How do I know what size my alloys are?
To know the size of your alloy wheels, you need to look for specific markings or information on the wheel itself or in your vehicle's documentation. The size is typically displayed in a format like "18x8J" or "225/45R17", which provides details about the wheel diameter, width, and other specifications.
Identifying Alloy Wheel Size
The size of your alloy wheels is usually printed on the wheel itself, often on the inner or outer rim. Look for a string of numbers and letters that follows this general format:
- Diameter: The first number, such as 16, 17, 18, etc., indicates the wheel diameter in inches.
- Width: The second number, such as 7, 8, 9, etc., indicates the wheel width in inches.
- Offset: The letter and number combination, such as "ET45" or "J", represents the wheel offset, which is the distance between the wheel mounting surface and the wheel's centerline.
You can also find the wheel size information in your vehicle's owner's manual or on a sticker located inside the driver's side door jamb.
Understanding Tire Size
In addition to the wheel size, you'll also need to know the tire size, which is typically displayed in a format like "225/45R17". This provides the following details:
- Width: The first number, such as 225, indicates the tire width in millimeters.
- Aspect Ratio: The second number, such as 45, is the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to the tread width.
- Construction: The letter "R" stands for radial, which is the most common tire construction type.
- Diameter: The last number, such as 17, indicates the wheel diameter in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
Knowing both the wheel size and tire size is important to ensure proper fitment and compatibility with your vehicle.
How to identify alloy wheels?
Put a magnet to it. If it sticks it is a steel wheel, and if it doesn't it is an alloy of some sort, usually aluminum or magnesium. Some budget cars have hubcaps over their steel wheels, and a magnet won't stick to them as they're made of plastic.
Where is rim size stamped?
Located on the inside of the wheel, wheel markings are a series of numbers and letters that provide coded information about the wheel such as its diameter, width or offset.
How do you identify an alloy?
Alloyed metals are indicated using a 4-digit identification system. Each digit represents a different aspect of the alloy and is typically written in front of the original pure metal for clarity (e.g. 1095 High Carbon Steel, 5052 Aluminum).
How do I know what alloys will fit my car?
Matching the diameter size with your tyre is the simplest way to successfully install alloy wheels on your car. To avoid making the mistake of buying the wrong size alloys to fit your car, you can typically find the size of your car's wheels printed on the outside of the tyre itself.
How do I identify my wheels?
Magnet Test: Steel wheels are magnetic, so if a magnet sticks to your wheel, it is most likely made of steel. Non-magnetic wheels are typically alloy, chrome, or polished. Manufacturer's Information: Check the vehicle's documentation or consult the manufacturer to determine the type of wheels installed on your vehicle.
How to measure the size of an alloy?
Pull the measuring tape across to the other lip.
Your wheel's width is measured from inside of the lip on one side to the inside of the lip on the other side. Wheel widths are typically sized in 0.5 in (13 mm) increments, so if you get a number that doesn't end in a full or half inch, check your measurements again.
How is wheel size calculated?
The wheel size is the size designation of a wheel given by its diameter, width, and offset. The diameter of the wheel is the diameter of the cylindrical surface on which the tire bead rides. The width is the inside distance between the bead seat faces.
How do I check my alloy size?
Every alloy wheel should have the size on the tyre; you can find this on the outside or sometimes it is stamped on the inside of the alloys or the back of the spokes.
Are 20 inch alloys good?
Con: Greater Risk of Damage
Compared with the rubber surrounding a 17- or 18-inch wheel, the tire on a 20-incher doesn't have nearly as much sidewall, which not only makes it stiffer, but increases the likelihood that an obstacle on the road will cause a puncture or damage the wheel.
How can I tell what size my wheels are?
Luckily, measuring rim width is pretty simple to do! Just take a ruler, yardstick or tape measure and measure the distance from bead seat to bead seat. The rim width is also included in the wheel size, which you can find stamped on the back of the wheel, or in your owner's manual.
