Tires, Wheels, And Hubcaps 101
Generally, tire and wheel repair go together. Changing one usually entails changing the other. But one thing you need to remember about wheels is that unlike tires, they dont wear out so fast. In such a circumstance, most people would think changing the wheels is unnecessary, but if what youre going for is an overhauled look for your car, then youll need to replace them inevitably. A better-looking wheel makes a world of difference on many cars and trucks.
Lets talk tires. There are two important considerations when youre having your tires replaced, along with your wheels. First, know your expected needs and driving uses. This consideration is important to overall driving enjoyment and a well-run tire shop will help you determine your tire needs before you lay down any green. The second consideration is to find a vendor or store that you trust enough to recommend the type of tire that fits your needs. Make sure that they carry authentic brands. Some of the industrys most trusted brands when it comes to car tires, car rims, and wheels are Dunlap, Continental, General, Michelin, BFG, Goodyear, Firestone, Bridgestone, Toyo, and Pirelli. Choosing a well-trusted brand of tires ensures you of tried and tested products in all 5 tire requirements, namely: Tread life, wet weather performance, speed rating, ride quality, and noise. Make sure you know the capacity of the tires youll be choosing in terms of these requirements for a hassle-free driving experience.
If youre thinking of changing or getting new wheels or hubcaps, you have to first know their specs i.e. size, capacity, etc. The true size of your wheels and hub caps is dependent on the measurements of your vehicles tires. If you look at the side of a tire on any vehicle, there will be a series of numbers ending in R14, R15, R16, etc. This final number will tell you what size wheel or hubcap you need. For example, you have a 2001 Toyota Corolla and you need to replace the hubcap. You look on the side of the tire and find a number similar to this "P175/65/R14". What this number tells you is that you need a 14" hubcap or wheel. This applies to all, even with custom wheels or custom rims. Once youve determined the size, then youre ready to choose. Custom hubcaps are the best way to go for a personalized look but if youre on a budget, you can also opt for factory rims and hubcaps.
Now, if youre choosing between aluminum wheels or steel rims but cant tell the difference, then what you need to know is thismost steel wheels take full wheel covers or hubcaps. Aluminum wheels take a smaller center cap cover and are either a machined finish or painted finish with a hard clear coating. However, if youre interested in chrome wheels, then you should know that chrome can either be steel or aluminum. Your auto shop should help you tell which is which. Most auto repair shops sell new and used wheels so if youre on a tight budget, you still have this option.
Sam the Hubcap Man has all types and size of custom, new, and used wheels. Choose from different designs of custom and factory original 20 wheels, 17 wheels, 22 rims, and 20 rims. They carry all original brands of hubcaps and wheels such as American Racing, BBS, Eagle, Boss, Enkei, Asanti, Centerline, TSW, Panther, and Beyern. Sam the Hubcap Man also provides wheel repair services and car accessory installations.
Theres also a way to vamp-up the look of your old or used chrome rims. You can do this by changing the skin of your rims to give it that custom rim look. Factory-painted wheels can look boring so snapping on wheel skins instantly upgrades your factory wheels to expensive looking chrome wheels. Ask your auto shop vendor if they have this car accessory.