If you’re thinking about getting new rims for your car, it may take a while to sift through all your options. There are hundreds of different wheel rims on the market today, but not all the wheel brands you find are worth your time and consideration.
To get you started on your quest for new rims, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 aftermarket wheel rim brands for you to take a look at. We’ve also put together a quick buyer’s guide so you know what to look for in your next set of wheels.
How to Choose Your New Set of Wheel Rims
Picking out aftermarket car accessories isn’t as simple as seeing something you like and saying “I want that.” There’s a lot to consider, especially with your wheel rims. The wrong rims can cause a lot of damage to your tires and the rest of your car.
Let’s get into it:
Safety First
The safety of your wheel rims comes down to the proper fit. There are three things you need to consider with your new rims: the overall diameter, the offset and backspace, and the mounting.
The overall diameter includes the wheel and the tire. The combination should clear your vehicle’s braking components, suspension parts, and the rest of the body. Whether you’re trying to increase or decrease the diameter of your wheels, they have to clear all the parts mentioned.
The offset and backspace refer to the distances between your wheel and tire and its mounting surfaces. For the necessary clearance, you need to know how your tire sits with respect to the wheel well. Insufficient offset and backspace will result in a decreased turning radius and interference with your steering and other parts.
Cars typically come out of the factory mounted with a hub-centric fitment. The precise fitting of the wheels around the hub is what centers your wheel and tire assembly onto your car. Improper mounting will result in an imbalance that causes vibrations in the steering wheel and seat.
Find the Right Size
If you want your new rims to fit your car you’re going to need to get the right size. There are quite a few different sizes you choose from, so it mainly comes down to what you’re looking for.
If you’re simply looking for a new aesthetic, you won’t have to deviate from your current size. If you’re looking to improve your speed and cornering, you’ll need to invest in a slightly larger diameter. Keep in mind that the larger the wheel, the bumpier the ride and quicker wear and tear.
Double Check the Bolt Patterns
Bolt pattern refers to how many holes the wheel rim has for the studs to go through. The bolt pattern of your new wheel rims must match the number and position of your studs. Of course, even then there’s no guarantee that the fit will be perfect and you may need wheel adaptors.
Decide on the Style and Finish
Aesthetics are one of the main reasons people buy aftermarket wheel rims. There are a few different types out there including steel, alloy, chrome, colors, and spinners. There are also matte, satin, chrome-plated, and gloss finishes.
It all comes down to your personal style, needs, and preference. How you want your car to look and perform matter, so choose wisely.
The 10 Best Wheel Rims
If there’s one thing you need to remember when buying new rims or any car accessories for that matter, it’s that you get what you pay for. That’s not to say you shouldn’t factor your budget into your rim search, but we highly advise against going off-brand just to save a few bucks.
Stick with the following brands when searching for your next set of wheel rims, and you’ll be good to go:
ADV.1
ADV.1 has been on the custom car and custom supercar map for a while now—and for good reason. ADV.1 produces custom-made monoblocks, two-piece, and three-piece wheel rims. Each rim is made from forged aluminum and carbon fiber, with a variety of different finishes.
Their wheels are made for all types of vehicles including supercars, luxury cars, and sports cars. ADV.1 is currently leading the wheel industry with its custom wheel designs.
Forgiato
Forgiato started as a cast wheel importer and grew into a leading luxury wheel manufacturer. They now offer custom forged wheels made right in Los Angeles, California. They use all American parts from start to finish to create their luxury wheel rims.
Forgiato makes wheel rims for all types of vehicles, including off-road SUVs. If you’re looking to give a luxurious touch to your ride, Forgiato rims are for you.
KMC
KMC wheels take vehicle performance to a whole new level. Their evolutionary design translates to all driving styles, whether you’re a street racer, off-road enthusiast, or into power sports.
KMC wheels are either constructed with steel, cast aluminum, or alloy metals, depending on their purpose. They also offer customizable wheel rims and a selection of quality finishes.
The goal is to provide you with style and unadulterated performance, on or off the road.
SSR
Born from the racetrack, SSR has been a three-piece wheel manufacturer since the 1970s. They use a special heat treatment technology to create their wheels, and it’s all done in the United States. The company puts a serious emphasis on going above and beyond in the creation and final product, which is why they put each wheel through rigorous testing.
Each SSR wheel can pass Japan’s strict JWL standards and the third-party VIA standards. The company takes things a step further by creating its own standards which are even more stringent than JWL, to ensure quality, durability, and strength.
OZ Racing
OZ Racing wheel rims are manufactured in Italy, and they’ve become much more technologically advanced in recent years. The company makes its wheels from a lightweight alloy designed to have your car running smoothly and looking just as good. Each wheel is custom forged and tailored to your specific vehicle and style—so no one else will ever have the same wheel rims.
OZ Racing has some of the strongest wheels on the market made for the sports car enthusiast.
Konig
Konig produces some of the most technologically advanced wheels out there. They use free flow forming technology to create their wheels. The result—lighter and stronger wheels that have incredible shock resistance and better elongation compared to their competitors.
Konig offers a large selection of wheels and for all types of cars, including Jeeps and SUVs
Enkei
Enkei is a company that’s constantly pushing the limits of wheel and rim technology. They’re one of Japan’s most respected wheel manufacturers, for both their design and features. Each new line comes with a brand new technological innovation, bringing customers an even more lightweight wheel than the last.
Enkei’s are also some of the toughest aftermarket wheels as they’re designed for high impact. Their wheels are made from composite alloy and go through casting and forging process before going through extreme testing.
BBS
BBS wheels originated in Germany in the 1970s, making its name in racing with over 250 series championships. Those championships include the F1, World Rally Championships, and Prototypes.
Once the company expanded to create consumer vehicle-ready wheels, they brought together the perfect combination of top performance and unique design. Created with durability, tolerance, and performance in mind, BBS wheels are fit for luxury and can be found on BMWs, Ferraris, and Porches.
American Racing
American Racing aftermarket wheels are large, durable, and extremely reliable. These aren’t your standard wheels as they’re built with performance in mind for both off-roading and racing. They’ve also been in business since the 1950s—which says a lot!
American Racing wheels are made from high-grade steel and alloy aluminum, and there are plenty of options to choose from. Keep in mind their wheels have traversed every motorsport event imaginable, including drag racing, towing, cruising, and then some. It also doesn’t hurt that their wheels come with a lifetime structural warranty.
TSW
TSW wheel rims are designed and engineered to set cars and SUVs apart from the rest of the vehicles on the road. They have an incredible selection constructed of alloy aluminum for quality, performance, and durability, plus a wide range of finishes to choose from.
TSW was founded in the 1960s by a Formula 1 driver and their wheels have been a part of every racing event in the world since then. Their custom wheels are made using a rotary forged process, which makes them both stronger and lighter than most wheels on the market.
Wheel Rims Make All the Difference
Choosing the right wheel rims—and the right company to buy them from—takes a lot of thought. The right rims can give your car a brand new aesthetic and enhance its performance no matter what you use your car for. So, take your time!
If you found this article on wheel rims helpful or interesting, you should check out the rest of our blog.
