Wheels & fitting
Comparing steel and alloy wheels
Material, finish and the particular wheel version are separate decisions. Compare complete options approved for your car.
24 articles
Wheels & fitting
Wheel dimensions, approvals and preparing for fitting.
Wheels & fitting
Rim width and tyre approval
The first number in a wheel size and the first number in a tyre size describe different widths. They need to work together.
Wheels & fitting
Understanding wheel offset
Offset describes the mounting face relative to the wheel centreline. A different number can move the wheel without changing its width.
Wheels & fitting
Checking bolt pattern and bolt count
Five fixing holes do not make two wheels interchangeable. The diameter of their bolt circle is part of the specification.
Wheels & fitting
Centre bores and centring rings
A centring ring is a specified component, not a universal remedy for an unsuitable wheel.
Wheels & fitting
Checking wheel load capacity
Wheel load capacity applies to the wheel; load index applies to the tyre. A suitable combination must satisfy both.
Wheels & fitting
Reading wheel approval documents
Finding the model name is only the beginning. Wheel version, tyre combination and conditions determine what the document means for your car.
Wheels & fitting
Brake clearance before buying wheels
A matching nominal diameter does not guarantee caliper clearance. Check the exact wheel shape against the actual brake package.
Wheels & fitting
Different wheel sizes front and rear
With staggered fitment, front and rear are selected as one matched combination rather than independently.
Wheels & fitting
Larger wheels: what changes
A larger wheel changes more than appearance. Assess and approve the complete wheel-and-tyre combination.
Wheels & fitting
Smaller winter wheels need approval
A smaller winter wheel set may be an approved option. Brake equipment and application conditions determine whether it suits the car.
Wheels & fitting
Wheel bolts must match the wheel
Thread, seat and length form one specification. A bolt head that accepts the socket is not enough.
Wheels & fitting
Keeping locking wheel bolts and their key
The matching adapter needs to be available when required. Its reference and allocation help if it is lost or damaged.
Wheels & fitting
Finding the correct wheel-tightening torque
The correct torque belongs to a particular connection and its fitting conditions. A commonly quoted internet value is not universal.
Wheels & fitting
What wheel balancing involves
Balancing corrects mass distribution around a wheel. It does not replace damage inspection or wheel alignment.
Wheels & fitting
Wheel alignment and tyre wear
An uneven wear pattern deserves investigation. Alignment provides measurements, but it does not automatically explain every symptom.
Wheels & fitting
Distinguishing tyre fitting from wheel changing
Changing a complete set of wheels differs from fitting tyres onto existing rims. The distinction determines what you need to book.
Wheels & fitting
Planning for TPMS when buying wheels
An additional wheel set must work with the car's tyre-pressure monitoring system. Establishing that before ordering avoids an incomplete purchase.
Wheels & fitting
Having wheel corrosion checked
Brown marks, flaking paint and pressure loss are different observations. Establish whether the issue affects appearance alone or an important wheel function.
Wheels & fitting
Suspecting a bent wheel
A pothole impact can damage a wheel without leaving an obvious large crack. Changed behaviour afterwards deserves investigation.
Wheels & fitting
Cleaning wheels without aggressive products
Wheel cleaning should remove dirt without unnecessarily stressing the finish or neighbouring components. Start by identifying the wheel surface.
Wheels & fitting
Protecting wheels during transport and storage
A wheel set should survive its time off the car without acquiring fresh damage. Transport, condition and storage arrangements all play a part.
Wheels & fitting
Do not choose wheel spacers without checks
Wheel spacers change where a wheel sits on the vehicle. Matching the number of bolt holes is therefore only a small part of choosing them.
Wheels & fitting
Collecting a car after wheel fitting
Collection is a good moment to compare the order, the fitted wheels and the invoice. Questions are easiest to resolve while the car is still at the workshop.