Adding new car rims and tires can be one of the most effective ways to upgrade the look and performance of your vehicle. But with so many different brands, sizes and styles of rims to choose from, where do you start?
PurnellTyres have offered some important factors to consider when making your decision:
Table of Contents
Style
The style of car rims you select will be one of the most influential factors in the overall look.
Within Australia, most rims are available in 5 spokes, multi-spokes (5+) or mesh designs. Each style offers a uniquely different look. Mesh designs can provide an old-school feel, whereas 5 and multi-spoke designs are more associated with modern performance racing cars.
You may also consider a deep dish rim, whereby the wheel body protrudes from the sides of the vehicle and provides a highly aggressive look.
Manufacturing Procedure
img soruce: futurecdn.net
Car rims are also manufactured using a variety of procedures that will impact the look, strength and cost of the rims. Some of the options include –
- 1-Piece Cast Alloy Rims: Manufactured by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. This is the most common style of rims and is typically more affordable than forged or multi-piece rims.
- Forged: Super strong and very light, forged wheels are manufactured using a single piece of aluminum which is shaped under high levels of pressure.
- Multi-Piece: The rim and wheel center are manufactured individually which allows you to mix and match the two items.
Size of Car Rims
Many car enthusiasts elect to increase the diameter and width when they upgrade their car rims. This can enhance the performance of your vehicle while also giving it a more aggressive look. However, when increasing the diameter and width it’s important to select a tire with a lower sidewall or aspect ratio to retain the TRD (total rolling diameter) which will also ensure that your speedometer is accurate.
If you own a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, you may also consider a staggered fitment. This involves a wider wheel/tire at the rear of the car providing better traction and an eye-catching look.
Colour / Finish
img source: postmedia.digital
Car rims come in a huge range of colors and finishes from bright ruby reds right through to matte blacks and gunmetal greys.
Consider the color of your vehicle and how it will match the rims. You may be aiming for a bold eye-catching look, which you could achieve with a finish that contrasts the color of your car. Whereas, if you select a similar color to the car you may achieve a sleek and sophisticated look.
Once you have a few ideas, see if you can locate a photo online including a similar combination of vehicle and rim color. The actual look may be somewhat different to how you imagine it. After all, you’ll only upgrade your rims and tires once, so it’s important to make a decision you won’t regret.
Price
As always, price is a major factor. You may have a specific budget or you may just want to keep your costs to a minimum. But spending more money does not always mean you will receive a better rim for your individual requirements.
Once you have selected the ideal size and color you require, along with some options regarding the style of rims you want, you can start to shop around.
For example, if you are after a deep-dish rim in a chrome finish there are 100’s of different options to select from. So make sure you take the time to carefully weigh up your options and compare the pros and cons of each.
Supplier of Car Rims
img source: tsw.com
Once you have selected the ideal set of car rims for your pride and joy you’ll need to locate the best supplier. There are 100’s of car wheel & tire shops throughout Australia, many of which offer online shopping and Australia-wide delivery.
While visiting a local shop may be more convenient, they may not be able to supply the exact style and size of rim you require, at the best price. For this reason, it’s important to shop around both locally and online.
When looking for a suitable supplier make sure you consider the following –
Do they have at least 10 years of experience?
As a rule of thumb, experienced dealers are more likely to provide a better overall service. However, this is not always the case, so make sure you speak with them prior to making a decision – if they listen to your individual requirements and offer several personalized options you are generally in good hands.
Are they able to source and supply the exact car rims that you require in a timely fashion?
Some suppliers may have your desired wheels and tires in stock, whereas others will have to order them from the manufacturer. If they have to be ordered, make sure they can be delivered within a reasonable timeframe.
Do they have a solid online reputation?
img source: tsw.com
Check their Google and Facebook profiles to see what level of customer service they provide. Aim for companies with at least 50 online reviews and an average of 4 stars.
Do they provide interest-free finance?
If you require finance, most reputable online stores will offer interest-free finance through a third-party supplier like ZipPay or AfterPay. Do your research to ensure that you select a financial provider with terms that suit your requirements.
Do they offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Most reputable wheel and tire shops will offer a satisfaction guarantee. The terms may also change from one supplier to another, so make sure you do your due diligence. In most cases, if you’re not 100% satisfied you should be able to exchange the items if returned in their original state within 30 days.
Purnell Tyres are located in Queensland and offer convenient online shopping with a satisfaction guarantee, interest-free finance and fast delivery. Visit their website to select from over 800 models of wheels, most of which are available in a range of sizes and finishes.
