Considerations for Custom Wheels

When thinking about upgrading to custom wheels the first aspect to consider is the purpose for the change. Are you trying to enhance the overall aesthetic of your car, truck or jeep, or are you hoping to improve the driving performance of your vehicle? Each of these underlying reasons for changing to aftermarket wheels will help you focus your end selection and make the most appropriate choice for your vehicle needs. In addition to honing in on your best options for custom wheels and tires, there are critical considerations regarding fit. The most important consideration includes your vehicle’s lug bolt pattern, width and diameter, backspacing, offset and pricing.

• Lug bolt pattern – each vehicle will have a different lug bolt pattern, which is the simply the position and
  number of bolts that attach your wheel to your car, truck or jeep. The owner’s manual provides this information clearly, but custom wheel and tire shops have access to an extensive database that stores this information as well. Prior to selecting your custom wheels or custom tires, it is necessary to have this information to make sure they are a perfect fit.
• Width/Diameter – the factory width for your vehicle is also available in the owner’s manual, but will depend on the design of your car, truck or jeep’s suspension. If you are buying custom car wheels but keeping your original tires, simply select aftermarket wheels that are the same as the factory width.

If you are upgrading to custom jeep wheels or custom truck wheels as well as custom tires, you will need to know how much extra space is available to ensure a smooth fit. In addition to width, the wheel’s diameter is an important metric to understand. In essence, this measurement tells you just how big your custom tires and wheels can be. Newer cars often have greater diameter measurements, while older vehicles tend to be smaller.

• Backspacing – the distance between a wheel hub and the inner edge of the wheel is known as backspacing. The majority of cars, trucks and jeeps have excess backspacing which allows for bigger aftermarket tires and aftermarket wheels. You want to ensure the backspacing on your vehicle is large enough to accommodate your upgrade, especially with custom car wheels.
• Offset – Measuring offset may be one of the most confusing components of planning for custom wheels and tires. Offset is the distance between the center of the wheel (when looking at it from above) and the section of the wheel that sits against the hub.
• Pricing – the greatest consideration in shopping for custom tires and wheels for most owners is price. As with other major purchases, you get what you pay for with custom car wheels, custom jeep wheels and custom truck wheels. There are a number of luxury wheels available that stay within the confines of a tight budget, while other options can be quite pricey. It helps to set a limit for yourself prior to visiting a retailer, and know that custom wheels and tires are an investment in your vehicle.

Seems daunting…but that’s what we are here for.

Whether you are considering a simple upgrade for your vehicle or are seeking out expertise in the luxury wheels market, our experienced team at Joseph’s Auto Toy Store can assist you with measurements and final selections. Contact us for a consultation, installation or purchase of your custom wheels and tires today!