Mistakes To Avoid When Upgrading Your Wheels & Tires

Easy Guide To Upgrade Wheels & Tires Without Mistakes

The best way to transform the look of your ride is by adding new wheels and tires. Whether you want to get them for better performance or only for aesthetics, you should always know what you’re getting into first.

Things like hub size and the ride's bolt pattern are important when upgrading your tires, so you should understand this terminology before buying.

We’ve created this up-to-date guide to know what exactly you need before buying your new tires at your trusted wheel & tire distributor in Gilbert. Continue reading to learn more.

Extreme Wheels is a top-rated wheel & tire distributor in Gilbert that offers you numerous models and brands for you to choose the best one for your car. With over 30 years of experience, Extreme Wheels knows exactly how to make it easy for you to get the right set of wheels and tires. Contact us now for more information!

Extreme Wheels
1497 E. Baseline Rd. Suite 4-109
Gilbert, AZ 85233
Phone: 480-892-9433
Email: info@extremewheels.com

Stop Commiting Mistakes When Changing Your Wheels & Tires

1. Do Not Ignore The Rubber “Code”

Have you seen a series of numbers and letters on the side of the tire? If you haven’t, then check your tire again because this “code” is important.

This alphanumeric system describes the tire and its performance features. The typical tire size system usually has a string of letters and numbers such as 215/55R16 93H, for example.

If we take 215/55R16 93H as an example, we’ll see that the tire has a section width of 215 millimeters. It also has an aspect ratio of 55, and a radial construction and interior diameter created to fit on a 16-inch wheel. But, that’s not all, the 93 is the load index, while the “H” is the speed rating (in this case, it is good for 130 mph).

It may seem very confusing at first, which is why we recommend you to contact a car expert or a professional tire distributor to get a better understanding. This is essential when buying new tires for the first time.

2. Remember The Hub Size

Diameter and width aren’t the only things to consider when it comes to wheels, and a Gilbert wheel & tire supplier can vouch for that.

Your car’s bolt pattern can be the difference between wheels that fit and wheels that don’t.

Hub sizes vary depending on the model. What you can do is to picture the bolt pattern as a circle, measuring the pattern at the center of each wheel stud. Take as an example a bolt pattern of 5×100. It means it has a pattern of five wheel studs with a diameter of 100 millimeters.

3. What About Fitment?

In addition to your ride’s bolt pattern, you should also consider fitment. To know this, you have to check offset and backspacing.

The offset is the distance from the dead center of the wheel to the mounting surface, while backspacing is the distance from the back of the wheel to the mounting surface.

With a higher offset, the mounting surface gets closer to the outside edge of the wheel. On the contrary, a lower offset puts the mounting surface a bit closer to the inside edge of the wheel.

In simpler words, not every car has the same offset, so be aware of that before you buy your new wheels at a wheel & tire distributor in Gilbert.

4. Plus-sizing Your Wheels

Plus-sizing means adding wheelsets that are larger than stock. This tactic is popular and it has many benefits. However, it also has some cons, including a slightly rougher ride.

It can be a sportier look for your ride, but remember that it may end up offering a shorter sidewall for your wheel. In the end, you make the final decision depending on what you prefer.

5. Size Matters Only With Price

Bigger diameter of the wheel means a higher price, although it happens in manageable increments for your wallet. With tires, things are different because tires can cost a lot when the size increases, easily reaching up to $500 per tire.

Take into account that the price also varies depending on the model and the brand.

6. You Get What You Pay For

You may be tempted to buy a new set of rims at only $400, but you should be careful with the poor construction. Sometimes a price like this means a broken or cracked rim, and no one wants that.

There’s a difference between a bargain and a bust, so pick your tires and wheel carefully. You often get what you pay for, so always buy from an authorized Gilbert wheel & tire supplier.

7. Be Careful With The Used Market

Although the used market can be a cost-effective option to find wheels and tires, it’s also an easy way for scams. You may also find someone offering damaged or stolen goods for you.

Before buying at the used market, be sure of inspecting the wheels for cracks and bends. Avoid buying wheels and tires with punctures and patches.

Where To Buy Wheels and Tires Safely?