There’s a whole lot more to buying rims for your vehicle than just the way they look. In some ways, the rims you match to your tires can have a major impact on your vehicle’s performance and safety. Check out our Wheel Buying Guide below then call the team in Cloverdale and we’ll walk you through selecting the perfect set of wheels for your vehicle.
Wheels
BIG O CLOVERDALE'S WHEEL BUYING GUIDE
WHEEL TYPES
Alloy Wheels are light wheels with improved performance characteristics. These light wheels increase cornering and steering precision, and decrease road feedback for better braking response.
Steel Wheels are heavier wheels that provide vehicles with a lower centre of gravity. Steel wheels are perfect for harsh road conditions in the snow or off-road over rugged terrain, but lack other performance capabilities because of the added weight.
Chrome Wheels add an aesthetically pleasing finish applied to both alloy and steel wheels. Chrome wheels are sought by drivers concerned with cosmetic appearance. While chrome wheels are known for their metallic mirrored shine, durability, and strength, they require regular attention and cleaning to maintain their visual appeal.
Cast Wheels are aluminum wheels, manufactured through a process of pouring molten aluminum into a mold. The shape of the wheel is formed through a process of gravity or pressure casting.
Machined Wheels combine casting, heating, spinning, and precise pressurization to fill a mold with molten aluminum and shape the wheel.
Forged Wheels are produced by taking a solid piece of aluminum and molding the wheel through high heat and extreme pressure. The result is a light, dense, and strong wheel.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING WHEELS
- Size: Various wheel sizes and weights hold different performance characteristics. If you plan on upgrading your current wheel size, be sure to consider the maximum wheel size allowance on your vehicle.
- Weight: Wheel weight impacts vehicle performance. Heavier wheels increase braking distance and reduce handling, while lighter wheels will improve maneuverability and braking performance.
- Terrain: Where do you drive most often? Wheels should be selected based on their primary function.
To the right are some of the most popular questions we’re asked. If you have a question that’s not on the list, email us at bigocloverdale@gmail.com and we’ll do our best to get back to you as quickly as we can with an answer!
POPULAR QUESTIONS
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What is a bolt circle?
The common way to measure whether a rim fits a wheel is to first determine whether or not the rim has the correct number of bolts and measure the bolt circle. The bolt circle can be measured from the centre of one bolt hole directly to the middle of the wheel rim. For example, a wheel may be a 4 hole x 4″ bolt circle, or 5 hole x 4 1/2″ bolt circle.
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Is a wide rim better than a narrow rim?
Wide, mid-range and narrow rims all have advantages and disadvantages. A wide rim, for example, increases stability, steering response and cornering but may result in less ride quality where a narrow rim will ride more comfortably but may not provide the same performance qualities as a wide rim. Mid-range rims offer a good balance between ride quality and handling.
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What does Hub-centric mean?
Hub-centric and Lug-centric describe two different ways wheels are designed to be positioned. Hub-centric wheels are designed to fit precisely on the vehicle based on the relative position of the wheel to the hub. This type of fit minimizing the wheel shifting while being mounted. Lug-centric wheels are designed to be positioned based on the lug nuts rather than the wheel hub. As the nuts are tightened, the wheel centres itself.
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