Gear heads know one of the best ways to make a car stand out is by adding a set of designer wheel rims. Unlike the factory-standard rims on most dealership cars, designer rims can come in any color or size, and can be selected to boost the performance of any car.
If you’re considering a set of rims to give your car a shot in the arm, there are a few important characteristics to bear in mind while weighing the many options on the market.
Not All Rims Perform Equally
Some drivers customize their wheels for looks, and others do it for performance. If you fall into the latter group, look for a set that’s specifically designed to reduce the weight and aerodynamic drag on your car—these are often specifically called, “performance rims.”
Performance rims differ from the purely-cosmetic kind by the amount and type of metal used in constructing them. For example, the Verono M151 by Niche Rims features a metal-sparing design that weighs substantially less than the factory-standard wheels on the average car. Speed junkies, who look to conserve weight anywhere they can, love this. Others might be unimpressed by the relatively spare appearance of performance rims, and will prefer something with more metal and a more decorative look.
Choose Your Own Color Scheme
Not every wheel has to be chrome or silver. Drivers interested in custom wheel configurations will find a range of color options available to them. Black, smoky grey, and pure white rims are striking, and provide a nice point of contrast to brightly-colored cars.
Drivers can also eschew the single-color aesthetic and opt for a more intricate design. The Milan M137 by Niche Rims, for instance, has a black-and-gold star design that echoes the shape of classic cars’ steering wheels. For the more adventurous driver, custom sets come in neon colors, with embedded jewels, and even with the insignias of college and pro sports teams.
Big Wheels Make for a Big Impact
The most famous type of custom wheel is likely the “dub,” or 20-inch rim, which lifts sedans and sports cars much further off the ground than the factory-standard model. Because of the wide popularity of dubs, almost every wheel design is available in a 20-inch diameter, and many come in 22- or 24-inch versions, for those seeking an extreme lift.
The main drawback to super-wide rims is their negative impact on performance. Acceleration, cornering, and even fuel economy are reduced by these super-sized wheel setups. However, many casual drivers never max out their cars’ performance, and won’t notice a significant difference on extra-large rims. For these people, the dramatic visual effect of wide rims is well worth the minor loss of handling.
