |
|
5×112 mm
|
— | The German automotive benchmark: Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz, modern BMW (G-chassis), MINI |
|
5×120 mm (5×4.72 in)
|
— | Classic BMW (E & F chassis), Honda Civic Type R (FK8/FL5), Tesla Model S/X, Chevrolet Corvette |
|
5×100 mm & 4×100 mm
|
— | 5×100: Subaru WRX/BRZ, Toyota GT86, older VW Golf | 4×100: Mazda Miata NA/NB, classic Honda Civic, BMW E30 |
|
6×139.7 mm (6×5.5 in)
|
— | The universal body-on-frame truck/SUV standard: Toyota Tacoma/4Runner/Land Cruiser, Ford Ranger, Chevy Silverado |
|
5-Lug Measurement Rule
|
— | Measure from the center of one hole to the outer edge of the second opposite hole (not center-to-center) |