When purchasing new tires, many car owners also upgrade their rims, for a polished look. It can sometimes feel confusing attempting to find the right size rim to purchase, especially if you have never changed out your rims before. With this handy guide, you will know precisely where to look for the correct size and how to choose the best rims for your vehicle.
Simple Methods of Finding Your Correct Rim Size
If you have a vehicle that is less than twenty years old, there are a few places you will need to look, to ensure you choose the right rim size. Consider the following when searching for your proper rim size.
- Look inside the driver’s side door and you will see a little sticker. This sticker should show you the exact rim size of your vehicle, whether it is a truck or sedan.
- You can also search online for your vehicle’s make and model. When searching, rely on a trustworthy source to ensure the information you receive is accurate.
- It is also important to check your vehicle handbook. Most handbooks will offer extensive information on every aspect of the car. If you do not have your owner’s manual, there is an option for downloading one in PDF form for most modern vehicles.
If you are searching for new rims for tundra, the above information should help you choose the perfect size. Now that you know how to find your current rim size, it is important to learn how to upgrade the size.
How to Measure for a Rim Size Upgrade
Many drivers are not happy with their current rim size, and they believe bigger is always better. If you have a truck or Jeep, chances are you have likely considered upgrading to bigger rims. How can you measure to ensure you choose the perfect rim size?
- To measure your current rim size, it is important to measure both the width and diameter.
- You will also need to know the offset of your tires. This number can be found by measuring between the center line of the mounting pad and the center of the wheel.
- Finally, you will need to pay special attention to the lug nut pattern of your wheels to ensure you find new rims that will match up with them, otherwise, you will need to take your vehicle into a shop and have them install new wheel hub assemblies that have a pattern that fit your new rims.
Once you know these measurements and information, you will be able to either purchase stock sized wheels, or you can go up a size or two. Keep in mind, if you upgrade to a larger size, you will need to go with a lower profile tire to ensure there will remain enough clearance.
Tips for Purchasing New Rims
The right rims can make your ride look a lot more attractive. Not only do new rims make your car look stylish, but they also are integral for your driving performance. Without the right rims and tires on your vehicle, it is not going anywhere. Consider these tips to make your shopping experience easier and less stressful.
- Purchase a rim that fits your vehicle by taking care of the easy steps above.
- Choosing a style is the next step, but it can be overwhelming. Many drivers choose rims based on looks alone. Unfortunately, this is not always the best choice. You will want to make sure your rims are just as durable as they are stylish. Research carefully to ensure you make the best purchase decision for your car or truck.
- While price should never be the deciding factor, it is undoubtedly an important consideration. If you are on a budget, it may be tempting to go as cheap as possible. Unfortunately, you do get what you pay for, and cheap rims will not last long because they could put you in danger by making your steering less accurate.
- Some drivers attempt to save money by purchasing used rims, but this is also risky. You do not know what a pair of used rims has been through. Some unscrupulous sellers will hide evidence of damage, putting other lives in danger. It is best to avoid purchasing used rims because they could be deadly when installed on your vehicle.
Keep Those New Rims Shining
Once you have those new rims installed, keeping them looking shiny and beautiful is easy. Over time, brake dust, gravel, and asphalt can all cause your rims to look dull and dingy.
It is important to hose down the rims at least once a week. Using a special hub cleaner will allow you to safely and effectively clean your rims and remove even the toughest of brake dust stains.
Pro Tip: When washing your car, always wash the rims last. As you wash your vehicle, dirty water will run down to the wheels. By washing the rims last, you will make sure they shine.
There are protective sprays that can help keep the grime at bay and make your rims shine bright. By taking care of these steps, your new rims will look amazing.
Conclusion
Now, you know how to measure for new rims and will feel confident making your purchase. A new pair of rims brings new life to your ride and can make you feel prideful in knowing your vehicle looks its best.
