Wheels & Rims

How Do You Choose Car Rims That Fit Your Vehicle?

Car rims fit when five measurements match your vehicle: diameter, width, bolt pattern, offset or backspacing, and center bore. Diameter and width are listed in inches, so a 17x9 wheel is 17" across and 9" wide. Common diameters run 14" to 22", and common widths run 6" to 12".

Bolt pattern lists lug count and bolt-circle diameter, such as 5 x 4.75" or 6 x 5.5". Odd-lug patterns are measured differently, so follow our guide on how to measure wheel size and bolt pattern first.

Offset is measured in millimeters from the wheel centerline, positive or negative. Backspacing is measured in inches from the mounting pad to the inner lip. Our wheel offset vs. backspacing guide shows how each one affects clearance.

Center bore should match your hub so the wheel centers correctly. Then choose performance tires sized for that rim width.

Which Wheel Material Fits Your Build: Cast, Forged, Flow-Formed Or Steel?

Wheel material sets the balance of weight, strength and cost, so start with how you'll use the car. Most street wheels are cast aluminum, while race and high-load builds often step up to forged or flow-formed construction.

• Cast aluminum wheels are poured into a mold, and Race Star builds its wheels this way.
• Forged wheels are pressed from solid aluminum, and Weld Racing uses forged aluminum for its race wheels.
• Flow-formed wheels start as a casting, then the barrel is spun and rolled under pressure to thin it.
• Steel wheels are stamped and welded, and they suit budget builds, work trucks and classic restorations.

Forgestar offers both forged and flow-formed wheels, so you can compare the two within one brand. If you're chasing lower weight, forged wheels are the place to start.

What Do You Need In Drag Racing Wheels And Beadlock Wheels?

Drag racing wheels pair narrow, light front runners with wide rear wheels that carry a large slick. Common front sizes include 15x3.75 and 15x4, and many rear setups use 15x10 or 17x10.

Beadlock wheels clamp the tire bead to the rim with a bolted ring, which keeps the tire from spinning on the wheel at launch. Forgestar's F14 beadlock comes in 15x10 and 17x10. Weld Racing's Draglite and ProStar lines and Race Star's 92 Series Drag Star give you more drag-specific options.

Replacement wheel bead lock rings are sold separately for many beadlock designs. Road racing has different needs. Our guide to choosing the right rim size for racing explains why 17" to 18" wheels are common for brake clearance.

How Should You Pick Truck Wheels And Off-Road Wheels?

Truck wheels start with the bolt pattern, since many trucks use six or eight lugs, such as 6 x 5.5". Confirm the pattern and center bore before you shop by style or finish. If you tow or haul, also check the wheel's load capacity rating.

Backspacing matters more on lifted trucks and off-road wheels because larger tires sit closer to suspension and frame parts. Less backspacing pushes the wheel outward for added clearance, while more backspacing tucks it in toward the frame.

Wheel adapters and spacers solve two different problems. Spacers add effective negative offset to push the wheel out for more clearance. Adapters let you mount a wheel drilled for a different bolt pattern than your truck's stock hub.

Which Muscle Car Wheels And Custom Wheels Suit A Street Build?

Muscle car wheels look right when the style matches the car's era and the size clears your brakes and suspension. American Racing has built wheels since the mid-1950s, and its Torq-Thrust and AR62 Outlaw II designs give classic builds a vintage look.

Cragar has made wheels since 1964. Its 61C S/S and 08/61 Series S/S Super Sport carry the classic Super Sport style. The 397 Soft 8 and 342 steel wheel suit builds that want a simpler look.

For chrome rims, use the finish filter, since many classic styles come in more than one finish. Custom wheels for late-model cars follow the same fitment rules, but bigger diameters and wider widths leave less room for error. Check offset against your brake calipers and fender lips before you order a staggered set.

What Parts Complete A Wheel Install?

Every wheel swap needs the right lug hardware, because new wheels often need a different seat style or length than your stock parts. Shop lug nuts, lug bolts and wheel studs matched to your thread size and wheel seat.

Lug seats come in conical, ball and flat styles, and a mismatched seat can let a wheel loosen. Aftermarket wheels often use a different seat than factory wheels, so check the wheel maker's spec first.

Longer studs may be needed when you add spacers or run thicker aluminum wheels. Check thread engagement before you torque the wheels down.

Finish the look with center caps, hub caps and trim rings that match your wheel's style. When you're ready, shop the full wheels and tires lineup to build a complete package.