Everything You Need To Know Before Upgrading To Aftermarket Wheels!

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Are you thinking of buying custom wheels for your car? Read our guide below to help you make an informed decision before upgrading your tires and wheels!

Where Do You Take Your Vehicle?

How do you use your vehicle? Do you only drive it on-road? Do you sometimes drive off-road? Or do you enjoy off-roading regularly? You should have the answer to all of these questions before buying aftermarket tires to determine what kind of tires you’ll need. For instance, if you’re a frequent off-roader, you’ll probably be more interested in wheels with better off-road performance. The general rule of thumb for off-road wheels is upgrading a wheel diameter that is no bigger than half the tire height. So if you’re looking to upgrade your wheels, you’ll typically install 15 or 16-inch wheels for 33s and 17-inch wheels for 35s.

If you’re unsure about the size of tires you need, one of our experts can help you find out! 

Are You Looking for Summer or Winter Tires?

Often truck drivers who upgrade their wheels forget to buy a second set of winter wheels! While your custom wheels enhance the appearance and performance of your truck, they will not survive Canada’s harsh winter seasons. Depending on the type of metal used, some wheels aren’t easily damaged by snow, salt or dirt. For example, steel wheels can easily withstand harsh winter conditions, whereas alloy wheels don’t. To minimize the wear and tear of your vehicle in winter, purchase a second set of winter wheels.

Does Size Matter?

Size always matters when upgrading your wheels. If you’re purchasing wheels for your existing tires, it’s essential to know the size of the tires to match the diameter of the rim.

Example: Tire size 205/55R/16 will need 16-inch diameter wheels.

If you’re purchasing a whole new tire and wheels package, then you filter your search for wheels and tires suitable for your vehicle. At Canada Custom Autoworks, our team of experts can help you find the perfect set of custom wheels for your vehicle, whether it’s a car, small SUV, truck or large SUV. Our fitment specialists are happy to help you find the best option for your vehicle and guide you in the right direction.

How to Choose Your Style?

To help you narrow down your choices when choosing custom wheels and rims, you have to understand the type of wheel finishes available. You can choose from the following:

  • Chrome-plated Finish

This is a classic, shiny mirror-reflective wheel style that is common with custom wheels. Coating the wheel with several layers of copper, nickel, and chromium gives the wheel a highly reflective appearance that provides a unique and shiny look.

Tip: Wheels with a chrome-plated finish do not need a protective topcoat to prevent rust! 

  • Powder-coated Finish

If you’re looking for an attractive pair of wheels that are durable and resist heat, rust, chips and scratches, consider powder-coated finish wheels. Powder-coated finish is accomplished by spraying electrically charged fine ground particles of colour and resin onto the surface of the wheel which is then placed in a curing oven to bake on the finish.

  • Painted Finish 

This is a basic wheel finish where wet paint is applied onto the wheel, followed by a clear topcoat to protect the surface and paintwork. You can virtually paint your custom wheels with any colour tone, as the polishes available are endless. You can easily paint your wheels to matte black, silver tints, or hot pink, or even match them to your truck’s body paint colour!

Do You Have a Budget?

Last but definitely not least is setting a budget for your custom wheels. Some custom designs can reach up to $4,000 for a set, while others can be as low as $500. There are many factors that can help you determine the cost of wheels, such as the size, finish, material used, etc. The prices of custom wheels can vary, so it’s crucial to find a tire shop with many options for you to choose from.

Learn more about purchasing the right wheels here!

Get Your Custom Wheels at Canada Custom Autoworks

Visit one of our many tire shops today or request a quote for your next set of custom wheels! We have a vast selection of tires, wheels and truck accessories from different brands worldwide and exclusive deals that you’ll only find at Canada Custom Autoworks. We also provide all our customers with a free consultation service where our experts discuss all the options available for you and help you find the right wheels for your vehicle. Contact us for more information!