Car Tires and Wheels

Upgrading the wheels on a car is one of the most popular modifications drivers like to make. It allows you to add a personal touch, while also helping it stand out in a crowd.

What wheels will fit on your car? Simple. Just use our shop by vehicle feature and we'll show options that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle. In some situations, our site will also let you know if a modification to the vehicle is needed for the wheel to fit. This message will appear under the "Important Notes" section. Situations like this are likely to occur with trucks where a lift kit is used. To ensure the wheel is a perfect match for your vehicle, we measure or verify many items, including:

• Bolt Pattern
• Centerbore Diameter
• Hub Diameter
• Load Capacity
• Lug Hardware
• Suspension Components Clearance

Once you have selected your wheel, the next step is choosing a set of tires that's best for how and where you drive. If you select a wheel diameter that's different than the Original Equipment, you may need a new set of tires. You can shop by size to help you find the tires that are right for your application.

For more information on selecting the proper wheel, read "What is Wheel Offset and Backspace?"

Recently, Kazera has been adding some very unique finishes to their line-up. Traditional finishes like silver, black and chrome will always have their place in the market, but sometimes you need a wheel that stands out from the crowd. Whether the reason is to draw some extra attention, to horrify traditionalists or just because you want to, it can be a lot of fun to do something unusual with your wheels. So, be adventurous and try something a little bit off the beaten path. A wheel change is not permanent, so if you get tired of them after a few years, you can always put the stock wheels back on or try something else.

The Kazera KZ-Y is the wheel that inspired this post. A black with green face accent is definitely something you don't see every day. But on the right car, it could be a great addition. It could also be a good option for the track. Besides the black with green face accent, Kazera's KZ-Y is available in the following finishes:

• Black with Green Accent
• Black with Orange Accent
• Black with White Face

If you're looking for something with a similar design, but fewer spokes, take a look at the KZ-P with a bright PVD with blue stripe finish. Bright PVD gives much of the same shine as chrome, but with greater durability. The two-tone finish also adds a unique touch.

Regardless of the look you desire, shop by vehicle to find all options that are a match for your car.

Deciding what size wheels fit a car isn't a simple process. You must consider details, such as bolt pattern, offset, width and diameter. We have made the process easy by already taking these factors into account. When you shop for wheels by vehicle on our site, you'll be able to see all options that fit. Tire Rack's website only shows sizes we know will safely work on the vehicle. We also let users know important information, including the fitment may be aggressive and may require fender modifications for a proper fit. 

To ensure a match for your car, we measure your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our fitment engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of these parts. We do the same for the wheels that we offer and then use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to match the wheels to a vehicle. Using these electronic tools helps us verify the numerous different critical areas before a wheel can be listed for a vehicle. The items we measure or verify include:

• Bolt Pattern
• Centerbore
• Hub Interference
• Load Capacity
• Lug Hardware
• Suspension Components

When viewing wheels in our Upgrade Garage, you can filter options by diameter, price, finish, brand and even weight. Some vehicles come from the factory with a staggered wheel size fitment and our fitment listings will indicate if we have larger rear wheels for your car. Even if your car originally came with larger rear wheels, you can elect to use the same size in the front and rear if you don't want to stay with a staggered set-up. This will allow you to rotate your tires. Also in our Upgrade Garage, you can select the option that allows you to view the wheels on your vehicle.

For more information on choosing the right wheel for your car, read "Why Shop for Wheels by First Selecting a Vehicle?"

Starting with 2008 model year cars and light trucks, a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has been required for all new vehicles sold in the United States. While some vehicles (Audi and BMW most recently) use the ABS system (or indirect system) to keep watch for a deflating tire, most use a battery powered sensor (based in the base of the valve stem assembly) to give the most accurate read of your tire pressure. When replacing tires or wheels and tires as a complete package, the presence of these remote sensors can require a few extra steps in the purchase and/or installation process.

Why does my installer charge a "TPMS" service fee for installing new tires?

Many of our Recommended Installers will charge a TPMS service fee as part of new tire installation. When the old tire is being removed from your existing wheel, it's best to remove the TPMS sensor (and the attached valve stem). This avoids any damage caused by breaking the tire bead loose from the wheel as well as seating the new tire onto the wheel. Once the sensor has been removed, it will require a new "O" ring and/or compression ring to seal the sensor properly.

What happens if I do not add new TPMS sensors to my Tire & Wheel Package?

When we sell a set of wheel and tires, we're happy to mount and Road Force balance the tires to the wheels at no cost prior to shipment. Given the TPMS sensors are located inside the wheel (opposite the valve stem hole), the sensors (if requested) need to go in the wheel before the tires are installed. Without the sensors installed, most vehicles will display a warning light and chime upon engine start up (the light will continue to blink as long as the engine is running). Some vehicles may also limit your ability to turn off traction control if you need to "rock" out of a snow drift in winter or even limit engine output. In many states, an active TPMS system is required as part of the state's safety inspection, and any illuminated warning lights may cause the vehicle to fail its annual safety inspection. With your purchase, you can elect to add the correct sensor (at an additional cost) or choose to have your existing sensors removed from your old wheels and installed on the new wheel. If run-flat tires are being purchased with new wheels, new sensors are required.

If I purchase new sensors as part of my Tire & Wheel Package, what else needs to be done before use?

Many vehicles require new TPMS sensors be activated or initialized at an authorized repair facility or dealership. This process normally involves connecting the vehicle to a service computer (via the ODB port under your dashboard) and having a technician load the new sensor's ID codes into the car's computer. Most cars will need to have this activation service performed each time wheels and tires are changed out (like when changing from dedicated winter wheels and tires back to your summer/all-season set). As always, consult your owner's manual or contact your dealer for more information. 

One of the most common questions when purchasing wheels is: "What is wheel offset and how do I know which is right for my vehicle?" Tire Rack takes the guess work out of shopping for wheels. One simple trip to our Upgrade Garage will allow you to enter the year, make and model of your vehicle, and view wheels that properly fit your vehicle.

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. It can be one of three types (measured in millimeters): positive, negative or zero.

• Zero offset - The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
• Positive - The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front-wheel drive cars and newer rear-wheel drive models.
• Negative - The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.

If the offset of the wheel is not correct for the vehicle, the handling can be adversely affected. When the width of the wheel changes, the offset also changes numerically. Tire Rack has test fitted thousands of vehicles and our extensive database allows us to offer the proper fit for your vehicle.

To view the full list of wheels specifically offered for your car, shop by vehicle and upgrade the look of your vehicle with confidence.

When looking for wheel sizes that fit a vehicle, many people often start by searching on Google. With our extensive fitment database, all you need to do is search by vehicle on our site and view the options that are a match for what you drive.

Our engineering department measures the vehicle's components and evaluates which wheels will fit correctly. Items we measure or verify to ensure the wheel fits your vehicle includes:

• Bolt pattern
• Centerbore
• Hub interference
• Load capacity
• Lug hardware
• Suspension components

Once you arrive at the wheel listings, you may have the option to select wheels of the same size or with a minus sizing or Plus Size fitment. Larger diameter wheels enhance the vehicle's appearance, but will decrease ride quality. Minus sizing is commonly done for people who purchase winter / snow tire and wheels or to improve ride quality. 

If you want a more aggressive fitment and don't mind having modifications done, our "Important Notes" link under the wheel's specs should be read before making your final decision. For more help with making your wheel choice, be sure to click on the "View on Vehicle" link that allows you to see the wheel on your vehicle.

To see how we find the wheels that are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

Many vehicles come equipped with run-flat tires from the manufacturer. Our sales specialists receive many calls from drivers asking if they can replace their run-flat tires with non-run-flat options. There are a few pros and cons when it comes to changing to a non-run-flat tire.

Pros:

• Conventional tires are typically less expensive
• Better ride quality
• Longer lasting

Cons:

• Many vehicles don't have a spare, therefore you won't be able to drive when you get a flat
• When leasing a vehicle, many companies often require vehicles sold with run-flats be returned with them

Switching to conventional tires will not negatively affect the vehicle and will fit on Original Equipment wheels. Also, for those that don't have a spare, take a look at the Continental ContiComfortKit that seals and inflates tire punctures. It's capable of comfortably sealing typical tire punctures that make it possible for you to complete your drive home, to work, an important appointment or a tire repair facility. The ContiComfortKit combines a powerful, high-volume, 12-volt air compressor, integral pressure gauge and a latex liquid sealant packaged in a compact, lightweight unit that's easy to store in your vehicle.

I have experienced first-hand the differences between non-run-flat tires and run-flats. The BMW I owned came with 18" wheels and Bridgestone Potenza RE050A RFT tires and I switched to 19" wheels and the Sumitomo HTR Z III. Normally, increasing the wheel diameter has a negative impact on ride quality, however I thought the conventional tires on larger sized wheels actually rode a little better than the 18" run-flats. 

To find the tire that works best for your car, shop by vehicle.

Buy your vehicle and hold onto it for as long as possible. That's typically the best way to get the most out of your car and budget. Obviously, you'll need to maintain and take care of it as best you can.

If your vehicle originally came with chrome wheels and you live in snow country, one challenge you'll probably face is peeling chrome. Eventually this peeling chrome will prevent your wheels from properly sealing against the tire beads. One way of fixing this is by having an installer clean the wheel and use a bead sealant to reduce or eliminate the air loss.

If leaks persist to the point you're still adding air to your tires every morning, then it's time to replace your wheels. A great option to consider is a set of Sport Edition F7 wheels. This five-spoke wheel is available in both a 16" and 17" rim diameter. Sport Edition wheels combine quality, style and price to offer an exceptional value. Using the latest production standards, Sport Edition wheels complement the appearance of many popular vehicles.

Not only could new wheels fix your leaking problem, but your vehicle will look better, too!

If you own a Ford vehicle manufactured after 2006, it likely has tire pressure monitor sensors. When swapping off Tire & Wheel Package for winter or summer use, the sensors inside your wheel and tire assembly will not adapt to the car's frequency, but rather require a simple wake up using a triggering tool.

In order to avoid trips to the Ford dealership, we provide a FORDTRIGGER tool that gives you the power to adapt your sensors in your own driveway. Using simple one button technology, you can reset your sensors in as little as a few minutes and for a low cost.

While the tool represents an up front cost on top of your tire and wheel purchase, it's relatively low price tag of $42 offers a handy piece of equipment that proposes a long-term cost savings to the home mechanic.