For some drivers, the biggest concern with their car's tire rims (or wheels) is appearance. But an owner's choice of rims really affects the car's performance, too. New wheels run upwards of $100 apiece. If you're replacing a damaged rim, consider buying a used one.
Think about buying alloy wheels if you do a lot of driving in the mountains or in stop-and-go traffic. Some alloy wheels are designed to encourage cool air flow over the brakes to prevent overheating. The alloy itself can help dissipate heat, too.
"Plus-size" your rims if you want to improve performance and add a sportier look. With a larger inner diameter, you'll find steering is more responsive and your car holds the road better. Purchasing rims that are one or two sizes larger than what you have means you'll have to buy new tires as well. While the outside diameter of the tire your car uses should remain the same, the inner diameter--wrapped around the rim--needs to be bigger to fit a bigger rim.
Look for rims that aren't too heavy for your vehicle. Big, steel rims on a small car can decrease handling ability. Heavy wheels are unsprung weight--not supported by your car's suspension-- and therefore useless for smoothing out the ride or improving balance in driving maneuvers.
