How to Choose the Right Aftermarket Car Wheels

July 6, 2023

The wheels of your car are a critical element that impacts the way your car handles, the safety of your car and its performance. Choosing the right wheels is critical if you want to ensure your car looks and performs well. There are several different things you need to consider when buying aftermarket car wheels; we take a look at these things so you can purchase suitable wheels.

Buy a reputable brand of wheel

There are many different brands of wheels available to purchase; some are well-tested and made with quality in mind, and others are cheaper replicas that won’t be as hard-wearing. Your wheels are such an important part of your car it's worth investing in getting good quality wheels from a reputable manufacturer. Cheap and untested wheels can buckle and cause an accident if you hit a pothole or unexpected bumps in the road. This could lead to much more serious problems for your car and potential injuries for you and your passengers. Whatever wheels you choose, always buy from a reputable brand that makes quality wheels.

Choose the right size

Many people change their wheels so they can put larger ones on their cars; this is because larger wheels are more attractive and sportier. However, it's important to choose the size carefully; very large wheels can be really heavy, which can ruin the handling of your vehicle. Larger wheels can also impact the speedometer, making it less accurate and potentially leading you to break the speed limit unintentionally. Go modest with your wheel size and avoid going too large; this will ensure your speedometer is still accurate and your vehicle won’t become too heavy.

Choose a style to match your car

There are many different styles you can choose from when buying new wheels. Take your time to select wheels that work with your car style and your individual preferences. If your car is white or light in colour, then dark wheels are a good contrast that can make your vehicle look great. For darker-coloured cars, bright wheels such as red, orange or even white can look fantastic and make your car stand out and look unique. However, if you are choosing brightly coloured wheels, remember you’ll need to regularly clean them to keep them looking fresh.

Choose wheels for your style of driving

There are several different types of wheels you can purchase, depending on how and where you plan on driving your car. Some examples of wheel options include drift wheels, off-road wheels, competition wheels and road wheels. You may even need several different types of wheels for different types of driving. Drift wheels are perfect for drifting around specialist drifting tracks; off-road wheels are ideal for taking your car driving on uneven terrain; competition wheels are perfect for racing around the track, and road wheels are best for everyday driving. Choosing the right wheels will ensure your car handles well and is prepared for where and how you’re driving.

Wheel lugs and mounting holes

To make things much easier when buying new wheels choose a set that matches the current mounting holes you have on your car already. This will ensure the wheels match perfectly and can be safely installed on your car. Commonly cars have four, five, six or eight lug holes which form a specific pattern. It should be fairly easy to determine if the wheels will fit your car; however, if you’re ever unsure, you can speak to the company selling the wheels, and they will be able to advise if they will work for your vehicle.

Choosing the right aftermarket car wheels can be a daunting task, but it is important to do your research to ensure that you get the best possible wheels for your needs. Some key factors to consider include the brand, size, style, and type of wheels, as well as matching the wheels to your car's lugs and mounting holes. By following these tips, you can be sure to choose the right aftermarket car wheels for your vehicle, which can improve the look, handling, and performance of your car. In addition, wheels vary considerably in price, so consider your budget and what you can afford before you start shopping for new wheels.

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