Enhancing Your Car's Look: A Guide to Selecting Rims

Rims are a nice addition to your vehicle and can upgrade your car’s look, adding to the look and feel of your vehicle.

Considering that almost 92% of American households own at least one vehicle, getting new rims may give your car more of a unique look. This article will highlight the factors to consider when selecting rims for your car or vehicle.

 

Types of Rims – alloy vs. steel

The right rims can elevate your car in several ways. A larger, wider rim may make your car look bigger, while smaller rims can give your vehicle more of a sleek appearance. Rims don’t just add appeal; they also hold the tire in place, playing an important role in the overall car performance.

Before shopping, you may want to know more about the types of rims, so you know what to look for. Rims are either made from steel or alloy materials. Alloy wheels are a mix of metals like aluminum and magnesium. They’re much lighter than steel rims, which can improve car performance by enhancing car handling, braking, accelerating, steering, and fuel economy. Alloy rims have a variety of spoke options.

Steel wheels are made of an alloy or iron and carbon, making them heavier, tougher, and in comparison, can be considered more durable. The weight also increases friction between the tires and the road during winter, helping to prevent sliding on ice and snow.

When selecting rim designs and finish options, it’s important to understand that alloy rims may offer a wider selection than steel ones. Explore the following finishes:

  • Chrome-plated: The rim is coated with several layers of chromium and other metals, giving it a highly reflective and shiny appearance.
  • Painted: A painted finish uses wet paint and a clear topcoat, which protects the finish. You have a wide variety of colors to select with this option.
  • Powder-coated: Color and resin are spray-painted onto the rim, and the wheel is heated to set the finish.

Considerations for Rim Selection, Sizing and Fitment

Car rims come in different diameters – most cars have rims ranging from 14 to 21 inches, but some sporty and luxury cars may have larger rims.

Rims with a larger diameter and shorter tire sidewalls make cars look more attractive, while smaller wheel diameters allow for an increased tire sidewall, improving off-road performance. If you enjoy off-roading, consider getting wheels with smaller rims and tires with taller sidewalls.

If you want to upsize, consider new car tires with lower sidewalls to maintain the correct rolling diameter. A larger rolling diameter will affect gearing and may cause improper speedometer readings. When looking for new wheels, you should also consider the number of lugs your car has so you can buy or lease car wheels with matching bolt patterns.

As a note – check the owner’s manual for the bolt pattern measurement and the size of the lug nuts and studs to get the right wheel for compatibility. This is especially important if you buy or lease aftermarket wheels, which independent manufacturers make to fit multiple car models. You should also consider the rim’s backspacing and wheel offset – the distance between the centerline and the back of the wheel. Improper measurements can affect the steering wheel and other steering components.

Maintenance and Practical Aspects

While alloy vs. steel is a personal choice both alloy and steel rims are vulnerable to damage over time. Corrosion and damage can occur due to water and salt exposure, potholes, and low tire pressure, which stresses the rims over time. Therefore, proper maintenance and care for your rims are an important thing to consider.

Conclusion

Interested in exploring your car’s appearance and look? Consider rims as an option. Several types of rims and various materials, colors, and finish options could elevate your car or vehicle’s look.

Please note: This content is for informational purposes only.