We choose discs ourselves

Rims on a car are a bit like men's shoes. Often, the overall picture is assessed through their prism. Properly selected discs are not only about the correct functioning of the chassis or braking system, which also ensures safety. These are pleasant aesthetic impressions, thanks to which even older models look younger, and "regular" ones become more prestigious or acquire a "sporty touch". We advise you on what to keep in mind when choosing wheels for your car.

The easiest way to choose the right discs is to contact a store or an authorized service center of our brand, where we can get professional advice on the discs you are interested in. However, this is not always possible. It's good to have proper knowledge on this subject when you want to install rims from another vehicle, either used/remanufactured rims or off-brand rims that won't exactly match the manufacturer's recommended specifications for your model.

Knowing the basic parameters of the rims and observing them ensures the correct operation of the most important components of the car, although it must also be remembered that there are some exceptions that can be tolerated without compromising driving performance.

Rim diameter and width

These are the two main parameters that are most often considered when choosing the right rim. It is important, however, that there is enough room for maneuver. For example, many small cars can be successfully fitted with rims ranging from 14 to even 16 inches in diameter, although each choice should be preceded by at least a momentary analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of such a decision.

Using a rim smaller than the manufacturer's recommended diameter may cause problems with brake discs and calipers, which may be too big for some rims (smaller rims may simply not fit). It should be borne in mind that even within the same model, for example, with richer equipment versions or with more powerful engines, there may be brake calipers of different sizes.

In turn, an increase in the size of the diameter may lead to the fact that after installation the tire may not fit into the wheel arch. Most often, an increase in the rim is accompanied by a decrease in the profile of the tire to keep the wheel diameter at the same level. The lower profile of the tire may look more impressive, but you must consider worse driving comfort, especially on poorer quality roads, and a higher risk of rim damage. A lower profile can also lead to faster wear of suspension and chassis components.

Selecting a specific rim size involves selecting tires later. For example, a 7J/15 rim means 15 inches in diameter and 7 inches wide. A bit like a tire, but what's interesting is that while the rim diameter directly determines the tire diameter (in the case of 15" rims, we have 15" tires), it's a bit different with a rim. width. Well, with the expected rim width, you can choose several tire widths - for example, for a 7-inch rim, you can choose a tire with a width of 185 to even 225 mm. The same is true in the opposite direction. If we choose rims that match the tires we already have, we also have a certain freedom of choice. For example, a 215mm wide tire can be used with a 6,5" to 8,5" rim.

Offset rim

While the rim diameter leaves quite a lot to choose from, we have less freedom with the rim width with which the so-called rim offset factor (called ET or offset). In short, the coefficient ET means the distance between the plane of attachment of the rim to the hub and its axis of symmetry. It can be positive or negative, resulting in a smaller and larger track size, respectively. Remember that car manufacturers allow a track change of approximately 2% without affecting driving performance or chassis components. Therefore, in a car with a track of, for example, 150 cm, you can use a rim offset factor even 15 mm less than the original one (for example, instead of 45, you can use an ET 30 rim) .

Selecting a rim in accordance with this factor ensures that the wheel will fit into the wheel arch, will not rub against the elements of the suspension, brake or steering system, fender and will not protrude beyond the outline of the wheel. car, which is prohibited by the rules in force in our country. Incorrect selection of this parameter will contribute to faster wear of the tire, and even the rim, and in extreme cases, deterioration in vehicle control, for example, in corners (although there are cases of increasing the track width in motorsport, just to increase stability). However, it should be remembered that these undesirable effects may not be immediately noticeable, but only with increased load or with a sharp turn of the wheels.

Number of bolts and distance between holes

However, the next parameter, which is important when choosing disks, leaves no room for maneuver. For example, the designation 5×112 means that the rim has 5 mounting holes, and the diameter of the circle with these holes is 112 mm. Both the number of holes for the mounting screws and the distance between them must exactly match those specified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, even with a slight deviation (we are talking about the distance of the holes), it may turn out that the rim simply does not fit. And even if we somehow manage to put it on, there is a very high risk that at some point it will fall off.

Center hole diameter

An often overlooked parameter, which, however, is also important in terms of the correct assembly of the rim, is the diameter of the central hole. Be aware that differences between the center hole and hub flange diameter may make it impossible to mount such a rim, and after mounting without a perfect fit (only using screws), distinct vibrations can be felt. vibrations when driving at high speeds.

After checking all relevant parameters, you can finally move on to the search for a suitable rim design, incl. on the number, shape and thickness of the shoulders. Although the tastes of the car owner will be decisive, remember that a large number of levers / spokes can make it very difficult to keep them clean. Also, thin-spoked rims are much less durable and may not be suitable for heavier SUVs or larger limousines.

Although the final decision will be ours, it is not always worth insisting on your own. Therefore, when choosing the right wheels, you should use the data of the manufacturer of the car and wheels. It also doesn't hurt to seek advice from an experienced dealer or service technician.