Why Are the Wheel Rims Different for the Same Car Model?
2 Answers
Even for the same brand and series of wheel rims, there can be some differences in the design of the spokes and the edges of the rim. These design variations are primarily due to differences in the size and specifications of the wheel rims. Below is some relevant information about wheel rims: 1. Introduction: The wheel rim is the rotating part of the wheel that connects the inner contour of the tire to the hub via pillars, i.e., the metal component at the center that supports the tire and is mounted on the axle. It is also known as the wheel, rim, or hubcap. 2. Types of Wheel Rims: Depending on the characteristics and requirements of different vehicle models, the surface treatment process for wheel rims can vary, generally categorized into two types: painted and chrome-plated. For ordinary vehicle models, less emphasis is placed on the appearance of the wheel rims, with good heat dissipation being a basic requirement. The process typically involves painting, where the rim is first sprayed and then baked, making it cost-effective, visually appealing, and durable. Even when the vehicle is scrapped, the color of the wheel rim remains unchanged.
I was puzzled by this issue when I bought a car recently, and the 4S store salesperson explained the reason to me. It turns out that the same car model has different wheel sizes and styles for the low, mid, and high trim levels. For example, 17-inch steel wheels are usually on the entry-level version, while the top trim may come with 19-inch alloy wheels. Manufacturers design it this way so consumers can identify the trim level just by looking at the wheels, and different sizes also affect handling and fuel consumption. Additionally, some brands offer optional packages where you can pay a few thousand extra for specially designed sporty wheels. I ended up choosing the mid-trim version, and the wheel design looks much cooler than the base version. This kind of differentiation makes perfect sense.
