How do I Choose the Best Aftermarket Rims?

You should consider the following when purchasing aftermarket rims: the size of the tires, the performance of the vehicle, and the costs involved. The material the rim is manufactured from and its finish are also important considerations. Personal taste is often a factor in choosing rims since most vehicle owners fit aftermarket rims for aesthetic reasons.

Before purchasing aftermarket rims, consider whether you would prefer stock tires or low profile tires. This is important because the size of the rim will determine the kind of tire needed. If a bigger rim is used, the tire will have to up-sized.

There are a few considerations when choosing between stock and low profile tires. Stock tires offer better mileage and are more affordable. If initial cost and overall maintenance is a concern, stock tires may be a good choice. The downside of using stock tires, however, is that their performance decreases at high speeds. This may not be much of an issue for the average vehicle owner.

Choosing bigger aftermarket rims means the tires will have to be up-sized. In a situation such as this, low profile tires will be used, but these tires are generally more expensive and offer less mileage. The upside of low profile tires is that they help to improve the responsiveness of the steering and the vehicle's road holding abilities.

The material the aftermarket rims are made from is another important consideration. Experts suggest that it is best to avoid heavy steel rims on smaller vehicles since this will affect its steering and road holding abilities. Rims feature different finishes as well. The most common of these are polished aluminum, paint, and chrome.

Polished aluminum rims can be durable but must be polished regularly, which can make them high maintenance. Painted rims are generally inexpensive, but care needs to be taken to preserve the finish. Periodical waxing can help to prevent chips and fading. Chrome rims are very common, and the mirror-like finish is often appealing to car enthusiasts. That chrome rims require very little maintenance also adds to their appeal.

Various designs and finishes are available for aftermarket rims, so there should be something to suit every vehicle owner's individual tastes. Rims can range from the usual five spoke alloy rims to wire rims to spinning chrome rims. Spinning rims are fairly new to the market and can actually spin, even when the vehicle is stationary.