A rim is the round metal piece onto which the inside edge of the tire mounts. Today, rims on cars are not only used for functionality but also for looks. The material and size of the rim can affect the performance of the car, so custom rims are commonly used for racing. Rims come in a variety of materials such as alloy, steel, silver and chrome, as well as a variety of sizes. Designing your own rims can give your vehicle a unique look.
Find a reputable retailer for car rims or a company that creates its own. Oftentimes, you can get this information from the dealership you purchased the car from.
Take a photograph or drawing of the type of rims you want. The car rim expert will let you know what will work best with your car's tires as far as size goes. Larger cars and tires may require a larger rim. Rim sizes range from 17 inches in diameter to 24 inches. If you are set on a specific size of rim that doesn't fit with your car, you can make modifications to your vehicle; however, this will incur a large additional cost.
Discuss the type of material you want for your rims. There are a variety of options when it comes to the type of metal used for rims. Alloy rims are the most common, and you can even put a finish on them. Gold plating and various colored finishes are available on alloy rims as well. Silver and chrome rims are higher-end options for vehicles, which you can polish or finish to create the desired look.
Choose how many spokes you want on the rim. Spokes on a rim may range from 5 to hundreds depending on the style you want.
Select spinning rims or stationary rims. Spinning rims will spin when the car is moving and will continue to spin for a period of time once you have stopped. These are often used in cars for show.
