While checking out tyre rims for sale, you spot a design
that would look awesome on your car. But is it technically compatible with your
ride? To avoid mistakes that cost time and money, read our important pointers.
1. Prioritise the bolt pattern.
Examine the bolt or stud pattern of your old wheels. Your
new wheels should match it, or else you won't be able to mount them. You should
look for two things: the number of bolts and the distance between the two bolts
at opposite ends. Here's a diagram to guide you.
You can find the bolt pattern measurement on the wheels or
in your owner's manual. For instance, a bolt pattern of 6/4.5 or 6x4.5 means
the following:
• The first number 6 refers to the number of mounting
holes.
• The second number 4.5, expressed in inches (or 11.4
centimetres), is the distance between two opposite holes.
2. Pay attention to the offset.
Watch out for their offset or the measurement from the
wheel's mounting hub to the centre line when changing wheels. Here's a quick
lesson on offset types:
Watch out for their offset or
the measurement from the wheel's mounting hub to the centre line when changing
wheels. Here's a quick lesson on offset types:
Zero offset - The centre line is aligned with
the wheel's mounting surface.
Positive offset - The mounting surface sits
further out than the centre line, so your tyre sits deeper on your axle.
Negative offset - The mounting surface sits on
the outer side of your wheel's centre line.
Offset changes the wheel's appearance, but getting it wrong
can damage your suspension, tyres, and wheels. If you're changing wheels,
Tyroola recommends an offset of not more than 5 millimetres from its original
offset fit, which you can find at the back of the wheel or on your wheel
brand's website. Just look for the letters ET—the numbers before or after ET
gives the offset in millimetres.
3. Choose between alloy and steel
wheels.
Both wheel types have their pros and cons. While alloy
wheels are more expensive, less durable, and difficult to repair, they come in
varied and appealing designs and give better performance and fuel economy. On
the other hand, steel wheels are sturdier against damage, more affordable, and
easier to repair. However, they don't look like the wheels you see in James
Bond movies. Steel wheels don't come in sleek designs; they use up more fuel
because they're heavier.
Here's a quick graphic to guide you:
4. Buy within
your budget.
Wheels are costly, especially when
you buy them as a set, which can set you back from hundreds to thousands of
dollars. The fancier they are, or if you go for customisation, the pricier they
get. Remember to factor in the wheel installation fees in your budget.
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