How to Select the Right Weight Rims

Custom rims can really add some pizazz to the appearance of your car, truck or SUV. However, they can be very expensive. Some even cost thousands of dollars per rim. To select the right weight wheel rims, you need to take several factors into consideration, including the weight of your car, its fuel efficiency and whether or not you're looking for performance or economy from your vehicle.

Instructions

1. Consult your owner's manual, or go online to find the factory weight specifications of the vehicle you drive. Often, choosing the right weight rims is a question of proportion. The right weight wheel rims are dependent upon the overall weight of your automobile, and a professional can offer you further advice if you're unsure of how to evaluate the weight of your car.

2. Decide whether you could benefit from improved fuel efficiency. If you select rims that are lighter than what is normally recommended for your particular vehicle, you can enjoy improved fuel economy. This can help if you use your car for commuting or if you do a fair amount of city driving.

3. Choose lightweight-alloy rims rather than heavy-steel rims if you're looking to maximize your car's performance. Steel rims weigh your car down more than alloys do, and you may find improved acceleration as well as a higher top speed if you select alloy rather than steel.

4. Favor heavier steel or chrome rims if you need heavy-duty performance from your rims because of weather or road conditions where you live. While alloy rims are lighter, steel and chrome rims are more durable and can be a better choice if your wheels face a great deal of wear and tear.

5. Keep your car cooler by selecting alloy rims. If your vehicle overheats too easily, alloy rims can actually help lower the temperature because they promote improved air flow through the body of your vehicle. As you drive, the air that seeps up acts as a breeze over the engine, helping mitigate rising internal temperatures.

Tips & Warnings

• Try wheel rims that are 1 or 2 inches larger than your factory rims to give your car a sportier look while improving its performance.

• When you select rims, make sure you get the offset size right. If you don't, your car's steering and handling may suffer, leading to costly repair bills. If you need help choosing, consult a mechanic or automotive professional.