How do I know what rims can fit my car?
Choosing the right rims for your car is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about ensuring safety, performance, and compatibility. At Kevin's Autos, with years of experience in car maintenance and repair, we’ve guided countless customers through the process of selecting the perfect rims. In this article, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when determining which rims will fit your car.
Understanding Rim Compatibility
Rim compatibility depends on several factors, including the size, bolt pattern, offset, and center bore. Each of these elements must match your car’s specifications to ensure a proper fit. Here’s a closer look at these factors:
- Size: The diameter and width of the rim must align with your car’s tire size. Check your car’s manual or the tire placard on the driver’s side door for recommended sizes.
- Bolt Pattern: This refers to the number of lug holes and the diameter of the circle they form. For example, a 5x114.3 bolt pattern means there are five lug holes, and the circle they form has a diameter of 114.3 mm.
- Offset: The offset is the distance between the rim’s mounting surface and its centerline. It can be positive, negative, or zero. Using the wrong offset can affect handling and cause clearance issues.
- Center Bore: The center bore is the hole in the middle of the rim that fits over the hub of your car. It must match your car’s hub size for a secure fit.
Steps to Determine the Right Rims for Your Car
Follow these steps to ensure you select rims that are compatible with your vehicle:
- Step 1: Check Your Car’s Specifications: Refer to your owner’s manual or the tire placard for the recommended rim size, bolt pattern, and offset.
- Step 2: Measure Your Current Rims: If you’re replacing existing rims, measure their diameter, width, bolt pattern, and offset to find a match.
- Step 3: Consult a Professional: At Kevin’s Autos, we can help you verify compatibility and recommend rims that suit your car’s make and model.
- Step 4: Test Fit the Rims: Before purchasing, test fit the rims on your car to ensure proper clearance and alignment.
Why Proper Fitment Matters
Using rims that don’t fit your car can lead to a range of issues, including:
- Reduced handling and stability
- Increased wear on tires and suspension components
- Potential safety hazards, such as wheels coming loose
Ensuring proper fitment not only enhances your car’s performance but also keeps you safe on the road.
Need Help? Visit Kevin’s Autos!
At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in helping customers find the perfect rims for their vehicles. Whether you’re upgrading for style or replacing damaged rims, our experienced team is here to assist you. Stop by our shop or give us a call today to discuss your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put any size rims on any car?
You cannot simply go out and put on a larger wheel and tire and expect your car to be the same. Your car is designed to roll on a specific wheel and tire size. Changes to either may start a cascade of handling and mechanical issues if you don't plan carefully.
Which rims will fit my tires?
How to make sure that rims will work with tires? Width and diameter are the two factors that determine tire and rim compatibility. For diameter you'll need to be sure that your tires and wheels are an exact match, e.g. a 215/65R17 tire will only fit on a 17" diameter wheel.
How to know if rims are universal?
No, there is no such thing as a universal wheel. Numerous factors come into play when deciding what wheels can go on your vehicle. Two of the most critical factors are the wheel's diameter and width. Every car will have a range of wheel diameter sizes of several inches that will securely and adequately fit.
Can I put 18 rims instead of 15?
In most cases, the answer is yes. No one can deny the aesthetic appeal of having larger tires and wheels on your car, light truck or SUV. Adding a larger tire and wheel combination to your vehicle is referred to as “plus sizing” such as a “plus one” or “plus two” fitment.
How do I know what size rim to get for my car?
The rim size is denoted by the last number in the tire size code. It represents the diameter of the rim in inches. For example, in the code P215/65R15, the rim size is 15 inches. In the code 225/50ZR17, the rim size is 17 inches.
How to match rims to tires?
How to Match Your Tires to the Right Rim Size
- Step 1: Place the rim up-right, like it was mounted to a vehicle.
- Step 2: Going from inside of one bead (lip of the rim) to the inside of the other, measure the width of the rim.
- Step 3: Multiply width (in inches) by 25.4 (total mm per inch).
- Step 5: Call a professional.
Will any 5 lug rim fit my car?
Only if it's from the same manufacturer and on the same body type. Every manufacturer uses their own size bolt pattern.
Can I put a 20 inch tire on a 19 inch rim?
Yes, it is possible to up- or downsize rims.
How do I tell if rims will fit my car?
Put simply, to find if your wheels will fit your car, measure the distance from your wheel's center point to where it is mounted. This is the offset. Add that to half your wheel's width to find the back space and subtract it to find the front space. Compare this to your wheel well to see if it fits.
Do all 16 inch rims fit all cars?
The answer to Can I put 16 car wheels on is dependent on the car you have. If your vehicle came from the factory with a 17 inch wheel or larger you may not be able to run 16 inch wheels.
