my wheel's dented...

attgig · 02-25-2003, 10:10 AM

and the shop's also saying that I need three new tires.
so, I figure now's a good of a time as any to replace my wheels completely.

I have 16's on my car, and was thinking about going up to 17's.

I have a 2001 Alero sedan.
I checked out tire rack, and their cheapest ones go for around 120 or so. However, I'm really strapped for cash...so, I'm thinking may ebay can get me something cheaper.

I'm not that car savvy...will any rim fit on my car?
what does 17 mean? is that the diameter of the wheel?
how about the thickness, I'm guessing that's the second number I see on the descriptions at tirerack. does it matter what I get? (7,7.5,8)
also, if I get a new set, how about tires... what size tires can I get?

Also, do I have to change my speedometer or anything like that?

sizemic1 · 02-25-2003, 10:28 AM

tirerack has a pretty comprehensive FAQ section regarding wheels at http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/wheeltech.htm

one 17" wheel does not fit all. There's a few different lugnut patterns you have to be aware of. Also, the wheel width and offset are also considerations.

I would say unless you knew EXACTLY what you needed, i would stay away from the ebay thing. Especially since shipping will probably very expensive and who knows actual condition of the wheels.

Aristo · 03-01-2003, 10:21 PM

Tirerack is a good place to start. Their price on tires are competitive. Some of your local tire shops may price-match the price on Tirerack so you can avoid the shipping cost. If you are looking for a set of new wheels (rims and tires), I would recommend www.wheeloptions.com and talk to Vick who speicalizes in wheel fitment and importing rims. It is actually a Discount Tire Center at California. I picked up a set of 19" Advan Connoisseur No. 51C with Bridgestone S-03 from him this Jan. His price is unbeatable, for me at least. He can help you to find the right offset, bolt pattern, and the max width you can go for (rims and tires wise) according to your car, and modification.

Usually if you purchase rims and tires together at the same shop, they will offer a greater discount. If you get them from a local shop, they may offer free mounting, balancing, and extra service.

Just a small tip for the numbers shown on the tire. If you had 245/40/18 on the tire, 245 means the width of the tire in mm. 18 means the diameter of the rim in INCH. and 40 means the ratio of the sidewall. So in this case, your tire will be (245 x 0.4) x 0.1 x 2 + 18 x 2.54 = 65.32 cm height.

Hope that helps. Good luck.

Aristo · 03-01-2003, 10:29 PM

A few more advice.

Don't buy knock off rims!! They are cheap imitation with often poor quality of material and craftmanship.

If you are first time owner of "big" wheels or you want to save some money, go for 1 piece design rather than multiple piece. If you see the bolts around the ring of the rim, most likely it is multiple piece. 1 piece is stronger because everything is in 1 piece. Multiple piece is more for the look if you want some lips. You are also running the risk of benting the lip but the good thing is you can replace the lip if accident happens. If your area is full of potholes, I'd choose 1 piece for the peace of mind.

Aristo · 03-01-2003, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by attgig
do I have to change my speedometer or anything like that?

Nah. But bigger wheels tend to slow you down a little bit because of bigger diameter and heavier weight.

You should also ask noise level if that is one of your concerns.

johnnymk · 03-02-2003, 02:03 PM

If you get a different diameter tire(not wheel!!) than what you presently have, the speedometer will not tell you the proper speed. So you will be taking a chance if you are ever in a speed zone monitored by the police. You may be going faster than what the speedometer says.
And if you are short of money, 17" wheels and tires or larger are going to cost you big bucks.

SupraRZ · 03-04-2003, 01:41 AM

Tirerack has some pretty good deals, my friend also ordered from wheelmax.com. But you need to find out if it fits tho.. offset, pcd, width, etc.

02-25-2003, 10:10 AM	#1
attgig Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: the burbs of baltimore Posts: 11,924	my wheel's dented... and the shop's also saying that I need three new tires. so, I figure now's a good of a time as any to replace my wheels completely. I have 16's on my car, and was thinking about going up to 17's. I have a 2001 Alero sedan. I checked out tire rack, and their cheapest ones go for around 120 or so. However, I'm really strapped for cash...so, I'm thinking may ebay can get me something cheaper. I'm not that car savvy...will any rim fit on my car? what does 17 mean? is that the diameter of the wheel? how about the thickness, I'm guessing that's the second number I see on the descriptions at tirerack. does it matter what I get? (7,7.5,8) also, if I get a new set, how about tires... what size tires can I get? Also, do I have to change my speedometer or anything like that? __________________

02-25-2003, 10:28 AM	#2
sizemic1 Owww, I feel good! Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Beautiful Temecula CA Posts: 2,002	tirerack has a pretty comprehensive FAQ section regarding wheels at http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/wheeltech.htm one 17" wheel does not fit all. There's a few different lugnut patterns you have to be aware of. Also, the wheel width and offset are also considerations. I would say unless you knew EXACTLY what you needed, i would stay away from the ebay thing. Especially since shipping will probably very expensive and who knows actual condition of the wheels. __________________ [___] (O lllllll O) []==O=[]

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03-01-2003, 10:21 PM	#3
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	Tirerack is a good place to start. Their price on tires are competitive. Some of your local tire shops may price-match the price on Tirerack so you can avoid the shipping cost. If you are looking for a set of new wheels (rims and tires), I would recommend www.wheeloptions.com and talk to Vick who speicalizes in wheel fitment and importing rims. It is actually a Discount Tire Center at California. I picked up a set of 19" Advan Connoisseur No. 51C with Bridgestone S-03 from him this Jan. His price is unbeatable, for me at least. He can help you to find the right offset, bolt pattern, and the max width you can go for (rims and tires wise) according to your car, and modification. Usually if you purchase rims and tires together at the same shop, they will offer a greater discount. If you get them from a local shop, they may offer free mounting, balancing, and extra service. Just a small tip for the numbers shown on the tire. If you had 245/40/18 on the tire, 245 means the width of the tire in mm. 18 means the diameter of the rim in INCH. and 40 means the ratio of the sidewall. So in this case, your tire will be (245 x 0.4) x 0.1 x 2 + 18 x 2.54 = 65.32 cm height. Hope that helps. Good luck.

03-01-2003, 10:29 PM	#4
Aristo Rear Admiral Lower Half Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 2,581	A few more advice. Don't buy knock off rims!! They are cheap imitation with often poor quality of material and craftmanship. If you are first time owner of "big" wheels or you want to save some money, go for 1 piece design rather than multiple piece. If you see the bolts around the ring of the rim, most likely it is multiple piece. 1 piece is stronger because everything is in 1 piece. Multiple piece is more for the look if you want some lips. You are also running the risk of benting the lip but the good thing is you can replace the lip if accident happens. If your area is full of potholes, I'd choose 1 piece for the peace of mind.

03-02-2003, 02:03 PM	#6
johnnymk Chief of Naval Operations Join Date: May 2000 Location: LEVITTOWN< PA> USA Posts: 13,621	If you get a different diameter tire(not wheel!!) than what you presently have, the speedometer will not tell you the proper speed. So you will be taking a chance if you are ever in a speed zone monitored by the police. You may be going faster than what the speedometer says. And if you are short of money, 17" wheels and tires or larger are going to cost you big bucks.

03-04-2003, 01:41 AM	#7
SupraRZ Ensign Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 37	Tirerack has some pretty good deals, my friend also ordered from wheelmax.com. But you need to find out if it fits tho.. offset, pcd, width, etc.

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