2011 Chevrolet Volt Wheel Fitment and Interchange Guide
Known OEM Fitment For 2011 Chevrolet Volt
The following specifications reflect the known factory wheel and tire setup for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt. Use them as your baseline when comparing donor wheels and selecting upgrades. If a value you need is not listed, verify it in your owner’s manual or through an OEM source, then compare in the on-page calculator.
| Bolt pattern | 5x115 |
| Center bore | 70.3 mm |
| Thread size | M12 x 1.5 |
| Rim diameter | 17 in |
| Rim width | 7.0 in |
| Wheel offset (ET) | 38 mm |
| Backspacing | 5.0 in |
| Tire size | 215/55R17 |
| Approx. tire diameter | 26.3 in (668 mm) |
Notes:
- Use hub-centric wheels or rings that fit the Volt’s 70.3 mm hub to reduce vibration. The outer ring diameter must match your wheel’s center bore. Measure or check the wheel manufacturer’s specs.
- Offset affects inner clearance to the strut and outer clearance to the fender. Start from the OEM ET 38 mm and validate changes with the calculator and a physical clearance check.
How To Use The Wheel Interchange Calculator
The calculator on wheelinterchange.com compares a donor wheel setup against your 2011 Volt. It also lets you test custom wheel and tire sizes. Follow these steps:
- In Wheels from (donor vehicle): enter or select the donor wheel and tire specs. If you only know wheel size and offset, input those directly.
- In Installed on (your vehicle): select 2011 Chevrolet Volt or input the OEM specs listed above.
- Custom wheel size: adjust rim diameter, width, and offset to test aftermarket options. Watch inner clearance to suspension and outer poke at the fender line.
- Custom tire size: adjust section width and aspect ratio. When you change rim diameter, the tool updates tire diameter so you can keep overall diameter close to stock.
- Review results: aim for a tire diameter change within about 3 percent to help maintain speedometer accuracy and avoid ABS or traction control issues. Verify brake caliper and spoke clearance visually before purchase.
Fitment Checklist Before You Buy
- Bolt pattern: Wheel must be 5x115. Do not attempt to fit 5x114.3 without proper adapters and engineering review.
- Center bore: 70.3 mm hub. If the wheel bore is larger, use hub-centric rings with 70.3 mm inner diameter and the correct outer diameter for your wheel. If the wheel bore is smaller, it will not fit.
- Offset and width: Start from OEM 17x7 ET 38. Use the calculator to see how changes affect inner strut clearance and outer fender clearance. Measure your car: a straightedge against the fender and a ruler to the current tire sidewall can help estimate available room.
- Brake clearance: Confirm spoke and barrel clearance over the Volt’s calipers. Request a test template from the wheel maker when possible.
- Lug hardware: Threads are M12x1.5. Match the seat style to the wheel design. Conical vs ball vs mag seat must not be mixed.
- TPMS: The 2011 Volt uses tire pressure sensors. Use compatible GM-spec sensors and perform a relearn. Confirm frequency and part numbers via OEM sources or a trusted parts catalog.
- Load rating: Ensure wheel and tire load ratings meet or exceed OEM.
- Speedometer and gearing: Keep overall tire diameter close to the OEM 26.3 in. Use the calculator to check differences.
Plus Sizing And Common Upgrades
Many owners explore a +1 wheel upgrade for appearance or handling. The following examples are starting points to test in the calculator. They are not guarantees of clearance on your Volt. Always validate with measurements and the calculator, and consult OEM sources for any trim-specific constraints.
- +1 example to 18 in: 215/50R18. Approx. 26.5 in diameter. About +0.6 percent vs stock. Check offset and inner clearance.
- Alternative 18 in: 225/45R18. Approx. 26.0 in diameter. About -1.3 percent vs stock. Verify fender poke and rub at full lock and compression.
Wider tires may improve grip but can increase tramlining and reduce efficiency. Increasing wheel width typically requires offset adjustments to keep inner and outer clearances in balance. Use the calculator to see how changing width and ET shifts the inner and outer positions relative to OEM.
Installation Tips
- Test fit first: Mount one front and one rear wheel without tires if possible to verify caliper and hub fit. Spin by hand to ensure no contact.
- Clean the hub: Remove rust and debris on the 70.3 mm hub face. A wire brush and brake cleaner help ensure wheels sit flush.
- Hub-centric rings: If needed, install rings into the wheel snugly before mounting. The ring inner diameter must be 70.3 mm. Outer diameter must match the wheel bore.
- Lug nuts: Hand start all M12x1.5 lugs, then snug in a star pattern. Torque in stages to the value in your Volt owner’s manual and recheck after 50 to 100 miles.
- TPMS: Transfer or install compatible sensors, then perform the relearn procedure. Many GM vehicles require a specific relearn tool. Follow OEM instructions.
- Final checks: Turn lock to lock and compress the suspension to check for rub points. Verify that brake lines and ABS wires have adequate clearance.
Tools And Helpful Supplies
- 1/2 inch drive torque wrench: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=torque+wrench+1%2F2+inch+drive&tag=auto-spec-20
- M12x1.5 lug nuts sized and seated for your wheels: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=M12x1.5+lug+nuts&tag=auto-spec-20
- Hub-centric rings 70.3 mm inner diameter, correct outer diameter for your wheels: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=hub+centric+rings+70.3&tag=auto-spec-20
- GM TPMS relearn tool: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=GM+TPMS+relearn+tool&tag=auto-spec-20
FAQs
What is the bolt pattern for the 2011 Chevrolet Volt?
It is 5x115. Any replacement or donor wheel must match this pattern unless you use engineered adapters. Adapters introduce additional variables and should be evaluated carefully.
What center bore does the 2011 Volt use?
70.3 mm. If your wheel has a larger bore, install hub-centric rings with 70.3 mm inner diameter and the correct outer diameter for your specific wheel. If the wheel bore is smaller than 70.3 mm it will not seat on the hub.
Which wheel offset should I choose?
The OEM offset is 38 mm with a 17x7 wheel. Use this as your baseline. If you change width or offset, use the calculator to view inner and outer position changes and then confirm clearances with measurements on your car.
Can I run 18 inch wheels on my 2011 Volt?
Possibly, but it depends on the wheel width, offset, and tire size. Start with a tire close to the OEM diameter of about 26.3 in and verify clearance in the calculator. Always check brake and fender clearance before buying.
Do I need hub-centric rings?
If your aftermarket wheel’s center bore is larger than 70.3 mm, hub-centric rings are recommended for a vibration-free ride. If the wheel is already 70.3 mm and fits snugly, rings are not needed.
What lug nuts does the Volt use?
Threads are M12x1.5. Match the seat style to your wheel design. Do not mix conical with ball-seat hardware. Torque to the specification in the Chevrolet Volt owner’s manual.
Will my TPMS still work with new wheels?
Yes, if you install compatible sensors for the 2011 Volt and complete the relearn procedure. Confirm sensor specifications with an OEM source or reputable parts catalog.
How close should my new tire diameter be to stock?
As a general guideline, stay within about 3 percent of the OEM 26.3 in diameter to help keep speedometer and driver aids behaving normally. The calculator shows the exact difference.
What is the stock backspacing?
Approximately 5.0 in on the OEM 17x7 ET 38 wheel. If you change width or offset, use the calculator to see how backspacing and spoke position change relative to suspension parts.