Yes, extended bolts are necessary to secure 5mm spacers safely. Tire engineers explain that only if the bolt thread is long enough can the bolts provide proper clamping force to keep these 5mm spacers and wheels balanced. The general rule of thumb is that the thread length must be equal to or greater than the diameter of the bolt itself. Giving an example, an M14 wheel bolt would need at least 14mm threads to ensure a safe engagement.

However, it is not the longer the better. If the wheel bolts are too long, they may damage the bearings and can’t properly fasten the wheels. Getting correct extended wheel bolts for your 5mm spacers is critical with regard to safe wheel installation. As a guideline claims, you need at least 7 turns (preferably 8 turns) from start to torque. So, make sure you have the proper number of turns after adding 5mm spacers.

Do I Need Extended Bolts for 5mm Spacers BONOSS Forged Grade 12.9 Shell Type Locking Extended Wheel Bolts Cai (1)

How Long Wheel Bolts Do I Need for 5mm Spacers?

Simply, 5mm spacers occupy about 5mm bolt shank which stops the stock bolts from engaging the full thread depth of the bearing. For instance, if the OE wheel bolt length is 27mm and you get a 5mm wheel spacer installed, it’s probably best to order 32mm bolts right away (stock bolt length + spacer thickness = required wheel bolt length). Since the mounting plate of an aftermarket wheel can be thicker, you may need new wheel bolts a little longer than those.

You can measure this for yourself. Take off one wheel you want to use, and stick one of your stock lug bolts in one of the 5 lug holes. Then measure the exposed thread stem on the back side of the wheel. Assuming the result is 12 mm, if you use 5mm spacers, you need 17mm of extension. Since you no longer use the OEM bolts, it is important to ensure the seat type is correct. At BONOSS, we have lined up proper wheel bolts for 5mm spacers.

Do I Need Extended Bolts for 5mm Spacers BONOSS Forged Grade 12.9 Shell Type Locking Extended Wheel Bolts Cai (4)

Do I Need Extended Bolts for 5mm Spacers BONOSS Forged Grade 12.9 Shell Type Locking Extended Wheel Bolts Cai (2)

Who Makes Good Extended Bolts for 5mm Spacers?

Nobody wants to use cheap crappers on their car. If you intend to use new longer wheel bolts for 5mm spacers, why not go the rest of the distance to maximize the performance of the wheel bolts? BONOSS forged shell-type extended wheel bolts are made of high-strength SCM440 alloy steel. After a super one-time forging process, the performance meets the ISO Grade 12.9 standards (tensile strength is over 1,282 Mpa).

It makes sense that the higher the tensile strength of the bolt, the more force it can withstand more force before breaking. In addition, the bolt shells are designed to match your wheel styles. Applying lug bolts of correct colors would improve the appearance greatly. Many people use 5mm spacers to make their cars look better. With a high-quality user experience as well as a friendly price, such shell-type bolts definitely won’t disappoint you. 

Do I Need Extended Bolts for 5mm Spacers BONOSS Forged Grade 12.9 Shell Type Locking Extended Wheel Bolts Cai (3)