Tips For Buying 22 Inch Rims

It is not uncommon to see bigger rims on SUVs, but what about bumping up the wheels on other vehicles?  What if you want to upgrade your stock wheels and increase the size? Well, here are tips for buying 22 inch rims to add a bit of style to your ride.

Take a look around and you will notice custom rims have become popular. In fact, car manufacturers have taken this trend and started adding upscale wheels to newer models. This does not come without an additional cost, but you can purchase aftermarket rims on your own and save big.

Adding custom rims to cars, vans, or wagons will change the look, but there are a few things you should know before pimping your ride and going larger. Choosing the type or wheel, the right size, bolt pattern, and offset can make a big difference on your vehicle’s ride and fuel performance.

Why Buy 22’s

Most people adding 22’s to their vehicle are doing it for the look. You cannot deny that huge shiny chrome wheels are an eye catcher, but you must make sure your vehicle can accommodate such large wheels. What you see on the videos or at the car shows is just that – for show and not for daily driving. Larger vehicle may be able to take 22 inch rims without a problem; however, some vehicles will need to be altered to fit the large wheels. The first thing to know is the larger your rim, the smaller your tire must be. Low profile tires are more expensive and often result in a harder ride.

What Size Can I Go Up To

There are a few things to consider when deciding on new rims. When doing a lot of city driving in stop and go traffic, alloy wheels are the best bet. Alloys rims help keep the brakes from overheating, believe it or not. Typically, upgrading two to three inches from stock wheels is best. Not all cars can accommodate all sizes. When a wheel is too large it can create clearance issues and decrease the fuel economy on your vehicle. Steering issues can make your vehicle unsafe when wheels are too large, not to mention damage to the suspension if the wheels are not properly aligned.

Choosing The Right 22’s

When purchasing new wheels it is important to check the bolt pattern and offset. Bolt patterns differ on vehicles from four, to five, to six lugs. The offset will determine how the wheel sits. This can create suspension problems if the tires rub the body of the vehicle when turning. This is not safe. There should always be clearance between the fender and the wheels.

Another thing to consider is the weight of the rims. Larger rims add weight to the vehicle. This added weight is not supported by the current suspension and could cause damage to your car over time. When you must go big, you may need to alter the vehicle’s suspension system to handle the large load.

If you have decided to go big on your next set of wheels, take the time to comparison shop. Your local tire dealer is sure to have something you like, but consider other options such as shopping online or searching car classifieds. Online auctions offer great deals from wholesalers or manufacturers trying to increase sales. Custom wheels can add a dramatic and sleek look to any vehicle, and you can get them at a savings if you take the time to shop around.