How to Change Rim Size

To change the rim size on your automobile, you'll need to know the maximum weight and size your vehicle can carry. Then, you can select rims that reach that maximum size for an attractive look, or choose smaller rims to help improve your car's performance.

Things You'll Need

• Vehicle owner's manual

Instructions

1. Learn the size specifications for your car's factory-installed rims. This will guide your search for the correct rim size when it comes time to change over to custom or after-market rims. It is not recommended that you exceed the size of your factory rims by more than 2 to 3 inches in diameter.

2. Reduce the overall weight of your car by opting for a rim size that's smaller than what you're currently using. This can give you slightly better fuel efficiency, especially in the city, potentially saving you a few precious dollars in fuel expenses each week.

3. Change to a rim size that's a couple of inches bigger than your current rims to give your car a sportier look that will attract positive attention. Most car enthusiasts agree that larger rims look better than smaller ones because they fill out more wheel space and hug closer to your tires.

4. Get rims with an extended vertical diameter if you're looking for a more creative way to give your wheels an improved look. Many people find that ovular rims that are vertically stretched look really sharp when the car is moving.

5. Choose rims that are slightly wider on the horizontal if you want your new rim size to have a positive effect on your vehicle's cornering ability. Wider rims are known to improve a car's handling, especially at freeway speeds.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that rim size is just one of three vital considerations when selecting the right rims for your car. In addition to choosing the correct rim size, you'll also need to consider the weight of your new rims as well as the material (chrome, alloy or steel) of which they're made.

• Get the offset size right when you change your rim size. A sales associate at the retailer where you buy your rims can help you select rims with the correct offset. If you don't buy rims with the right offset size, you will encounter problems with your vehicle's steering and cornering, which may lead to a costly repair bill down the road.