Rims
The rim makes up the outer circular design of the wheel which holds the tire. It is typically associated with cars, but other transportation devices like bicycles have them as well (on a bike, the rim holds the tire and tube and is a large hoop attached to the outer ends of the spokes). The invention of the rim goes back to the 1st millennium BC when an iron rim was used on chariots.
Brands
There are many different brands of rims, and at the end of the day it comes down to personal preference and cost. At the moment, BBS leads the discussion of who has the most durable and best-looking rims on the market. Many of the rims Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen use as their stock wheels are actually BBS. For a less “flashy” brand, Ronal is perfect for consumers who want rims that still appear classy but are built solidly.
Safety
Upgrading the parts of your car is often beneficial because it helps keep your car safe. While some people choose to upgrade their rims for aesthetic purposes, others decide to purchase safety rims, which are designed to hold the tire in place on the rim even if there is no air pressure. This is perfect for people who drive on roads that may not be in the best condition, and allows you to keep the tire on the rim for a while even if there is very low air pressure. While the tire will eventually come loose, it gives you enough time to get to a service station.
Benefits
There are two main benefits for upgrading your rims: it improves your car’s appearance and safety. Bigger rims not only look better, but also help with handling, as the decrease in sidewall means the tire does not flex as much as it would on a smaller rim. Safety rims help keep your car running in case of low air pressure or a flat tire, while brands such as BBS produce classy rims that will surely turn heads wherever you drive.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback to upgrading your rims is the cost. On top of that, adding bigger rims with small rubber may give you a bumpier ride because there will be less shock absorption. If you purchase rims that are too large, you may also have to buy bigger tires, which could require reprogramming your car’s computer, as well as the additional cost of the new tires. Bigger tires can also sometimes affect your gas mileage in a negative way. New rims will also require frequent attention to ensure they maintain that “brand new” look.
Costs
The cost of new rims varies depending on a number of things, mainly the brand. They can be as low as $100 per wheel, while it’s also not unheard of for rims to cost around $2000 for a set. 16 inch BBS rims, for example, tend to go for around $3000 for a set online. If you purchase rims that are too big for your tires, however, you will have to get new tires, which can add to the total cost.