These are the types of rims on cars you should know

Understanding the types of rims is more valuable to you than most people reckon. They are not only there for the looks but for safety, stability and performance. Ultimately, the rims give your vehicle the much needed balance it requires on the road.

I. Definition of a rim on a vehicle

The rim simply makes up the external circular design of the wheel where the inside edge of the tire is mounted on the vehicle. Depending on the price and type, your choice of rims will say a lot about the state/outlook of your vehicle on the road. Of course, we will not advise you to break the bank just because you want to acquire the highest quality out there. Two things are key here: Safety and affordability!

Steel is the major component used during the production of a rim. However, there are few other materials used that distinguish different rims from one another. Here on Roadniche are the types of rims on your car you should know:

ii. Types of rims

1. Steel rims

This is the cheapest and most popular rims out there on the roads. This type of rims come as standard on most vehicles. Although unlike other types of rims, they are not aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and very heavy. However, it does its job quite well, which is to keep you safe on the road.

Aside from people that might not care much about cars or about its look, it will be a bit difficult seeing someone going for steel rims as an aftermarket part for their vehicle in this modern time. People have already devised  an alternative method of making it look better, which is to put a wheel cover that makes it look like alloy rims. You might not see the difference from afar until you take a step very close to the car.

When it comes to affordability, the steel rims scores very high but it’s becoming old school as people are going for more attractive and lighter rims.

2. Alloy rims

A lot of people are buying this type of rim. Car owners these days do not mind changing the entire steel rims by replacing them with alloy rims. They are lighter than steel rims and obviously more appealing. With less weight, it relieves the engine and the car moves faster. It also reduces the stop motion to the minimum.

When you buy an alloy rim, it takes stress off the suspension and increases its stability on the road. However, the major reason why many people go for the alloy rims is to get the beauty out of that machine. Luckily, alloy rims depending on the grade are not that expensive. Most car owners should be able to afford it.

3. Chrome rims

This is the part where it gets a bit strange as well as new to many drivers out there. The chrome rims are not as common as the other two we mentioned earlier. The chrome rims usually look shiny. Funny enough, you might have seen it and mistake it for steel rims. Unlike the alloy rims that offer both performance and look, the chrome rims are mainly for aesthetics. You might need to change it earlier than other rims since you will not like the sight of it on your car when it gets scratched or starts getting old.

4. Spinners

This was the automotive trend some decades ago, especially in the 1990s. Some do call these spinners another name such as ‘Spinning wheels”. Like the chrome trims, they’re just there to make your car look beautifully unique on the road. This type of rims spill when the car starts moving or briefly after the car comes to a halt.

III. How do they manufacture rims and wheels?

There are different ways rims and wheels are produced. Check below:

1. Casting

This process is cost effective, involves pouring the molten metal into a wheel-shaped mold. The outcome is usually lightweight and durable. The only downside to this is that they can be quite challenging to fix when damaged.

2. Flow forming

This process entails beginning with a low process casting process. Afterwards, a high pressure or high heat spinning machine forms the outer hoops of the wheel. This process produces rims and wheels that are lighter and stronger than the first process. Also, they are not pricey.

3. Forged wheel/rims

This occurs when you use an extreme pressure to force a round bar of metals between the forging dies. As a result, it brings out a lightweight and densed one-sided wheel. To get forged wheels, you might need to spend more but it’s totally worth it. However, to save money, you can decide to go for 2-piece wheels that are light and strong. Forging usually increases durability and density of the wheels.

>>> Here is a video showing how alloy rims are made:

IV. Final word

Understanding the type of rims of your car is very important to taking the next step whether you want to improve its performance and safety or style it up a little. You will never know the difference a new set of rims can do to your vehicle until you get one. You can also watch videos online on how to clean car rims.