How do I identify my wheel manufacturer?

The quickest way is to read any branding on the wheel—center-cap logos, stamps on the backside, or part numbers—and then match those marks to official catalogs or dealer records.

Beyond that starting point, this guide explains where to look for markings, how to decode them, and which sources to consult to confirm the wheel maker, whether OEM or aftermarket.

Where to look for identifying marks

Wheels typically carry identifying marks in a few common places. The following spots are your best starting points to find a manufacturer name, logo, or part number.

• Center cap and hub area where logos or brand names are usually stamped or engraved.


• Inside the rim barrel or back of spokes where part numbers or model codes may be etched.


• Backside of the wheel near the lug holes or near the valve stem where additional stamps can appear.


• Edge of the rim or near the spoke junctions where country-of-origin or manufacturing marks might be located.


• Center bore area, which sometimes bears a manufacturer identifier or a fitment code.

Tip: If the wheel is OEM, branding may be tucked behind the center cap or partially obscured; remove the center cap carefully to view any imprint.

Decoding the markings and codes

Once you locate marks, decode them to identify the maker. Use the following approach to interpret common signals on wheels.

• Center-cap logos or engraved names: read the brand or initials and compare with known wheel brands (e.g., BBS, Enkei, OZ Racing, HRE, Rays, Vossen, etc.).


• Part numbers and stamping: note exact strings and search the brand’s catalogs or trusted wheel databases for a match.


• Quality and safety marks: look for JWL or VIA marks (Japan); DOT or ECE markings may indicate distribution in North America or Europe.


• Country of origin: “Made in …” can help narrow possibilities, though many brands manufacture in multiple countries.


• Fitment codes and sizing: codes for PCD, offset (ET), and bore size aid cross-checks but don’t by themselves confirm the maker.

If there is no obvious branding, the wheel could be OEM, aftermarket without visible branding, or a replica; use multiple clues and cross-reference with catalogs.

Cross-check with official sources and reputable databases

Verification should rely on authoritative sources. The following methods help confirm the wheel’s manufacturer.

• OEM documentation: Check the vehicle’s build sheet, window sticker, or owner’s manual for wheel brand and part numbers.


• Manufacturer catalogs: Look up part numbers or logos in the wheel brand’s official catalog or website.


• Online databases: Use wheel catalogs and enthusiast resources (for example, Wheel-Database or brand-specific catalogs) to match marks and shapes; compare dimensions, PCD, offset, and lug patterns.


• Consult professionals: Bring photos to a reputable tire/wheel shop or dealership; staff can often identify wheels by stamp patterns and design features.

When using databases, verify the context (OEM vs aftermarket) and be aware of counterfeit or off-brand markings.

Special considerations for aftermarket wheels

For aftermarket wheels, the brand is usually indicated on the center cap or on the back of the wheel. If branding is subtle or removed, the following steps can help.

• Inspect the center cap and back of the wheel for a stamped logo or part number.


• Search the exact part number or any unique stamp in the brand’s catalog or on trusted wheel retailers’ sites.


• Use reverse image search for logos or wheel shapes to narrow down possible brands.

If you still can’t determine the maker, contact the seller or a wheel specialist who can compare the wheel’s dimensions and style to known models.

Safety and authenticity reminders

Identifying the maker is important for compatibility and safety. Use genuine brands for critical components and avoid counterfeit wheels that compromise strength and performance.

• Check for major safety marks (JWL/VIA, DOT) and ensure accuracy for your market.


• Avoid wheels with suspicious or incomplete markings; if in doubt, seek professional verification before use on a vehicle.

Always confirm compatibility with your vehicle’s lug pattern, offset, and load rating.

Summary

Identifying your wheel manufacturer involves a systematic check of branding and markings on the wheel itself, decoding any part numbers or codes, and cross-referencing with official catalogs, vehicle documentation, and reputable databases. If needed, consult a wheel professional to verify the maker and ensure the wheel’s compatibility and safety for your vehicle. A clear understanding of origin supports proper fitment, performance, and post-purchase support.

How do I figure out what wheel I have?

First, start with the wheel size for your vehicle. You can find that on the sidewall of the tires on your original wheels or the inside frame of the driver's door. Check out Tire Size Explained (Reading the Sidewall) for more. The wheel diameter (in inches or millimeters) is the fifth set of numbers and letters.

How do I find out what brand my wheels are?

Many times you can identify a factory OEM rim by checking for the vehicle maker logo on the backside (Think Ford logo, Chevy logo, etc), and also there will almost always be OEM type numbers on the back of the wheel which sometimes includes the actual part number.

How do I find my OEM rims?

To find your original equipment manufacturer (OEM) rims, look for a manufacturer's logo, part number, or size markings (like 18x7) stamped on the back of the wheel, which can be searched online. You can also check the vehicle's driver-side door jamb sticker for tire and wheel information or use a VIN decoder, as these sources provide details on the exact wheels your car came with. 
Method 1: Check the wheels themselves

• Look for markings: Inspect the back of the wheel, on one of the spokes, for manufacturer logos, OEM part numbers, and the wheel's size (e.g., 18×718 cross 718×7). 
• Search online: Use the part number or size you find to search online. You can also try searching with your car's specific year, make, and model (e.g., "OEM wheels for 2020 Honda Civic"). 
• Note: Aftermarket wheels often have markings like "VIA" or "max-load" that OEM wheels do not. Also, be aware that a factory-original wheel with a custom finish (like chrome) would technically be considered aftermarket due to the change, say StockWheels.com. 

Method 2: Check your vehicle's information

• Door jamb sticker: Find the sticker on the driver's side door frame. It contains details about the original tire and wheel size. 
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Use a VIN decoder, such as bmwvin.com (for BMWs), to get a detailed list of the original factory-installed options, including the wheels. 

Method 3: Consult a professional

• Contact a dealer: An authorized dealer for your car's brand can look up the OEM wheel specifications for your vehicle using your VIN, say rimgard.com. 
• Visit a specialized retailer: Many online retailers specialize in OEM wheels and have knowledgeable staff who can help you identify and find the right ones for your car. 

Is there an app for rim identifiers?

Identify car or truck wheel
WheelSpotter app is the fastest way to sort through a pile of wheels. Its bar chart indicates whether to scrap a wheel before you perform the work of identifying its part number.