How to choose new rims for your vehicle
Whether it is for aesthetic, performance, safety or maintenance reasons, the purchase of new rims for a vehicle is something that should not be taken lightly. It is important to be informed and to do your research to make the investment worthwhile.
Steel wheels are a simple and durable choice that many drivers choose to install in the winter to protect the alloy wheels their vehicle normally has. These are the ones we're going to cover here.
Alloy wheels come in an infinite number of styles, colours and finishes. Their materials (mainly aluminum), lightweight, less susceptibility to rust and more sophisticated design are some of the reasons for their higher cost.
Looking to replace yours or the used car or truck you just bought? Knowing the exact model of the vehicle and the size of its wheels (the information can be found on the tires and on the sticker on the driver's door frame), you can start shopping.
The dealer's parts department is well-positioned to assist you, but don't hesitate to call on the expertise of rim and tire dealers for advice based on your needs. In addition, their inventories are often very comprehensive. Some even offer online tools that allow you to see the results before making a decision. So you can explore all the possibilities.
Same size or bigger?
Of course, it may be possible to choose a different size wheel than the one currently on your vehicle. The advice of an expert becomes even more important because the road behaviour (handling, ride comfort, etc.) will be modified. The same goes for fuel consumption.
Most people don't know or don't realize that larger-than-original rims make the vehicle heavier and can even affect their odometer reading," says Kevin Chisholm, a specialist at OK Tires. The posted speed may be 8% to 9% slower than your actual speed. The larger the diameter size compared to the original, the fewer revolutions per mile the wheel will make. It's best to keep the rim and tire diameter the same as the original or within 3% to avoid significant changes to the odometer."
The importance of the installation
Ideally, you should have an on-site installation so that everything is done properly, with the right tools. Otherwise, make sure you have the hardware kit that comes with your new rims, as the hardware is tailored to the vehicle and the rim. These sets usually include self-locking nuts, wheel nuts and sometimes a wrench.
In addition, some rims allow for the integration of universal tire pressure sensors. These must be purchased separately. If you don't install sensors on your new rims, you won't be able to tell quickly if a tire is underinflated. "Inadequate tire pressure causes uneven and premature tire wear, and increases the risk of skidding and fuel consumption," says CAA-Quebec.
Also, keep in mind that these tire pressure sensors must be reset each time they are installed or removed to ensure proper operation.
