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Difference Between Wheels And Rims
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Published: August 30, 2007
Ever since Fast and the Furious, the phenomenon of auto modification has taken root in the West as a popular pastime. Scion has even developed as a line of cars specifically designed to appeal to the mod crowd, with a host of customizations offered right at the outset. Besides the unique paint jobs and engine alterations that set modified cars apart from others, the popular modification of new rims has long proven a simple way to make a car, truck or SUV stand out in a crowd.
One question among modification novices regards the difference between wheels and rims. Simply put, the difference between the two is often negligible. In actuality, the term "rim" developed as a slang variation of wheel, though "rims" actually refer to a specific part of the wheel, namely "the well, seats, and flange" portions as indicated by Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. Some mistakenly assume "wheel" refers to the tire of a car, but it in fact refers to the metallic section within the tire that helps hold it in place. At any rate, people use the two terms interchangeably, especially in the sale of wheels/rims. Either way, the two offer an easy modification with a sometimes hefty price tag.
When purchasing rims, one should note a couple of important factors; or face having spent quite a bit of cash on otherwise unusable parts. As logical as it sounds, always ensure the tires and rims have the same diameter. Even though someone could overcome the difference of a mere half an inch with brute force, the ramifications for the ride could end up catastrophic. Also, the inflation pressure and load capacity must adequately correspond to the demands of the car, an especially prudent factor to consider when changing the tire sizes.
On top of that, always install wheels of acceptable width in relation to the tire specification and vice versa. Using the maximum allowable width rim for the tire allows for better cornering. Using the lowest allowable width helps with off-roading by allowing the tire some extra room to move around without blowing out. Moving beyond manufacturer specifications, however, would take extraordinary chances with not just the rims or tires, but the entire vehicle.
On the less safety-driven side, selecting the perfect rims requires taking into consideration the type of shine desired, but also how much upkeep will be done for the wheels. Everyone knows the sheen of chrome rims; easily the most popular choice for those able to spend freely on rims. The shine comes at the price of some upkeep, but considering the look, people often find its worth. On the other end of the spectrum, a machined finish may not look fantastic, but with a clear coat may last without much maintenance. Painted, chrome-plated, and polished aluminum wheels all exist as well, with varying levels of luster and maintenance among them. There are enough options to make a vehicle truly customized to taste.
Whether ready for some amateur racing or just wanting to turn a few heads, rims clearly open up the world to getting noticed with a personalized vehicle. The unique array of rims available for varying costs makes it a celebrated means of improving a cars value, even if at a price. After all, someone may see the rims and like them a little too much. But that is the risk for having a perfectly personalized car.
Sources:
"Glossary of Terms for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires." Dunlop Motorcycle. Dunlop. 30 Aug. 2007. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_glossar y.asp.
"How to Decide on a Wheel Finish." Custom-Car-Rims.Com. Custom-Car-Rims.com. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.custom-car-rims.com/decide-on-a-wheel-f inish.htm.
"Sport Compact, Impact, & Domestic Car Talk Terminology." Autosportz.Com. 2005. High Performance Aftermarket Parts and Accessories. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.autosportz.com/article_sport_com pact_terms_lingo.htm.
"Wheels." CJ's Tire & Automotive Service. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.cjtire.com/wheels.asp.
One question among modification novices regards the difference between wheels and rims. Simply put, the difference between the two is often negligible. In actuality, the term "rim" developed as a slang variation of wheel, though "rims" actually refer to a specific part of the wheel, namely "the well, seats, and flange" portions as indicated by Dunlop Motorcycle Tires. Some mistakenly assume "wheel" refers to the tire of a car, but it in fact refers to the metallic section within the tire that helps hold it in place. At any rate, people use the two terms interchangeably, especially in the sale of wheels/rims. Either way, the two offer an easy modification with a sometimes hefty price tag.
When purchasing rims, one should note a couple of important factors; or face having spent quite a bit of cash on otherwise unusable parts. As logical as it sounds, always ensure the tires and rims have the same diameter. Even though someone could overcome the difference of a mere half an inch with brute force, the ramifications for the ride could end up catastrophic. Also, the inflation pressure and load capacity must adequately correspond to the demands of the car, an especially prudent factor to consider when changing the tire sizes.
On top of that, always install wheels of acceptable width in relation to the tire specification and vice versa. Using the maximum allowable width rim for the tire allows for better cornering. Using the lowest allowable width helps with off-roading by allowing the tire some extra room to move around without blowing out. Moving beyond manufacturer specifications, however, would take extraordinary chances with not just the rims or tires, but the entire vehicle.
On the less safety-driven side, selecting the perfect rims requires taking into consideration the type of shine desired, but also how much upkeep will be done for the wheels. Everyone knows the sheen of chrome rims; easily the most popular choice for those able to spend freely on rims. The shine comes at the price of some upkeep, but considering the look, people often find its worth. On the other end of the spectrum, a machined finish may not look fantastic, but with a clear coat may last without much maintenance. Painted, chrome-plated, and polished aluminum wheels all exist as well, with varying levels of luster and maintenance among them. There are enough options to make a vehicle truly customized to taste.
Whether ready for some amateur racing or just wanting to turn a few heads, rims clearly open up the world to getting noticed with a personalized vehicle. The unique array of rims available for varying costs makes it a celebrated means of improving a cars value, even if at a price. After all, someone may see the rims and like them a little too much. But that is the risk for having a perfectly personalized car.
Sources:
"Glossary of Terms for Dunlop Motorcycle Tires." Dunlop Motorcycle. Dunlop. 30 Aug. 2007. http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_glossar y.asp.
"How to Decide on a Wheel Finish." Custom-Car-Rims.Com. Custom-Car-Rims.com. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.custom-car-rims.com/decide-on-a-wheel-f inish.htm.
"Sport Compact, Impact, & Domestic Car Talk Terminology." Autosportz.Com. 2005. High Performance Aftermarket Parts and Accessories. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.autosportz.com/article_sport_com pact_terms_lingo.htm.
"Wheels." CJ's Tire & Automotive Service. 20 Aug. 2007. http://www.cjtire.com/wheels.asp.
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