As most people know, buying new wheels for a car can be pretty expensive. To make sure that your new purchase is worth the money you put into it, there are some things you’ll need to consider before buying a new set of wheels and tires. This brief guide will outline some of the more important considerations.
Check Your Car’s Fitment Requirements
The most important thing you need to do is check your car’s fitment requirements. This is the maximum size of a wheel that can comfortably fit in your wheel well. Since larger rims are the trendy choice these days, you won’t want to buy something that won’t fit when turning your vehicle. You shouldn't have an issue if you keep your choices within these requirements.
Be Aware of the Wheel Offset
One of the more critical wheel dimensions to be aware of is the wheel offset. This is how far the wheel sticks out from the spot that the lug nuts attach to the back of the wheel to the wheel hub of the car. An OEM-recommended offset is usually the safest option, but for aftermarket wheels, it comes down to style preferences.
If you want your wheels to poke out a bit, the lower the offset measurement, the more poke you will get. A higher offset measurement will be better if you want your wheels to be deeper or tucked inside the wheel wells. If you go with a lower offset, though, make sure the wheel doesn’t sit too deep since that’ll cause your tires to potentially rub against the wheel well when you turn.
Consider the Lug Nut Lengths
When buying a new set of rims, checking to see if they come with their own lug nuts is a good idea. If not, you must get those separately or use your old ones. Either way, check to see if the lug nuts are long enough to fit inside the wheels.
Sometimes, the rim’s design can make shorter lug nuts not fit properly. Other times, if you need to use spacers to fix your wheel’s offset, you’ll need to get a set of lug nuts that’ll fit better after the adjustment.
Make Sure You Get Compatible Sizes
If you’re buying your new wheels and tires separately, you’ll need to consider the size of each component. Not all tires and wheels will match up and fit together. If you’re getting them from the same place, the supplier should be able to help you find a good match. If not, you’ll need to check the sizes of each to make sure they’re compatible.
Find the Right Supplier
Finally, you need to find a trusted supplier for your new wheels. Be sure to look at reviews and check their selection thoroughly to determine if they offer quality products.
Also, find a supplier that specializes in the types of wheels you’re searching for. For example, if you need some Corvette forged wheels or a set that will work well for your EV, Electric Performance Wheels is the place to go. We have a large selection of wheels in each category for you to choose from, and we also offer plenty of customizable options.