There are a few things to consider when choosing to find the best rims. Of course, it is also of crucial importance which components you are allowed to drive at all. The aim of this article is to inform you about the most important parameters so that you know what else needs to be considered in addition to the external appearance. After all, you don't just want to impress others, you should also include other aspects in your well-founded decision. In addition, we want to explain to you what advantages the best aluminum rims can bring you.
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How do you choose the best rim?
The easiest way is often to take the vehicle registration document and use the key numbers given there to identify approved rim and tire sizes in no time at all. Good rim brands also provide corresponding lists with which you can quickly and easily find out whether there is already a suitable general operating permit (ABE) for these components in connection with your vehicle. If you do not have the key numbers to hand and they are not sufficient, you can usually also search using the vehicle manufacturer, model designation, engine and year of manufacture. For most vehicles, however, you can change the outer diameter of these components within certain limits. However, it is important to note that the final wheel diameter (i.e. with the tires) must remain the same. Otherwise, there will be changes in ride height and other quite safety-related problems. Conversely, this also means that with a larger rim diameter, the tire height must decrease at the same time.
Which parameters have to be considered and what are the rim dimensions called?
The easiest way to make your choice is to start by looking at the dimensions of your old wheels, including the rims. The designation is often quite complex, so we want to explain it to you with an example. You can find the corresponding code on the old component or look it up in your vehicle registration document (registration certificate part II) in sections 15.1/2/3 or 22. Our example has the designation 8×19 ET35 LK 5×112 MZ57. This means that the outer diameter is 19 inches and the 8 denotes the so-called rim width, i.e. the rim width. The number after ET (here 35) describes the outward shift of the wheel contact surface. 5×112 describes the arrangement of the fasteners. The holes are on a circle with a diameter of 112 millimeters. You can also see that five evenly spaced screws are used for screwing. Finally, the central bore diameter in millimeters is missing; here it is (MZ57) 57 millimeters.
What are the consequences of wrong rims?
You don't necessarily have to fit components from the best rim manufacturers, but you should make sure that they fit your vehicle exactly. Otherwise, it can cause big problems and even serious damage to your car. If the selected rims are too small, they may suffer from the excessive load from your car. This is because smaller diameters usually mean a reduced load capacity. Ultimately, their failure can make further travel impossible. If, on the other hand, your rims are too big, the overall wheel diameter will also increase considerably. In extreme cases, your wheels or tires will rub against the fender, causing them to fail quickly.
If the so-called offset is too high, this will often result in the wheels rubbing against the inside of your wheelhouse. This also quickly leads to serious tire damage. Similarly problematic is an inset depth that is too small. In this case, the tires rub against the outer wheelhouse. In addition, the vehicle lane width is increased. As a result, your car can both oversteer and understeer. Finally, you also take a significant safety risk if you have problems with the wheel dimensions. In addition, you also risk sensitive fines.
The best rim brands
The choice of rims is huge and is only somewhat limited by the availability of individual dimensions of some models. There are some companies that sell very special designs. An example of this is OZ Racing, an Italian company that has the components produced in its own country. They convince with a high quality, which also has a certain price.
A company that is particularly popular in The United Kingdom is BBS. The focus is on racing, but they are now also original equipment manufacturers for many vehicle brands. The company is based in the Black Forest. Borbet, whose home is the Sauerland, not only convinces with the component design, but also with the promise of quality, product sustainability and technical sophistication.
ATS also shines with the optimal sales figures over the past few years. This company is part of the group „UNI-WHEELS“. The basis for the rim production is the specially optimized casting technology. At the same time, the DTM partner is particularly good at weight optimization. The rims are therefore often very filigree in appearance and yet they fulfill the stability control.
Conclusion
There are a number of companies that are among the best rim manufacturers. However, it is not only the quality of the components that is important, but also that they fit perfectly. We have described above what the consequences can otherwise be. You also now know about the most important rim parameters. Now you are well prepared to order the right components.
A tip from CarTipsandmore: You should always make sure that you are legally allowed to drive the mounted rims. There are basically three ways to do this. Firstly, you always have access to the trip to the TÜV and an associated individual report. It is a little easier if you only need a parts certificate because the rim parameters deviate from the approved original components. However, it is easiest if your rims have an ABE (general operating permit), because then the assembly is legal. However, the prerequisite is that your vehicle type is named exactly in the ABE and that you also meet all other requirements. In general, the ABE must also be in the car, because you may need it for police checks. Please note that despite this approval, a change report may also be considered necessary.