Buying New Wheels For Your Car: A Shopping Guide

You might not think about your vehicle’s wheels on a daily basis. It’s easy to assume that they’ll take us from Point A to Point B without an issue.

However, when they’re on the fritz, you’re sure to notice it. Outdated or malfunctioning wheels are not only a pain to deal with, but they can also be a real safety hazard on the road.

If you’re thinking about buying new wheels, then read on. Today, we’re sharing the ultimate guide on what to look for, the options to consider, and how to drive away happy.

Choosing the Right Size

Before you dive into the special features that each model offers, it’s critical to make sure that any new wheels you buy are sized to fit your vehicle perfectly.

Investing in a set that’s too big or too small can cause a range of problems. Not only could it cause your tires to wear unevenly, but it can also wreak havoc on your vehicle’s alignment. If you aren’t sure what size you need, there are three simple ways to tell.

Let’s look at each one in greater detail.

Research Your Vehicle

The quickest way to determine the wheel size you need is to go online. Look up your vehicle manufacturer, as well as the other details about your car, including its make, model, and year. You can also find this information in your guidebook.

Then, plug that information into tire sites to determine the exact wheel size you need.

Visit a Local Tire Store

You can also take your car to your trusted mechanic or a local tire shop. There, the experts can assess your vehicle and let you know what size will fit.

In addition, they can also point out different aftermarket wheels that will work with your vehicle, explaining the performance rating and operational features of each set.

Measure Yourself

While the above two methods can help you ensure you’ve sized your new wheels correctly, you may prefer to take a DIY approach instead.

If this is the case, then look for online tutorials that walk you through the steps required to accurately measure the different components of your wheels, including:

• Diameter
• Center bore measurement
• Bolt pattern
• X-factor
• Offset
• Circle

Most of those guides will also tell you where to look on your wheels to find other important metrics, including Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and load capacity.

What About Resizing?

Are you thinking about resizing the wheels on your car? If you want to go bigger or smaller, remember that you’ll need to change your tire size, too.

It might sound like a simple step, but this one can get a little tricky. As you size up or down, you’ll need to keep the same sizing ratio between your wheels and tires. This way, your car can stay in the right calibration and your speedometer and odometer settings will remain intact.

Check Online Reviews

Resist the urge to buy new car wheels from the very first retailer you encounter. At the same time, don’t lead with dollar signs. While you obviously want to get a great deal on your set, you don’t want to sink money into wheels that will need replacing before too long.

To gauge the level of quality you can expect, be sure to check out what others are saying about the wheels. Read online reviews, ask your social media community, and do your due diligence. You can buy cheap wheels at a great price point and the level of quality you deserve.

While you can get a solid offer from a tire shop, remember to look at online retailers, too. These will often have a wider selection than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. As such, they can usually extend discounts to buyers due to their inventory levels.

Consider Different Finishes

In addition to choosing the right wheel size, it’s also important to select a finish that you love. Different options include:

• Painted
• Polished
• Hypersilver
• Machined
• Chrome

There isn’t a universal best answer, so keep your personal preference in mind. If you want to stand out on the road, then you can’t go wrong with a hypersilver or chrome finish. On the other hand, polished or machined wheels are usually more subtle in nature.

You’ll need to clean and maintain each finish in a different way, so make sure you can devote the time required to do so.

Determine Alloy vs. Steel

While most modern vehicles are equipped with alloy wheels, steel versions are heavier and more rugged. If you need an ultra-high-performance set, then the latter is preferred.

Otherwise, alloy wheels are the way to go.

Not only are these lighter and easier to maneuver, but the metal is also more flexible. Alloy wheels are a combination of aluminum and nickel, which can be shaped into a variety of custom designs. Their main drawback is that they can be a little softer on the road, and more prone to bending.

Otherwise, if you keep your alloy wheels in great shape, then you should be able to enjoy them for years to come. Learn more about the main differences before you buy.

Buying New Wheels the Right Way

If you’re buying new wheels, the process doesn’t have to be difficult or complicated. Once you know the right size you need, you can finalize the aesthetic details, such as the type of metal and finish you prefer.

If you plan on resizing your wheels, make sure to do the same with your tires. While you can take your own measurements, it’s always best to let a mechanic or tire professional take the reins to ensure accuracy.

Looking for more car news, reviews, and advice? We have it all on our blog, so check back for other informative guides!