No single purchase can have quite the same impact on the look of a vehicle as new rims. They are a statement, telling the world about your attitude and style while also letting everyone know that you’re an un-apologetic car lover.
Upgrading your vehicle’s rims can be a fun project, but it can also be overwhelming to try and find the best fit for style and function while not getting sucked in by a slick sales presentation. Here’s what you need to know to improve the look of your ride without going broke in the process.
A World of Options
Browse online or cruise down to your local retailer, and check out the range of rim profiles and materials. Whether you want a classic, trim alloy or a spinning, LED covered dynamo, someone is making the perfect rim for you. If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, keep searching. There’s no shortage of quality rims available.
Once you find new rims that appeal to you, make sure they are available in the right size for your tire. Luckily all tire sizes have a standard rim width, so a quick search or consultation with a rim retailer will confirm that you’re looking at the right fit.
Consider the Your Unique Conditions
Rims come in a variety of prices, but before you put down anything, make sure that you’re buying something that’s right for your individual needs. Do you park on the street? If so, keep in mind that a highly reflective rim will showcase any curb scratches. Other considerations include whether you’ll be driving on smooth pavement or pothole filled side roads, and the level of crime and vandalism in your area.
If you’re in the market for rims, of course you want them to look good once they’re installed. Think about the color and body style of your vehicle. A set of rims that’s the perfect finishing touch on a gloss black, European styled sports car might not look so great on a retro hot rod.
Rims Are Not Just About Looks
Sure, it’s the flashiest rims that catch our eyes, but aftermarket rims can also improve performance and reduce wear and tear. Alloy rims are lighter than traditional materials, and help reduce fuel consumption – less weight means less horsepower needed to move around. Alloy rims also have another advantage, because alloy acts as a heat sink, allowing the heat built up from braking to dissipate faster. And any rim with an ‘open’ design will allow air to circulate around the brake pads, helping to cool things of even faster.
A little bit of research and a few minutes defining your goals will help you find the perfect rims for your car, while keeping some cash in your pocket.
