Is it necessary to change tires when replacing car rims?
2 Answers
Replacing car rims does not necessarily require changing tires. The rim is the rotating part of the wheel that connects the inner contour of the tire to the hub through spokes, serving as the metal component mounted on the axle to support the tire's center. The maintenance methods for rims are: 1. When the vehicle is in a humid area, clean the rims frequently to prevent salt corrosion on the aluminum surface; 2. If necessary, after thorough cleaning, apply wax to the rims for maintenance to keep them shiny; 3. When the rim temperature is high, allow it to cool naturally before cleaning. Do not use cold water for cleaning, as it may damage the aluminum rim, cause brake disc deformation, and affect braking performance. Using cleaning agents on the rims may trigger chemical reactions on the surface, resulting in loss of shine.
I have handled numerous car modification cases, including wheel and tire issues. Changing the wheels doesn't necessarily mean you have to change the tires; the key is whether the new wheel size is compatible with the original tires. Wheel size mainly includes diameter, width, and offset. If the new wheel has the same diameter and the width matches the original tire tread width, you can absolutely continue using the old tires. However, if the new wheel is larger or wider, the old tires may deform when mounted, leading to uneven wear, vibration, or even the risk of a blowout, in which case you must replace the tires. For example, if the original car has 17-inch wheels with 225/50R17 tires and you switch to 18-inch wheels, you'll need to pair them with 225/45R18 or similar new tires to ensure safe handling. I recommend measuring the new wheel parameters before making any changes or using an online tire calculator for comparison to be on the safe side.
