How To Choose The Correct Car Tire Rims For Your Custom Car Tires

Choosing the right rims for your custom or classic car can be a daunting process. There are many specifics to consider beyond budget, style and type of car. Rims come in many different types from chrome, aluminum, lightweight, steel, one piece, to three piece. When it comes to car aesthetics, tires play a crucial role. Without the right car rims, even the most expensive luxury car seems like it's missing something important.

Beyond aesthetics, there are practical reasons to pay particular attention when buying car rims and spend the time and effort required to perform proper maintenance. A car's wheels can greatly enhance control and performance of the vehicle. This means a safer and more comfortable ride. Below are a few main factors to consider before buying car tires and rims: size, materials, durability and style. Following those, there are also several broad categories of car tires and rims that are best for specific applications.

Steel / Composite Ass – A steel rim has a cast aluminum center that controls the wheel. It's extremely light, so it handles better on the road. Most steel rims are chrome, so their maintenance will require more time and effort.

One-Piece Cast Aluminum – These are the most common category of car wheels. Spare wheels are lighter than steel wheels and machined are mixed, painted or chrome. Their biggest plus is that aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion.

Forged – Forged wheels are the lightest wheels of all because they use less material to cast them. This makes forged rims relatively inexpensive.

Billet Tire Rims – Billet wheels are constructed by welding together two pieces of solid aluminum. As they are welded, billetwheels are harder and more durable tires with distribution centers. The natural color of the metal must be kept because painting and plating these is difficult.

RACE CAR RIMS: a lightweight rim.

BEST CHOICE: a small diameter rim

made from lightweight material. (IE aluminum)

To increase a car's acceleration and speed, use the lightest weight rim available. These are best for this application because they offer less rotating mass to spin as the tires are accelerated forward. The lighter a car's wheels, the better the car's acceleration.

SPORTS CAR RIMS AKA Pimp My Ride: big chrome rims.

BEST CHOICE: Polished chrome rims

with a diameter 2+" larger than the car's stock rim.

Car tire rims come in countless custom styles, and the final choice is always a matter of personal taste. IE. Some prefer rims with LOTS of spokes with little material to the rim itself. Others prefer rims that have very little hollow space. Super shiny, chrome rims are, by far, the most popular tire rims for a "flashy" look, usually with a diameter 2+" larger than the car's stock rim. IE If a car comes with a 16" rim stock then use an 18 inch rim for extra "flash."

EVERYDAY CHOICE (with aftermarket appeal):

a gunmetal rim or a polished aluminum rim.

BEST CHOICE: Polished aluminum.

Although not as shiny and flashy as chrome, these rims will have more style than the stock rims. NOTE: Be sure the rims fall within the width specification required by the tires that you are putting them on. Each tire can ONLY hold a certain width and diameter of rim.

Choosing the correct car tire rims can increase your car's appearance, performance and re-sale value. NOTE: They must be checked regularly. Consult a mechanic if they get dented shape or make a grinding sound.