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Wheel Shopping & Not Sure Where to Begin? Start Here

Finding the perfect wheels for your car or truck is like choosing the right pair of shoes for a special occasion—you need them to look good and fit good.

Undoubtedly, new wheels look great, and if you go with an aftermarket set, you can change the appearance of your vehicle to suit your preference. In fact, when it comes to shopping for wheels, it's wheel design that tends to be a top consideration with motorists. But there are other factors to consider, including factors that impact the performance of your vehicle. So if you're shopping for wheels but not sure what to look at outside of aesthetics, you're at the right place!

This guide covers what you should think about when shopping for wheels, including: wheel size and fitment, material, application, design, weight, maintenance, and cost.

Whether you're not sure how to find the right wheels for your truck, or you need reassurance that you're not forgetting anything important,  this guide can be of benefit.

Wheel Size & Fitment

Fitment refers to how well a particular set of tires and wheels fits onto a vehicle. Factors that have an effect on fitment include wheel size, offset, and tire size. Certain tires and wheels will be compatible with your vehicle's suspension and brake components while others will not be suitable.

There are several ways to find your wheel size:

1. Check Your Vehicle's Manual:

   • The first and most straightforward way to find your wheel size is to consult your owner's manual. The manual typically provides information about the recommended wheel size, including diameter and width. If you can't find the physical copy, you might be able to find it online from the manufacturer.

2. Inspect Your Tires:

   • Tire markings include information about the wheel diameter. Examine the tire sidewall to locate this information. You should see markings in a format like this, "P215/60R16," where 16 is the wheel diameter in inches.

3. Use Online Tools:

   • There are tools and calculators to help you find compatible wheel sizes. Visit websites for different wheel brands. These sites may include the option to search offerings by vehicle make, model, and year. This method of will provide you with a list of suitable wheel sizes and allow you to explore different wheel designs.

4. Visit Your Nearest Treadworks® or J/P Tire:

   • Don't be a stranger! Visit Treadworks® at our locations in New Mexico, or stop over at J/P Tire in Colorado. All our shops have knowledgeable staff to assist you with finding the appropriate wheel size for your car or truck. We're also on hand to answer questions you have about tires and wheels, so you can be confident that you're looking at compatible options.

5. Consult Forums & Communities:

   • Online forums and communities can be valuable resources. Motorists who drive the same make and model may share their experiences and recommendations regarding wheel sizes and brands.

6. Measure Your Wheels:

   • You can always measure the diameter and width of your current wheels using measuring tape or a ruler.

It's important to choose the right size wheels, because you don't want to run into clearance issues with the suspension, brakes, or fenders. You want your wheels to sit correctly within the wheel wells and not interfere with other components.

Material: Alloy vs. Steel Wheels

The age-old debate of alloy vs. steel wheels remains strong to this day, with fans on both sides. We'll keep it simple with a list of the pros and cons of each material, shedding light on their impact on weight, durability, and aesthetics.

Steel Wheels

Pros:

• Durable and resistant to damage that requires replacement.
• Cost-effective and budget-friendly.
• Better in harsh weather conditions.

Cons:

• Heavier, impacting fuel efficiency.
• Limited design options.

Alloy Wheels:

Pros:

• Lightweight for improved performance.
• Many designs and finishes available.
• Better heat conduction.

Cons:

• More susceptible to damage that requires replacement.
• Higher cost than steel wheels.

Making an informed decision about wheel materials is important and will determine how many options you have to choose from for your vehicle (more in the case of alloy).

Application

Are you looking for a stylish set of aftermarket wheels to show off in town, factory wheels to replace the ones you have, or off-road wheels for your next adventure? What you want your wheels to achieve will steer you in the right direction.

Aesthetics

If you're looking to create a striking visual impact, a set of custom wheels is a quick way to do it. There are many wheel brands to choose from today, and there are additional ways to customize those wheels to achieve different colors and looks. You'll have no problem making your car, truck, Jeep, or SUV stand out in a crowd. 

Weight

The impact of wheel weight on vehicle performance is important to discuss as well. You may have heard that wheel weight doesn't make that much of a difference. While it's true that light wheels often have a minimal impact for the average driver, it's important to recognize that there is still an impact. Ultimately, the reduction in unsprung weight (this is the weight of vehicle components not supported by the suspension, such as the tires and wheels) remains an effective way to improve handling, steering, braking performance, and overall responsiveness. 

That said, the weight difference might not be extreme depending on the size of the wheel and design, and some alloys may even weigh more than steel wheels or close to them. When looking at wheels, pay attention to the weight and compare that to what you run now. Are you happy with your current wheel performance? Do you want something similar, something lighter, or something heavier in exchange for other benefits you may get from the heavier option?

Maintenance & Durability

If you're looking at a new set of wheels, the level of maintenance needed to keep them looking like they're right out of the box is worth thinking about. Certain finishes require a higher degree of care. Similarly, you'll want to ensure you have the appropriate cleaning products to avoid damaging the finish. 

Tips for Maintaining Your Wheels

• Consider using wheel sealants or protectants to mitigate brake dust buildup and facilitate easier cleaning in the future.
• Be mindful of your parking practices to prevent curb damage, ensuring both the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of your wheels.
• Inspect your wheels periodically for any signs of damage, such as bends or cracks, that could impact safety and performance.
• Prioritize professional wheel detailing services for challenging-to-reach areas.
• Remember to take care of your tires, too, as tire maintenance (such as regular inflation checks) contributes to overall wheel health.
• Have a cleaning schedule in place to routinely rid the wheels of brake dust and road grime.
• Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as they can compromise the integrity of the wheel surface.

Keep your wheels at their best, and factor in the finish before you buy to ensure maintenance doesn't seem like a chore.

Budget

Let's not forget to factor in the budget. It can be tempting to go with something extravagant, but if it's not within your price-range, don't dwell on it. Having a realistic budget that aligns with your financial parameters doesn't mean you're without great-looking (and customizable) options. In fact, setting a clear budget not only streamlines your choices but helps you prioritize features and materials within your financial comfort zone. By approaching your wheel search with a budget-conscious mindset, you can make informed decisions that not only enhance the visual appeal of your truck or Jeep but also leave you satisfied with a purchase that aligns with your financial priorities.

There are also leasing options available that can separate a larger payment into smaller ones over time. Depending on your needs, this might be a solution that works for you.

Final Thoughts About Shopping for Wheels

We're reaching the final stretch of our journey looking at the wheel selection process, so it's time to review the key factors to consider when searching for the perfect set of wheels. These are: fitment, material, application, aesthetics, weight, maintenance, and budget. If you know what you need for each of these, then you're on your way to narrowing down your options and choosing a new set of wheels.

Exploring wheels for your car, truck, Jeep, or SUV can be fun, but you don't want it to become overwhelming. Search for wheels that meet all your criteria to limit options and find the set that calls to you.

If you need a wheel installer in Farmington, New Mexico, a wheel installer in Kirtland, New Mexico, or a wheel installer in Durango, Colorado, contact us! We also offer a great selection of wheels from leading brands and can assist you firsthand in the selection process.

With that said, may your wheels of choice become the perfect companions on every drive.