Aesthetic value of rims

[Karebu]

Is there a point in changing to 'sporty' rims but keeping to stock size when the purpose of changing rims is for the aesthetics?

 

I would think it is not just a guide, but a rule to +2" (min) to stock size when changing rims. Is there any point in changing yet keeping its size? If one's concerned with FC and moving off, why not stick to stock?

[So_nice]

the design.

 

its like why u buy a size L nike tee shirt compared to a no brand and same size one.

[Tom_kkh]

so long its not black rims, it's fine..

 

i don understand... black tyres with black rims? where's the contrast?!?!?

 

Thats a no no if i ever change rim.

 

anyways i no $ to change rims,(b4 i kana flame, i admit i no taste and no $ first) again i am always wrong...

[Thedream]

The weight. Forged rims are maybe 3 to 4 kg lighter each.

 

Getting larger rims would compromise the ride comfort. Larger tyres also cost more.

[Lectrosphere]

 

 

hmm... my stock steelies is 16"... i changed it to 16" alloy rims... haha counted as your question?

 

for me i change back same rims... but different width to accomodate bigger tyres...

 

oh

 

and btw mine is black rims with black tyre... not trying to make a contrast rather to hide the rim with the tyre.. planning to change to a more striking color...

[5936]

To me I use what comes with the car.

 

Steel rim also use.

Alloy rim also can.

 

Factory alloy rim better still.

 

Spend money to change the rims-- no way

[Readonly]

Is there a point in changing to 'sporty' rims but keeping to stock size when the purpose of changing rims is for the aesthetics?

 

I would think it is not just a guide, but a rule to +2" (min) to stock size when changing rims. Is there any point in changing yet keeping its size? If one's concerned with FC and moving off, why not stick to stock?

 

there are a few other reasons for changing rims, besides aesthetics with street cred.

changing to a set of lighter rims can help with pick up, performance and even FC.

it can also fit bigger/wider tyres which will provide better grip.

 

Edited August 23, 2010 by Readonly

[PDK]

While I agree with your observations, I would like to add that one should also be careful when changing their car rims. Instead of design, one should look for qualty first. Rims from established manufacturers (e.g. BBS, OZ etc) are made from quality materials and tested to great extremes. Hence they are therefore much safer for our cars. The "replica" rims of these manufacturers (often made in China, Thailand etc), do not undergo the same kind of stress testing and the materials used to make such replicas are of a much lower quality. Using such rims could result in serious consequences. If a set of OEM rims from an established manufacturer costs $4,000/-, would you expect the same design rims coming from ROC which costs $1,000/- to have the same performance? So while you may have a set of "nice" replica rims, truth is that it may not eventually hold your car together...

[Vtec78]

changing of rims even to same size as stock is up to personal taste. for me, changing rim is sop for my car while someone who onli uses the car as a transport might think it is a waste of money. also imo, most of the normal cars come with ugly n heavy "sport" rims. if i can afford, i will get japanese rims which r usually lighter than stock rims. if not i will jus get a taiwan rim which is most of the time lighter than stock rim too. although they may not be as strong as the stock rim, but they r gd enuff to use on local road. of cos if u hit kerb at high speed, even japanese or stock rim will give way too....

[Euphony]

my main concern was the previous silver rims were attracting too much brake dust and difficult as hell to clean. So I bought a black rim with silver trim and wider openings for the scrub to reach. no its so much easier. So its practicality concerns for me purely. Of cos it must also look good la!

[Readonly]

While I agree with your observations, I would like to add that one should also be careful when changing their car rims. Instead of design, one should look for qualty first. Rims from established manufacturers (e.g. BBS, OZ etc) are made from quality materials and tested to great extremes. Hence they are therefore much safer for our cars. The "replica" rims of these manufacturers (often made in China, Thailand etc), do not undergo the same kind of stress testing and the materials used to make such replicas are of a much lower quality. Using such rims could result in serious consequences. If a set of OEM rims from an established manufacturer costs $4,000/-, would you expect the same design rims coming from ROC which costs $1,000/- to have the same performance? So while you may have a set of "nice" replica rims, truth is that it may not eventually hold your car together...

 

Please name me some china/thailand brand of rims :)

Just curious because I havent heard of them.

 

Seeing that your post was about OEM rims, I will just touch on that without going into the Chrome.

For OEM rims, they are alloys, which can be aluminium or magnesium or even a mixture of both and then coated (power/paint). Its usually done by casting.

 

Since casting is just a metalwork process, how different is casting done in other countries than for the various brands? It is really the same. The difference is really the branding, the design and quality control. Else all the tomyum toyotas will all have no wheels by now.

 

So if you are really looking for a good set of functional racing wheels look for a set thats made with magnesium with high corrosion resistance and created by forging. Stock cars do have such alloys too, but on cars like ferrari, porsches, lambo.

 

Therefore, before you shoot off about the price of OEM alloys (ack $4000? what sort of OEM alloys?). 1st look at the material, if its aluminium alloys, ask yourself why is it so expensive? is it just the branding, design and quality control? or have you just simply been ripped off.

 

Oh and I havent heard of rims breaking under normal operating conditions, they can crack and warp thou. But that is under extreme conditions. Of course if you crash your car and the rims gets hit 1st, what brand, make or country will be the same ... its just going to break.

 

With that said, I am still a firm believer of brand, design and quality control. So no imitations on all my rides.

Edited August 23, 2010 by Readonly

[Vhtfhwlego]

My stock rims are 18" and if that I upgrade, it would be a 20" .

I might as well change it for caterpillar tracks instead if that I am running on 20".

[Fourth]

Why not? On the first day of my last car collection, I drove straight to swop the rims and tyres. Changed from 16" to 17". Topped up $2k+ if I remember correctly.

 

 

[Karebu]

The weight. Forged rims are maybe 3 to 4 kg lighter each.

 

Getting larger rims would compromise the ride comfort. Larger tyres also cost more.

 

will the components (susp, bushings, etc) be strained if one sticks to alloy, but upsized?

 

i wonder if theres a tangible number we can put to the effect on the car (engine + components or perhaps FC, load) with increase per kg?

[Jj5599]

I also want to change rims, but wondering what to do your old rims? Store it aside?

[Cheesepiekia]

Trade-in your old rims?

[Keithchue]

i need to change rim to get tyres, i'm on 14 inch now and seems like the choices for 14 arel limited. does this count.

 

P.s i have not changed my rims yet

[Immotive]

Any brand to recommend?