Beginner’s Guide: How to Choose Aftermarket Wheels

Choosing the right set of rims is a balance between aesthetics and functionality. Today, we explore how to choose aftermarket wheels that will look nice and also be functional.

As enthusiasts, we see cars all day long. We observe the nuances of most models, and it usually begins with the obvious exterior of the cars. But in order to really catch our attention and make us give a particular car another glance, the car must have something special.

Perhaps it is an aerodynamic body kit or an unusual wing on the trunk. In most cases though, it has to do with the way the vehicle sits when stationary and also how the car appeals when cruising along. This is achieved with the help of the right set of rims and suspension set up clearly the owner knows how to choose aftermarket wheels that made sense for their car.

Below are a few pointers to consider when choosing the right aftermarket wheels for your Civic.

Available Wheel Space

The wheel well is the space where your wheel and rim fit on your car. This area varies from model to model and as a result, you will have constraints when considering your wheel options. Knowing what fits within your cars wheel well will be helpful in choosing the right tire + rim combination that fits.

Checklist

To begin with check your OEM supplied tires and rims. From there look towards a suitable size upgrade. This means considering the following metrics:

Alloy Material Selection

Not all alloy wheels are built equally. Depending on the type, most will be strong, lightweight and dissipate heat well. Normally they can be alloys of nickel, magnesium or aluminium. The most popular for a balance of these characteristics, keeping in mind costs and popularity are aluminium alloy wheels. For a more detailed view of the different types, check out our beginner’s guide to to the type of aftermarket wheels.

Choosing a Finish

The colour of your civic ideal reflects a bit of your own personality. Complimenting this exterior colour will be your choice of rims. A variety of finishes are available depending on the rim chosen. These include:

As the design is very subjective, it will be up to you to choose the right exterior that makes sense and will be both appealing and functional. Keep in mind, depending on your location and exposure to the weather elements, the rate of corrosion can impact your choice of finishing. Knowing how to choose aftermarket wheels for this application can become quite critical to the longevity of your chosen rims.

Sticking to your Budget

We all wish to have unlimited resources when it comes to customisation. But the reality is not always the case and as such, we need to keep this in mind. Especially because one can get easily carried away with the variety of options available. We suggest having a maximum cap on how much you will like to spend and working your way backwards from there to the types, sizes etc… so you know how to choose aftermarket wheels that also fit within your budget.

Reputed Dealers and Brands

Finally, once you have identified your perfect set of rims, it is most critical to consider the brands you are purchasing from and look for authorised distributors for the same. Brands such as OZ, Vossen, BBS and Enkei are some of the names you can trust. This allows for surety in knowing you and your loved ones will be safe and that your rims will last a long time.

Summary

Choosing aftermarket wheels for your Civic is a balance of aesthetics and functionality. Be sure to consider the elements suggested above and you will be on the right track to ensure enjoyable driving without any compromise!