All you need to know about customised wheels
Posted on: 01/07/2014Every car enthusiast wants their motor to look stunning. If a man's house is his castle, his car is the chariot. Whether you drive a Porsche or a Proton, that vehicle is your pride and joy, which deserves to be treated as such. Many car owners would agree that purchasing customised wheels is a great way to get the modification ball rolling.
However, buying a new set of customised wheels is not as simple as it sounds. There are often many problems involving miscalculations and complex jargon which throw many potential customers back into the slow lane. To prevent any wheel related mishaps or missed opportunities to create a motoring masterpiece, take a look at our quick dummies' guide to simplify the buying process.
Measurements
GCSE mathematics might rear its ugly head in this section, as precise calculations and measurements will need to be made to perfect the fitment of your new custom rims. Obviously, not every wheel shall fit every car, therefore you will need to consult your owner's manual. You can start by searching for your car in this section on our website.
You will also need to get to grips with some terminology:
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Bolt Pattern - Quite literally how many bolts hold your wheel onto the car. Count how many there are, and that's the first part. Secondly, measure the distance between the opposite bolt holes in millimetres, and we have our answer. For example, if you're vehicle has five bolts and a distance of 127mm, it will be labelled as 5x127.
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Centre Bore - That massive hole in the centre of the wheel. This will quite literally be a measurement from side to side.
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Offset - Essentially, how much your wheels stick out from the arches. A positive offset means the mounting surface of the wheel is positioned in front of the true centerline of the wheel, which tucks the wheels into the arches more. On the contrary, negative offset makes the wheels stick out more. The offset can be adjusted with spacers to suit your needs.
If you're still confused by this terminology, the option on our website to check "will these wheels fit my car?" will prove equally helpful and vastly more efficient.
Rim size
The size of the rims will prove extremely important in your decision making. The rim size is measured in inches and can be consulted via the internet, owner's manuals and tyre markings. Alternatively, you can use our search function illustrated above. Some sizes of wheels will not fit into the arches of many cars, thus should be researched heavily. For example, placing 21" rims on a 1996 Audi A3 will prove too much for the arches to accommodate. Also be advised to consult experts if your car is lowered.
Ride Quality
Another thing to consider is the consequence on the ride quality of your vehicle. As a generalisation, overly large rims will often mean a stiffer and more uncomfortable ride. Equally, certain widths of rims may perform better in adverse weather conditions than others. Take into account that a variation in wheel size may also alter readings from your speedometer, which could also land you into trouble with the law. Be sure to check sizes and fitments well to avoid scraping too, as this tends to threaten your handling capabilities and tyre safety.
Cost
Everything comes at a price, as unfortunately does custom wheel shopping. Chin up though as there are many designs out there to suit your style and needs. Expect to pay more for wheels with extraordinary or custom paint work. Plus take into account the fitting costs, potential insurance premiums and locking wheel nuts to deter criminals. Another cost which is essential is...
Tyres
