The specification for how a wheel is mounted to a vehicle is a crucial measurement in automotive engineering. For the 2011 model year of a particular compact car, this measurement indicates the number of wheel studs and the diameter of the circle they form. Specifically, it dictates the configuration of the fasteners used to secure the wheel to the hub. An example would be “5×100,” which signifies five studs arranged on a circle with a 100mm diameter.
Adherence to the correct specification ensures wheel compatibility and safe vehicle operation. Using wheels with an incorrect specification can lead to wheel detachment, potentially resulting in accidents and serious injuries. The specification is a fundamental aspect of vehicle design, dictated by engineering requirements for load bearing, braking performance, and overall stability. This has remained a relatively stable characteristic over several model years of this vehicle, although variations can occur between different trim levels or regions.