What should be considered when purchasing wheel rims?
2 Answers
Here are the considerations when buying wheel rims: 1. Do not blindly increase the rim size: Some people enlarge the rims to improve car performance. With the tire's outer diameter remaining unchanged, larger rims must be matched with wider and flatter tires. However, the flatter the tire, the thinner its thickness, resulting in poorer shock absorption performance and a significant sacrifice in comfort. Additionally, encountering small obstacles like stones can easily damage the tires. Therefore, the cost of blindly increasing rim size cannot be ignored. Generally, increasing the rim size by one or two sizes based on the original wheel is most appropriate. 2. PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter): This means you cannot freely choose your favorite rim design; you must also consider whether the PCD is suitable, following the technician's advice. 3. Design: Rims with complex and dense structures do look stylish and high-end, but they are often refused service or charged extra during car washes due to the difficulty in cleaning them. Simple rims, on the other hand, appear more dynamic and neat. Of course, if you don't mind the hassle, it's not a problem. Nowadays, the popular aluminum alloy rims, compared to the old cast iron rims, have significantly improved resistance to deformation, greatly reduced weight, minimized power loss, enhanced speed, better fuel efficiency, and superior heat dissipation, making them a favorite among car owners.
When buying wheels, I pay the most attention to size compatibility. The bore diameter and offset must match the original vehicle specifications, otherwise they won't fit and may even damage the suspension. For example, if the bore diameter is too small, it won't fit over the wheel hub, and if it's too large, it can cause tire rubbing and loud noise while driving. In terms of material, alloy wheels are lightweight with good heat dissipation but more expensive, while steel wheels are heavier, more durable, and cheaper. I checked the car manual to confirm the bolt pattern and center bore diameter to ensure safety standards. It's also important to consider tire compatibility, as deviations in new wheel sizes can affect fuel consumption. Before making any changes, I always consult a trusted shop to avoid making mistakes by tinkering blindly. These details took some time to research, but safe driving always comes first.
