How to Choose Rims?
The rims are very important in the handling of the vehicle which contributes to safety and ride comfort. If they are not fit for the tyres and the car, they simply shouldn’t be mounted. The rim will either be too narrow or too wide or the diameter will be too small or too large.
Incorrect choice of rims for tyres, which can still be mounted together, can lead to sliding while driving, damaged tyres, rims and suspension elements of the vehicle.
After changing the rim remember that the same tyre on another rim will work differently. The contact area of the tyre with the road will be different and the shoulder of the tyre will have a different position on the surface. So, it is important to choose compatible rims to your tyres.
You will probably choose not to buy them from the brand itself, as they tend to be quite expensive. There are many cheap wheel options on the market, but when you go to buy them, there are few basic things to consider:
The rim and tyre diameter must of course be the same
The circumference of the wheel must be identical to that of the standard rim. If you choose wheels that increase the track width by more than 30 mm, the car inspection will be unfavourable and you will need to have your wheels approved for tyre fitting.
The rim groove i.e the width of the rim
It determines the maximum tyre width that a rim can safely carry.
The weight
You should also be aware that the larger and wider a rim is, the heavier it is. Due to the rotational forces, this excess weight is multiplied by four in the wheel hub when the wheel is moving. In other words, if we have a rim that weighs five kilograms too much, when the vehicle is in motion this excess will be 20 kilograms, which multiplied by four wheels gives a total of 80 kilograms extra on our car. This will reduce driving dynamics and acceleration.
The material
That said, the material the wheels are made of is of particular relevance, as it can be crucial to the weight of the car. There are different types of rims :
- Steel rims
- Alloy rims
- Magnesium rims
- Carbon fibre rims
Steel rims are durable and cost-effective, but they can be heavier. Aluminium alloy rims are lighter and provide better heat dissipation, enhancing braking performance. Forged alloy rims are the lightest and strongest, offering superior performance but at a higher cost.
The finish
Rims are available in various finishes, including polished, painted, chrome, and matte. The finish can significantly impact the overall appearance of your vehicle. Consider factors such as durability, ease of maintenance, and compatibility with your vehicle's colour and style when selecting the finish.
The budget
Set a budget for your rim purchase and consider the cost of the rims along with any additional expenses, such as installation, tyres, and maintenance. Remember that quality rims are a long-term investment, so it is worth investing in reputable brands known for their durability and performance.
How do you know if a set of rims will fit my car?
- By checking the vehicle's bolt pattern, which refers to the number of bolts and the diameter of the circle they form, found in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.
- Also, by checking the size of the rim if it matches the recommended one for your vehicle.
- By assessing the clearance between the rims and various components of the vehicle like suspension components, brake callipers, and fenders.
- Consider the hub bore diameter of the rims, which is the hole in the centre of the rim that fits over the vehicle's hub. The hub bore diameter should match or be slightly larger than the hub diameter of your car to ensure proper centering and load distribution.
- By consulting with a tyre specialist to guide you.