Things You Need to Know When Choosing Custom Wheels for Your Car
Buying a set of custom wheels for your car can be an excellent way to add your own flair, but it is essential that the wheels you buy fit correctly. A visit to the local tire or custom wheels shop can help you decide on a design and get some help to ensure your new custom wheels look and work great. Read on to learn more.
Wheel Sizes
When a manufacturer designs a car or truck, a lot of engineering goes into it, and the wheels and tires that come stock are part of the design. Adding custom wheels to the car means making a change that could affect how the car handles and rides.
The correct tire size for your car is in your owner's manual, but it is not absolute. If you are considering a larger set of wheels with sport or performance tires, you need to make sure they fit under the fenders without rubbing anything on the body or chassis.
The wheel width is critical, and the position it sits in once bolted to the hub can push the wheel in or out to help with clearance on the car. The custom wheel shop will take some measurements then order the wheels that will fit your vehicle perfectly.
Custom wheels are available in many different styles and sizes, so take your time to look around before ordering a wheel that you may not be happy with and can not return after they arrive. In some cases, the wheels are made to order, so they are not refundable unless there is a defect or damage to the wheels when they arrive.
Tires and Ride Quality
Custom car wheels can completely change the type of tire you use on your car. A large diameter rim often means tires need shorter sidewalls to fit the vehicle. While these large wheels and short sidewall setups look nice on most cars and trucks, the tire loses so much flexibility that the car's ride can stiffen considerably.
Choosing a smaller size wheel and a tire with more sidewall can help remedy the problem, and if you want to retain the stock ride, consider wheels that are the same size as your original wheels but in a custom design. In the long run, you will save money on the tires, and replacements are less expensive when it comes time to put new tires on the car.
You can also find tires that look sporty or have lettering on them in stock sizes that look great, handle well, and will maintain the ride that you have come to expect from your car or truck.