Are all wheels compatible with your vehicle? Can all tires be mounted on all rims?
Yes… and no. In fact, it’s not the compatibility of tires and wheels between brands that is the problem, but rather the dimensions.
All tires can be installed on all brands of wheels on the market, provided, of course, that you select compatible dimensions; all you have to do is choose the colour and style of rims that you like, and you can then pimp your ride as you wish!
How do I choose wheels that are compatible with my vehicle?
First, you’ll need to figure out if you want steel rims, alloy wheels (or mags) and even all-season alloy wheels, which can withstand winter salt spray.
You also need to know how to read wheel markings.
An example of marking could read as follow: 7½ J x 17 H2 5/112 (or 5×112) ET38.
- 7½: the inner width of the wheel in inches
- J: the wheel collar profile, where the tire bead sits
- x: this tells us that the wheel is constructed in one piece
- 17: the nominal wheel diameter in inches
- H2: the type of wheel flange, which corresponds to the stiffness
- 5: the number of bolts required
- 112: the pith circle diameter
- ET38: the wheel offset in millimetres
Compatible Wheel Brands
It is the size of the wheel that will determine if it is compatible or not with your vehicle. Obviously, if you own a Honda Fit, you won’t get the same wheel size as for a RAM 1500!
Depending on your tastes, you may choose sportier, sleeker or lighter rims. The latter will help reduce fuel consumption.
However, make sure you choose wheels with a bolt pattern that matches your vehicle: 4 or 5 bolts, same pitch circle diameter in millimeters, etc.
What size wheels should I choose?
Many factors can influence your decision, but it is important to remember that you must choose a set of wheels and tires with dimensions that are approved by the manufacturer of your vehicle.
This way, you will avoid problems such as tires rubbing on the fenders or suspension parts for example.
In addition, you must take into account the model, year and version of your vehicle. Indeed, it is not uncommon to find that the higher-range versions of a given vehicle have larger diameter wheels.
Finally, many drivers choose to fit their vehicles with smaller diameter wheels and tires in the winter; not only is this an economical solution – smaller wheels cost less – but it will also make you less prone to tire breakage during the winter season.
Which wheel size for which tire?
To determine which rim size fits which tire, the total circumference of the tire must be within 3% of the original tire circumference. The following table will help you identify the ideal sizes.
| Wheel Width |
Tire Width | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Recommended | Maximum | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5.0″ | 155 mm | 165 or 175 mm | 185 mm | 5.5″ | 165 mm | 175 or 185 mm | 195 mm | 6.0″ | 175 mm | 185 or 195 mm | 205 mm | 6.5″ | 185 mm | 195 or 205 mm | 215 mm | 7.0″ | 195 mm | 205 or 215 mm | 225 mm | 7.5″ | 205 mm | 215 or 225 mm | 235 mm | 8.0″ | 215 mm | 225 or 235 mm | 245 mm | 8.5″ | 225 mm | 235 or 245 mm | 255 mm | 9.0″ | 235 mm | 245 or 255 mm | 265 mm | 9.5″ | 245 mm | 255 or 265 mm | 275 mm | 10.0″ | 255 mm | 265 or 275 mm | 285 mm | 10.5″ | 265 mm | 275 or 285 mm | 295 mm | 11.0″ | 275 mm | 285 or 295 mm | 305 mm | 11.5″ | 285 mm | 295 or 305 mm | 315 mm | 12.0″ | 295 mm | 305 or 315 mm | 325 mm | 12.5″ | 305 mm | 315 or 325 mm | 335 mm |
Wheels of 15″ vs 16″ vs 17″ vs 18″
It’s easy to get confused with the different wheel sizes, especially since anything larger than 15 inches was, not so long ago, reserved for sports cars. Nowadays, it is common to see sedans with 16”, 18” and even 19” wheels!
While larger rims can give a vehicle a much sportier look, you should know that you’ll have to opt for thinner tires (the famous low-profile tires), so as to maintain the same rim-to-tire ratio.
Also, a larger set of tires and wheels could result in a harder ride if the suspension is not tuned accordingly.
Finally, keep in mind that the larger the wheels you choose, the worse the fuel economy will be.
How do I know what size rims to get for my car?
To find out the original wheel size, simply check the sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door or in the glove compartment. The owner’s manual also contains this information.
Which steel wheels to choose this winter?
Steel wheels are much less expensive and are often sold with tires as a set. What is more, by choosing smaller rims and tires, not only will you save a lot, but since the tires will have higher sidewalls, they will be stronger and more comfortable on snowy roads.
How to shop for wheels on blackcircles.ca?
It’s easy! Just check the I want wheels box when you choose the size of your tires and you’re done! You will then be able to choose among the different brands of wheels and rims available from us!
And just like our tires, you can choose to have your wheels delivered to your home or to a garage near you!
Wheel Glossary
In order to help you make more sense of the world of wheels, here is a small lexicon that explains in detail some terms that you might read or hear during your shopping process.
Wheel Offset
The offset refers to whether the hub mounting surface is in line, in front or behind the centerline of the wheel.
Wheel Width and Diameter
The width of a rim is calculated by measuring the space between its outer and inner flanges. In the case of the diameter, it is to measure the wheel passing through the center.
Bolt Pattern
This is the arrangement of the bolts, described with a number indicating the quantity of bolts x the pitch circle diameter (the diameter of a circle drawn through the center of your wheel bolts) in millimeters, for example 4/130, 5×100, etc. Note that the bolt pattern cannot be changed since it is specific to the vehicle.
Wheel Hub
This is the size in millimeters of the opening in the center of the wheel on which the vehicle’s axle sits.
To learn more about the compatibility of wheels between brands or to know which rims can be mounted on your vehicle, ask advice from our specialists!
