Everything you need to know about car wheels: From covers to paint jobs

Depending on how much of a petrol head you are, wheels may not be the first thing you think of when buying a car, either used or new. If your relationship with your car is that you just want something practical to get you around, then you will probably think that putting any thought into upgrading your wheels will only be added expense to make a car look more pleasing to the eye. While this is true to an extent, wheels have many functions that can affect everything from performance to fuel economy. It’s worth doing just a bit of research at least to see if you could benefit from a particular wheel choice.  

There are several different compounds that wheels are made out of, for example. These vary in price, but a higher investment can make a considerable difference. There are disadvantages to always choosing the ‘stock’ or standard options. This can range from simply turning heads when you drive past people with a distinctive style or size of wheel to better performance in snowy weather, which may be just as important to you if you live in a cold climate.  

Types of wheel 

There are two main types of material that you may want to consider when choosing a car; alloy, steel, and chrome. Alloys are what you have probably heard of most when people talk about upgrading their wheels. Alloy wheels are made out of a mixture of metals to give excellent properties for driving. This includes a shine that looks amazing and will take your car from a stock look to a premium build instantly. Allow wheels are also lighter than many alternatives, which helps both performance and fuel economy. The lighter a car is the more power to weight ratio it has. This means better acceleration and top speeds. In addition, if you are more likely to be driving around town, then a lighter car will use less gas, meaning that your fuel bills will be reduced.  

Steel wheels are also very common and are often the standard option when looking at what options may be available for your car. Steel is a durable metal and ideal to be used when manufacturing wheels. They can dent if you bump them, but you only need a hammer and some strength to knock these back out. If you think that damage could be likely, if you are buying for a new driver, for example, then this might be the best choice.  

Chrome and aluminum wheels which are both alternative options similar to alloy wheels. They are both resilient and resist rust and severe weather conditions. These both take a little more upkeep, though, and without regular washing, you will see the shine begin to fade.  

Do you need custom wheels? 

As well as the material that wheels are made from, there are other factors that you can specify if you want to. These include the height and size of the wheels, the weight, and then any appearance specifications that you may wish to. Custom wheels are available if you have an obvious idea about what type of wheel will best compliment your car. You can find a great selection of wheels at forge line wheel collections if this interests you.  

It may seem out of your area of expertise to get into the specifics of the weight and measurements of a wheel, and if you get this wrong, it can have an impact on the performance of your car. Something you can influence without worry is the material and look of the wheel. Adding new chrome or diamond-cut alloys to a vehicle can give it a new lease of life immediately or take it to a whole other level if you have been working on the look of your car for a while. If you are not sure, the exact specifications that you are looking for then speak to an expert. Have a few ideas that you like and then see what is possible while also maintaining or improving performance if possible.  

Wheel covers 

Wheel covers are used to go over the wheel itself and provide both protection and an additional aesthetic that is more cost-effective than buying a designed chrome wheel. As you leave your car out in the elements, and the uncovered wheel will slowly attract dust and other matter, which can cause long term problems. Depending on where you live, lots of sunlight, rain, or snow can increase the speed of damage that wheels suffer from. Wheel covers are used as a line of defense against the elements so that the wheel is not directly exposed to them.  

Wheel covers slip over the wheel itself and is often what gives a wheel its look, rather than the wheel itself. It’s a cheaper way to get a premium look compared to splashing out on expensive wheels. They protect the wheel from excessive light or rain and can be replaced far more easily than replacing the full wheel.  

Wheel rims 

The wheel rim is the part of the wheel that is directly outside of where the tire goes and is one of the most important parts of your whole wheel setup. If you are buying a used car, this is something that you should check as bumps with curbs or anything else can cause them to dent. As this is where the tire fits onto the wheel, any large imperfections may be an accident or at least a replacement waiting to happen. If there are imperfections around the wheel rim, then it is worth getting this checked by an expert, even if it only looks cosmetic. There are techniques that can fix wheel rim issues without having to replace the whole wheel, such as powder coating. This can protect against additional corrosion and help the wheel last longer. If this isn’t an option, then you may be able to get the wheel rim replaced rather than the whole wheel for a reasonable price and with a quick turnaround. If you do need to replace your rims, eBay is a good place to start, with rims for almost any make of car available.  

Wheel colors and painting options

Beyond the practical elements of choosing your wheels, you may want to look at custom colors. This is what will really make a car stand out and cause people to stop to check your car out. This can also add value to your car, so it can be a great investment. There are loads of color options from a stylish matt black or metal grey to more out-there options like metallic orange and green. The choice is entirely to your taste, but you will generally want to choose a color that fits with the overall aesthetic of your car. You can’t just pick your favorite color and expect it to match! If you aren’t sure what color to choose, then ask a professional for their opinion. They will have a good eye for the best choice for your car and will be able to help you make the best decision based on the current color, style, and model. To get some inspiration take to social media; there are loads of great Facebook and Instagram pages to follow where you can see what combinations other people are experimenting with. You might even be able to find a group-specific to the make and model of the car that you have to get some ideas.  

How to paint alloy wheels 

If you have painted alloy wheels, you’ll find that over time the paint will begin to fade and chip away. Regularly painting your alloys will keep your car looking new and fresh and is a relatively cheap and easy way to maintain the look that you are going for. Additional coats of paint can also add protection to the alloy wheels themselves, so it is worth the effort. You can get your wheels painted by a professional, but it is also a job that you can do yourself. It can be quite challenging, though, so don’t expect your first or even second attempt to look as good as a professional effort. The basic process is to detach and deflate the tire and then cleaning everything on the wheel before you start. You then start with a coat of primer paint to act as the first layer. This adds protection before you add the main coat of paint. This should be done somewhere warm and out of the direct sun.  

Polished wheels 

Another option is to have your wheels polished. The process here is to make your alloy wheels as smooth as you can and then polishing them to give them a unique shine. If your wheels are starting to look dull and scratched, this is a great way to bring them back to life, and you don’t need to spend the money on painting them. Polishing wheels don’t add any additional weight to your wheels, which makes for a smooth ride as well as looking fantastic.