The Exact Bolt Pattern Of A Chevrolet Traverse - The Driver Adviser (2024)

We’ve written extensively about the Chevrolet Traverse and numerous questions you can have about this car, including the Chevy Traverse gas type.

Today, we will talk about the information you need to have to select the correct new tires or rims for your Chevrolet Traverse. Specifically, we’ll take a look at the bolt pattern for each generation. Let’s start with a quick answer:

Generations of the Chevrolet Traverse made from 2007-2017 have a bolt pattern of 6×5.2inches (6x132mm), a center bore of 2.93 inches (74.5mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 140 lb-ft (190nm) of force.

Generations of the Chevrolet Traverse made from 2018 onwards have a bolt pattern of 6×4.72inches (6x120mm), a center bore of 2.63 inches (66.9mm), and six lug nuts with a thread size of M14 x 1.5 that need to be tightened with 140lb-ft (190nm) of force.

However, that certainly doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the bolt pattern in more detail for each generation. We also discuss what lugs/bolts are used precisely, the exact diameter of the center bore hub and the torque specifications of the bolts. Finally, we also have information about each engine type’s exact tire size and rim size. You should know precisely what you can and cannot buy this way. Read on!

Also, read our main article in which we outline the bolt pattern for all Chevy models.

Wheel Fitment Specifications Per Generation

To fit a wheel properly on your Chevrolet Traverse you’ll need to know more aspects than just the bolt pattern. Below we’ve outlined all the factors you should be aware of for each generation of the Chevrolet Traverse. These include: center bore diameter, wheel tightening torque, whether lug nuts or bolts are used, and the thread size of the bolts.

We also want to clarify that the below-listed specifications are the same for all models within that generation. The Chevrolet Traverse, of course, comes in different trim levels and engine options. However, these bolt patterns, lugs used, and torque specifications do not change for other models within a generation.

You can also see patterns across other Chevy models like the Colorado which also has a 6×4.72 inch bolt pattern for most generations so if you’re familiar with other Chevy models this should be old news.

Furthermore, we also listed the exact tire and rim size used with each engine option to give you a precise idea of what tires you can and cannot buy.

2022-2023

Chevrolet Traverse with a 3.6 engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 255/65R18 or 255/55R20
• Rim size: 7.5Jx18 ET50 or 8Jx20 ET50

2018-2021

Chevrolet Traverse with a 2.0T engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 255/55R20
• Rim size: 8Jx20 ET50

Chevrolet Traverse with a 3.6 engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 255/65R18 or 255/55R20
• Rim size: 7.5Jx18 ET50 or 8Jx20 ET50

2009-2017

Chevrolet Traverse with a 3.6 engine have the following specifications:

• Tire size: 245/70R17, 255/65R18 or 255/55R20
• Rim size: 7.5Jx17 ET50, 7.5Jx18 ET50 or 7.5Jx20 ET50

Retightening The Bolts

As said before, most generations of the Chevrolet Traverse that we discussed have six lug nuts. These need to be secured in a specific way when you mount the wheel to the car again. This information is stated in the owner’s manual, but we’ve gone through the effort of instructing you here. Chevrolet advises you to bolt these nuts in the way that’s shown below. You have to follow a crisscross pattern.

You do this by tightening all the nuts with a wheel wrench first. Please make sure only to tighten them halfway; otherwise, you’ll run into problems.

In the second round, you tighten them with the wheel wrench to the appropriate lbs-ft or Nm that we’ve stated earlier. Please note that the newest generation of the Chevrolet Traverse needs to have the bolts tightened to 140 lb-ft.

It’s expected that your wheel also has a center cap or cover. These need to be secured in the same pattern. Please tighten them first-hand snug with your hands. Then, use the wheel wrench to tighten them another one-quarter turn.

It’s also important to check if the lug nuts are still secured after 30 miles (48 kilometers). Please make sure they are all in place and still tightened with the proper force. If not, tighten them again and recheck. If this keeps happening, you’ll need to replace the wheel.

When Or Why To Rotate/Change Tires

Suppose you’re changing your tire. You also need to know when to change or rotate it precisely. Let’s first talk about changing your tires. Tires usually last around 60,000 – 75,000 miles or 4-5 years. After this period, they need to be replaced. Sometimes this happens earlier, and therefore, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the tread wear indicators. These are shown in the image below. These indicators show when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less tread remaining.

Another occasion when you’ll need to take off your tires is when you’re rotating them. In the owner’s manual of the Chevrolet Traverse, it’s said that this needs to happen every 5,000 – 7,500 miles (8,000 – 12,000 kilometers) for FWD or RWD vehicles. For AWD vehicles, it´s recommended to do this every 3,000 – 5,000 miles (5,000 – 8,000 kilometers). It’s advised you rotate the tires in the exact way that’s shown below. The front tires are moved to the back, and the front tires move crisscross to the front.

Sources

• https://cdn.dealereprocess.org/cdn/servicemanuals/chevrolet/2021-traverse.pdf
• https://www.wheel-size.com/size/chevrolet/traverse/