How to check if rims are OEM?
Rims are OEM when they match the factory wheels originally installed on your vehicle, including the exact part number, size, bolt pattern, and hub bore. The quickest check is to read wheel markings, measure key dimensions, and cross-reference with the vehicle’s official specifications or a dealership database.
In practice, verifying OEM status combines a close look at stamped data on the wheel with a comparison against your model’s documented wheel specs. This guide walks you through practical, stand-alone checks you can perform and the official steps you can take to confirm authenticity.
What makes OEM rims different
Original equipment rims are built to the car’s exact specifications and manufacturing standards. They are typically produced by the same suppliers that manufactured the factory wheels and designed to fit the vehicle’s hub, brake clearance, and suspension geometry. Distinguishing OEM from aftermarket wheels relies on precise measurements, genuine branding, and official part numbers.
Key identifiers to inspect
Look for the data stamped on the wheel’s inner surface and center cap. These details reveal the wheel’s identity and fitment.
- Part numbers and marks: Look for a factory part number (P/N) and the wheel size (width x diameter), offset (ET), and bolt pattern (e.g., 5x114.3). OEM wheels typically list the exact factory P/N that matches your model.
- Center bore and hub-centric design: The center bore should fit the vehicle’s hub without gaps; many OEM wheels are hub-centric or require minimal centering rings for correct seating.
- Bolt pattern and fit: Confirm the lug count and pitch circle diameter match your car’s official specification; deviations often indicate aftermarket wheels or adapters.
- Branding and center cap: OEM wheels frequently carry the carmaker’s logo or a dealer badge on the center cap, while counterfeit or aftermarket rims may use generic branding.
- Construction and finish: OEM wheels follow the manufacturer’s standard finishes; unusual coatings or inconsistent machining can be a red flag, though some brands offer multiple finishes.
- Documentation cues: If you have the vehicle’s original window sticker or build sheet, check whether the listed wheel option corresponds to the wheel you have.
These signs, taken together, help determine whether rims are factory-issued. If most data points align with your model’s official specs, you’re likely looking at OEM wheels; otherwise, they may be aftermarket replacements.
Official verification and next steps
To confirm through authoritative sources, gather your VIN, the wheel’s markings, and any purchase records. Then use the channels below to verify the wheel’s OEM status.
- Contact the vehicle manufacturer’s parts department or authorized dealer. Provide the VIN to retrieve the exact wheel part number and recommended fitment for your model/year.
- Consult official wheel catalogs or brand-specific fitment databases. Many automakers and wheel makers publish OEM specifications that you can cross-reference with the wheel in question.
- Check the vehicle’s build sheet or window sticker. Factory-ordered wheels are listed there with the corresponding part numbers.
- If uncertainty remains, seek guidance from a wheel specialist or a qualified mechanic who can measure dimensions and assess hub alignment.
- Keep a record of findings. Documentation helps with resale, warranties, and future wheel exchanges.
With official data and careful measurement, you can confirm whether rims are OEM with a high degree of confidence, reducing the risk of misfit or warranty issues.
Summary
OEM rims are defined by exact part numbers, fitment data (center bore, bolt pattern, offset), and branding that matches the vehicle. Cross-check these details with official catalogs, VIN-based records, and dealer data to verify authenticity and compatibility. When in doubt, consulting a dealership or wheel specialist is the most reliable path to a definitive answer.
How to tell if a part is OEM or not?
To tell if a part is OEM, check for the manufacturer's logo or part number directly on the component, inspect the branded packaging for proper logos and holograms, and compare the part's quality, fit, and finish against a genuine part. Purchasing from authorized dealerships or retailers, using a unique part number for verification, and being wary of unusually low prices can also confirm authenticity.
On the part itself
- Look for the logo: Genuine OEM parts will have the car manufacturer's logo or their parts division's logo (like Mopar for Jeep/Ram).
- Check the part number: Look for a specific OEM part number stamped or cast into the metal, often with a corresponding part number and description on the packaging.
- Inspect the quality: Compare the part's finish, materials, and weight to a genuine part. Counterfeit parts may have slight but noticeable differences in color, finish, or construction.
- Verify security features: Some parts have unique security features like QR codes or data matrix codes that can be scanned to verify authenticity on the manufacturer's website.
On the packaging
- Check the branding: The packaging should clearly show the vehicle manufacturer's brand, or the brand of their official parts division.
- Look for proper labels: Authentic packaging will have a proper serial number, barcode, and part details. Watch for a missing, blurred, or incorrect serial number or barcode, and check for missing holographic stickers.
- Compare packaging details: The font, colors, and overall quality of the packaging should match what you'd expect from a reputable company, as counterfeiters often make mistakes.
Other verification methods
- Know the source: Buy directly from the dealership or an authorized retailer. This is the most reliable way to ensure you receive a genuine part.
- Cross-reference the part number: Use the part number from the packaging or part itself to cross-reference with a parts catalog or your vehicle's owner's manual.
- Be suspicious of low prices: If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Genuine OEM parts are typically more expensive than aftermarket alternatives.
What does +35 mean for rims?
On car wheels, +35 refers to a positive offset of 35mm, which indicates the wheel's mounting surface is 35mm toward the front (or outside) of the wheel's centerline. This measurement determines how far the wheel sits inside or outside the fender, with positive offsets pushing the wheel further out compared to zero or negative offsets.
How it works
- Offset: This is the distance, measured in millimeters, between the wheel's hub mounting surface and its geometric centerline.
- Centerline: You can find the centerline by measuring the wheel's total width and dividing it by two.
- Positive Offset (+35positive 35+35): The mounting surface is on the "front" or "street" side of the centerline. The +35mm measurement means the mounting surface is 35mm out from the centerline.
- Other types:
- Zero Offset: The mounting surface is exactly at the centerline.
- Negative Offset: The mounting surface is on the "back" or "brake" side of the centerline, making the wheel stick out further. A wheel that is "deep dish" often has a negative offset.
Why offset is important
- Fitment: The correct offset is crucial for ensuring the wheel and tire clear the vehicle's suspension, brake calipers, and fenders.
- Handling: An incorrect offset can negatively affect handling, steering, and suspension components by putting extra stress on parts like wheel bearings and tie rods, and can even cause tires to rub.
How do I tell what brand my rims are?
Each rim model has its own marking, assigned by the manufacturer. You can find it on the rim itself— often embossed on the inside of the rim , for example, on one of the spokes.
How to tell if rims are OEM?
Identifying OEM rims can be straightforward if you know what to look for. First, check for manufacturer logos or markings on the wheel itself. These logos are often stamped or etched into the metal and indicate authenticity. Additionally, OEM rims usually have specific part numbers.
