What Do You Need To Change Car Rims?

Published on: 31 August 2018 Last Updated on: 13 September 2024
Car Rims

If you’re a regular car user, changing your car rims is something that you might only do if they either get scratched by a pavement, or they get completely worn out.  For car enthusiasts though, this is a completely different story. Car lovers are known to tweak certain things about their cars just to make things look, sound or even feel better. Most of them do it as a hobby and are even prepared to spend top dollar in their quest to alter or improve the condition of their cars. If you think that this is a hobby that you could easily take to, then one of the parts of your car that could be easier, to begin with, is your car rims.

For those that are completely clueless about cars, a rim is the cylindrical outer edge of a wheel that supports and holds the tire to it. They are definitely among the most noticeable parts of a car. For any true car enthusiast, having a set of rims that complement the car’s aesthetic appeal is very important. You might choose to have them off-the-shelf or get customized diamond-cut alloys. In fact, you can opt to design and personalize your own from scratch thanks to modern-day technology.

Wheels vary in size and style, and this can adversely affect the type of car rims. Bigger wheels are considered sportier and are ranked higher, but they also come with their fair share of cons. Be ready to experience a change in fuel consumption, steering performance, speedometer reading, and quick tire wear if this is what you’d like to go for.

A good rim is one that fits well in the tire. As it rotates around the tire nods, the contact that occurs produces friction that helps the wheel turn. You don’t want to have a set that interferes with your wheel turns, so it is advisable to seek help from a rim professional before purchasing any set. This will ensure that you get the most worthy set for your car. When it comes to types of rims, the steel rims are more affordable and are usually covered by a hubcap to make them more appealing. They are also heavier than other rim materials. The aluminum rims are stylish and durable, while the carbon-fibered ones are newer, durable and light-weighted. This helps a lot in the conservation of fuel.

Simple steps to guide you when replacing your car rims:

Installing new rims isn’t hard, but it requires careful execution and the right set of tools to make sure it’s done correctly. Be sure to follow these simple steps to guide you when replacing your car rims at home.

1. Select and buy New Rims

The whole rim replacement process begins by purchasing a new set. You can do this by visiting various local auto parts dealers in your area. You can also opt to check online from a well-known shop that offers stylish yet durable rims. You’ll also have to give a bit of thought into the color. Red rims tend to provide a more personalized look while chrome rims give your car a nice and noticeable shine. Black rims tend to be more popular within the younger generation as it gives the vehicle a darker curbside appeal. Don’t forget to check the weight of the rim as this affects your vehicle’s overall performance. Also, be sure to match your new rims to your current tires. The diameters of the new and old set should be equal. You’ll also need to check whether the bolt patterns and bore circle diameter are similar in order to perfectly fit. Collision might occur if the rims aren’t fitting.

2. Make sure the Vehicle is Stable.

Ensure you have a flat and level spot to park. For automatic cars, be sure that the car is in the park and the emergency brake is secured. We don’t want the car to accidentally roll forward or backward. Instances where the vehicle rolls are very common. This is especially when you end up rushing the process without paying much attention. This often happens to people who are removing a wheel for the very first time. You can use a piece of wood, a rock, brick or any other firm item that is a few inches high to support the wheel.

3. Lift the car and Remove the Wheel

You’ll need to start off by removing the hubcap using a screwdriver. Similar to changing a tire, look for notches or grooves under the car where you can safely place the car jack. Take the car jack and use it to slowly raise the wheel until a bit of the weight has been taken off the wheel. Slightly raising prevents the whole wheel from turning as you loosen up the nuts. Apply force while removing the lug nuts as they’re usually tightened up pretty good. Before you loosen the nuts all the way, pump the jack and completely lift the wheel off the ground, but do not overly suspend it in the air. Then, use a socket wrench to turn the nuts counterclockwise. Make sure not to lose the bolts as they will be used with the new rims. Remove the wheel and lay it flat on the ground.

4. Remove the Old Rim

Let the air out of the tire because it’s harder to remove the rim with all of it still in there as it will require more effort and take more time. Insert a tire lever on various points of the wheel; be careful not to damage the tube. Once done, go ahead and pry the old rim off the tire. You can also apply oil around the edges of the rim to make it easier for it to pop out. Make sure to do it evenly so as to prevent the rim from bending. Cheaper rims tend to bend easily and this makes them unable to be re-used once damaged.

5. Attach the New Rim

Be sure to remove any dust from the side tubes and tires by using a wire brush. This will provide a clean and even mounting surface. After attaching the new rim, re-inflate the tire by using an air compressor. Carefully place the tire back on the hub and align the rim with the car’s wheel bolts. You can use your hands to screw in the nuts before you pick up the torque wrench. It is important to note that each vehicle has different torque specifications that are set by the manufacturer. So before you purchase one, make sure you look for one that is compatible with your car. They are a bit pricey and if you want a quality wrench you might have to spend close to $100. The car jack is used to apply a specific force to a bolt and prevent over-tightening. They make sure the wheel nuts are neither too tight nor too loose. These torque wrenches come in four styles; dual beam, bending beam, digital beam, and the click style. For the clicker, you’ll hear a click sound from the wrench once the required torque is attained. After you’re done be sure to reset the wrench to zero. This will help keep it calibrated for longer, but in case you happen to damage it, you can get it repaired by taking it to your nearest auto dealer shop.

6. Carefully Lower the Car to the Ground

After you’re sure that everything is well in place, slowly lower the car to the ground until the tires have taken back the vehicle’s weight.  Afterward, proceed to gently remove the jack. Once done, attach the hubcap and repeat these steps on the rest of the wheels. When all the rims have been replaced, you’ll need to check the alignment of each wheel. You can do this through a test drive to be sure that the rims won’t pop off. Try and keep a low speed as you do so. In case the vehicle isn’t stable, you can go to your nearest shop and have a professional fix the issue.

For all automobiles, the right set of rims is important.  This is because they contribute towards whether your ride will be smooth or rough. Comfort and durability come first for many drivers.  As you might have seen from the outlined steps, replacing an old rim isn’t necessarily difficult. Yes, it might take time, but the final result will be worth it. Be careful not to damage the rims or puncture your tires during the whole process as this will end up costing you, instead of saving your coins. If you still feel like you can’t manage the rim change on your own, remember, asking for help is always an option. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance from people who are more familiar with such situations. It’s better to have it done well and ensure the durability of the car rims. Cars can say a lot about their owners. What does your car say about you?

Read Also : 

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Car

5 Safety Features in Your Maruti Car You Did Not Know About

While it is important to feel comfortable and in control of the car, it is equally important to choose a car that has safety features which protect the driver and the passengers. People want to ensure that they are safe whenever they are inside the car, and the latest technology has made it possible to develop safety features that meet the demands of the consumers. Cars manufactured by Maruti Suzuki have numerous models to choose from. These cars offer a range of safety features not many consumers know about. So, here are five features in the Maruti car you might not be aware of. Moreover, you can Find out more about Suzuki vehicles here. 1. ELR Seat Belts : Seat belts are a vital safety feature in a car. The emergency locking retractor allows the driver’s seat belt to extend and retract with the movement of the occupant. It locks the belt in case of a sudden stop or upon an impact. This ensures that there is no movement of the occupant in case of an accident or a stop. 2. Electronic Brake Distribution : This is one of the most talked-about a safety feature in a car. The electronic brake distribution is a technology which varies the amount of force applied to the brakes of the car. Basically, the force applied varies according to the road conditions, speed, loading and helps in the maintenance of vehicular control. Also, there is less braking pressure at the rear end which helps avoid skidding. 3. Anti-lock Braking System : The anti-lock braking system prevents wheels of the car from locking up while braking. It offers better vehicle control in case of dry and slippery surfaces by reducing or increasing the braking distance. This system has evolved over the years, and it not only prevents the wheel locking but also electronically controls the brake bias in the front and rear tires. It reduces the chances of heavy braking. 4. Front Dual SRS Airbags : The restraint system of the airbags is used to supplement the seatbelt system and protect in case of crashes. It enhances passenger safety in case of a collision. It is equipped with a sensor which calculates the impact and intensity of the collision and deploys the airbag. At the front, there are two airbags, one for the driver and one for the passenger. Moreover, these airbags open in no time and provide cushioning to the front seat passengers in case of an accident or collision. It is an effective safety feature that has helped save many lives.  5. ISOFIX Mounts : ISOFIX is an international child safety fitting system which is similar to a child seat. The concept of a child seat is uncommon in India, but it is followed strictly across the world. ISOFIX mounts have specially designed fitting points. It allows easier and safer attachment of the child safety seat in the passenger seat of your car. The ISOFIX connectors are two prongs which stick out of the back and click into the metal clip into the car seat. It provides a secure anchorage for the child seat and ensures that the child remains safe and secure in case of a sudden halt or high speed.  Your car may have all the safety features to protect you from an unfortunate event, but what about the safety of your car? Remember that driving in India comes with its own perils. We often hear cases of road accidents and rule-breaking. Considering these factors, it is important to get car insurance, moreover, a comprehensive one, right after you buy your Maruti car. A comprehensive Maruti car insurance, will not only provide coverage for damages caused to the third-party but will also financially safeguard your car as well. Comprehensive Maruti car insurance covers damage to your car caused by events that are out of your control and provides coverage against: Theft Vandalism Glass and windshield damage Fire Accidents with animals Damage to Third-party Weather/acts of nature, etc. Conclusion: While deciding to purchase a car, you always consider the safety features to ensure that you and your family are safe in case of a collision. However, you must also focus on protecting your car, which is one of the most significant investments you make in your life, by purchasing Maruti car insurance. It is better to be safe than sorry, and whether you are on the driver seat or the passenger seat, these safety features (literally) and Maruti car insurance (financially) will keep you safe. Read Also : Tips For Reducing Car Insurance Costs Your Simple Guide To GAP Insurance Choosing The Right Anti-Theft Devices For Your Car In Houston TX

READ MOREDetails
things to keep in your car

Road Ready: 5 Essential Things to Keep in Your Car

At times, there's nothing quite like hitting the open road and traveling. However, the open road isn't all candy and roses. In fact, when things go wrong, the open road can be a truly cruel mistress. For this reason, you need to keep a few key items in your vehicle at all times. Wondering what these items are? Here are 5 essential things to keep in your car at all times. 5 Things to Keep in Your Car: There is no shortage of things you should keep in your vehicle. However, the 5 items discussed below are absolute car necessities. 1. Jumper Cables: Car batteries can be tricky. While they're usually fairly reliable, they can give out at just a moment's notice. For this reason, it's vital that you always have jumper cables in your vehicle. While old-school jumper cables can get the job done, you might want to consider buying a jump starter kit. A kit can give your vehicle a jump without the use of a fellow vehicle. 2. Jack: It's impossible to know when you're going to run over something sharp. Even the slightest point can put a puncture in your tire, requiring that you change it immediately. Because of this, it's important that you always have a car jack in your car. Find the best floor jack possible now. 3. Flashlight: You never know where or when your car might break down. It could be in your driveway, but it could also be in the middle of a strange parking lot. It could be during the day, but it could also be during the night. This is why you'll want to keep a flashlight in your vehicle at all times. Should you ever experience a breakdown in the dead of night, your flashlight will truly come in handy. 4. First Aid Kit: Every time you get onto the road, you run the risk of getting into an accident. This is just the reality of driving a vehicle amongst other vehicles. Should you injure yourself during an accident, you'll want to be able to patch yourself up quickly. This is why a first aid kit is one of many emergency items to keep in your car. 5. Charger: In this day and age, a smartphone is an absolute necessity. This is particularly true if you're driving in your car. After all, you never know when you might have to call up the police, an ambulance, or a tow truck. Of course, phones die. This is why you need to keep a phone charger in your vehicle. Should your battery get low, you'll be able to power it up in no time. In Search of More Life Hacks?  Truthfully, there are far more than 5 things to keep in your car. However, if you, at the very least, have the 5 things reviewed above, you should be able to get yourself out of any potential jam. In search of more useful life hacks? If so, Content Rally has you covered. Our website contains life hacks on everything from travel to entertainment to technology and more. Browse some more of our articles now! Read Also: Best New Cars For Teenagers Car Insurance For Electric Vehicles Explained Why You Should Have A Code Reader For Your Car Contemplating An Aluminium Ute Canopy For Your Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle?

READ MOREDetails
Heavy Duty Truck

What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment?

Heavy duty truck is precision instruments. They need to be consistent and reliable because hauling dense material can be dangerous if not done correctly. To keep the precision of these trucks, maintenance is of the utmost priority. Cutting corners on maintenance can result in catastrophic failure and may even result in injury. One of the most crucial maintenance tools for heavy-duty trucks is the alignment equipment. These work like the standard alignment equipment for cars only on the heavier side. Having aligned wheels helps lessen tire to road resistance. It also helps keep the back axles in tandem with the front. This provides more stability and safety for the truck. Adequately aligned wheels have benefits, including speed, fuel efficiency, road stability, and performance. This is why you should have the right tool when investing in heavy duty truck alignment equipment. Here's a short checklist of what you should be looking for when searching the market for this critical maintenance tool. What to Consider When Buying Heavy Duty Truck Alignment Equipment: Quick and Consistent: Time is of the essence in the trucking industry. You should look for a maintenance tool that can do the job in a short period of the day. Truck companies can invest in this equipment to make sure their fleet is ready for any hauling needs in any season. Business people can also invest in truck alignment equipment so that they can help maintain private truck owners. No Roll No Push Feature: Older alignment equipment required a dangerous roll and push maneuver to align truck wheels. Technology has allowed for safer and more accurate measurement and alignment of trucks. This should be one of the foremost things to look for when considering an alignment tool. Pinpoint Accuracy: The alignment is not for show. It is an essential factor in ensuring safe driving and transport of materials from location to location. Test the alignment equipment a few more times and see if the accuracy is always the same for every test done. Consistency is an indication that you have a piece of proper heavy-duty truck alignment equipment. This will ensure the owner and the truck operator that they can rely on the vehicle to work well even in long distances. Easy Operation: Even though precision is key to having a useful alignment tool, you should still look for one that is easy to operate. With the many technologies available, high precision can be achieved in a simple operation. There is alignment equipment you can operate with a smartphone. Durability: Since you will be dealing with heavy duty truck, it should be able to withstand heavy loads day in and day out. It should be able to last for decades. Make sure to pick one that will endure the test and abuse of time. Investing in maintenance equipment should be a top priority. But you should also look into what these tools can benefit you for a long time. Find the one that is both feature-packed and functional. Don't compromise on this equipment. Ensure that this equipment will stand the test of time, weight, and even abuse from heavy duty trucks. Read Also: Why Times Are Tough For Truckers And Why It Concerns You 5 Clever Tips Every Truck Driver Should Bear In Mind Freight Factoring Is Solving Common Trucking Challenges 4 Things You Need To Know About Commercial Truck Insurance

READ MOREDetails