Installing aftermarket wheels on your car is a custom touch that will add some of your unique style and personality. Choosing the right wheels for your vehicle, however, is about more than just selecting the look you like the most with your Goodyear® tires. Remember each of the important practical considerations below to ensure you have the right fit.

The Practical Guide to Choosing Your Wheels

1. Find Your Size

Begin by finding your rim width and diameter. The wheel diameter is the distance between the two bead seats, or the flat spots where the edges of the tire hug the rim. The width is the mm measurement of the Goodyear tires from the left side to the right side, when viewed head on.

Many drivers choose to go larger than their factory wheels; if you do decide to size up, find your tires before you buy the wheels. As you get a larger wheel size, your tire options will become more limited, and your ride quality may be affected. Larger wheels mean better responsiveness and stability, but you’ll also feel more feedback from the road. You can use a tire size calculator to determine what size of Goodyear tires you would need with larger wheels.

2. Measure Backspacing

Proper backspacing ensures your new package will sit properly in the wheel well without interfering with the rest of the assembly. This is measured from the mounting surface in the middle to the back edge of the wheel.

3. Consider Bolt Patterns

The bolt pattern describes how many lugholes there are on the wheel and how far apart they are. You will need to check that the bolt pattern aligns with the studs on your suspension. Count how many studs you have and how far apart they are from each other when you measure across the center of the wheel. If you have five studs, you will need to make your measurements from the back of the lug hole on one end to the center of the lug hole on the opposite side.

4. Calculate Maximum Load

Calculate the overall maximum weight load of your new wheels by multiplying the advertised max-weight by four. You can then determine the weight of your vehicle and any additional loads you may expect to bear, such as hauling items, to determine whether the wheels can accommodate your load.

When you work with the best mechanic to install your new wheels, you can trust you’ll get a set that fits perfectly and suits your style. Hudson Goodyear is a full-service auto shop that has been serving the drivers of Summit County, OH, for more than 30 years. They are a part of the Goodyear Service Network, so their ASE-certified technicians can install top-of-the-line Goodyear tires and wheels on your vehicle. See their full list of services online and call (330) 650-8888 to request a free estimate.