7 Tips for Buying Aftermarket Wheels
1. What are you into?
Aftermarket wheels can be the part of your car that can really set everything off, even if you choose to keep the rest of your vehicle stock. Choosing a new set of wheels will lead you to think about what represents you best and suits how you'd like your Lexus to be perceived. Do you want big, flashy chrome for cruising? Would you like a lightweight wheel that puts an emphasis on better handling? Perhaps you'd like a marriage of the two by picking a wheel that's like a dapper athlete? Figuring out which direction you'd like to go with your wheels is the first step in getting the wheel that's right for you.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
2. How many parts are they made up of?
Before you get ahead of yourself buying a wheel, there are two more things to consider pertaining to wheel categories. The first two are one-piece and multi-piece wheels. One-piece wheels are cheaper in price, but if you hit a really bad pothole, the wheel can be severely damaged to the point of being a wash. With multi-piece wheels, if a part of it becomes damaged, you can simply change that piece out and be back on the road. The price for a multi-piece wheel can be upwards of $6,000.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
3. Cast vs. Forged
What's the big deal with cast vs. forged wheels, you may ask? They're both aluminum and can't be too different, right? The methods of their manufacturing are quite different, and they have different levels of tolerances in terms of strength. Forged rims are stronger and lighter, making them a sure bet if you want something to withstand city driving without sacrificing driveability. Cast wheels are the most common and cheaper of the two aluminum wheels. They are the weaker of the two but are a good value if you know you are a more sedate driver who lives in a less bustling area.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
4. Check out those Nnumbers on your tire
If you are looking to go to a larger size wheel, then you need to take some measurements to ensure what constitutes proper fitment. Keep in mind that you will still need to wrap the wheels in rubber, so don't get too crazy with the larger sizes because at the very least you will need summer, low profile tires. The areas you will want to measure for are: width, diameter, bolt pattern, backspace (amount of room from wheel to the wheel well), and offset. Here is a nifty article that can help get you going if you're not sure where to start with a wheel search on your Lexus.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
5. Buying wheels online vs. Storefront
If you check out the deals through online sites for wheels, you'll typically see lower prices than you would in a traditional brick and mortar setting. Buying a set of wheels online comes with the same set of risks you take buying anything sight unseen for yourself. The arrived product may not be truly indicative of what was shown, there may be sizing issues, and, lastly, there could be damage at some point incurred in the shipping process.
I, myself, have not had any trouble with buying wheels and tires online and would strongly suggest paying with a credit card so that any problems you may encounter with a seller can be refuted with your cardholder's company if necessary. If you do choose to do a storefront experience, then you may find yourself driving from shop to shop to find exactly what you're looking for. However, once you find the wheel, you can rest assured that what you see is what you get.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
6. Test Running in Shop
If you can, find a shop that has a road force balancing machine to test out your tires. This machine will simulate road conditions safely inside a shop to ensure that the rims not only fit the car but also give an idea of rubbing and any alignment issues. When you are deciding what tire you may need for your new wheels, this article with a How-to on calculating your new tire size will be a huge help.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
7. Wheel Upkeep
It goes without saying, but for those who may not know this, GET AN ALIGNMENT DONE! This will set everything into spec and ensure that you'll get the most out of your new tires that you purchased along with your wheels. When you go out onto the road, just know that there are more things to avoid besides potholes and curbs. Proper cleaning of your wheels is essential, as using the wrong things can do damage to your wheels.
When driving, keep a vigilant eye out for manhole covers, raised train tracks, potholes, and debris. Unfortunately, there's really no way to avoid these things except by learning what lanes to stay out of during your commute. Also, if you live in an area of the country that actually sees seasons, then you should keep your stock wheels and tires around for your winter setup. You do not want to mess up your aftermarket set with the harsh, colder environment that comes with that time of the year.
>>Join the conversation about tips for buying aftermarket wheels right here in ClubLexus Forum!
For information on maintenance and repairs, visit our How-to section here.