Many of the rims installed on automobiles by consumers are aftermarket or replica wheels, meaning that they were not manufactured by the automobile manufacturer or were not manufactured specifically for that vehicle by another company for the vehicle manufacturer. The rims are typically made of aluminum.
There are many types of tires, and there are many types of wheels, so it is easy to find the right wheels for you. You might have found a vehicle that has aftermarket wheels or rims. These can enhance the car’s appearance. With some cool wheel options, your vehicle can get a vintage look. What about aftermarket wheels, and how does it affect the ride? There are some drawbacks to aftermarket wheels, so here’s a list of things to consider before you buy a used car with them.
It Does Matter
A car could be affected by larger wheels. A car with wheels that are larger than its original set could harm its transmission. It will work harder to turn the axles and drive the car. This could lead to premature transmission failure. Additionally, a heavier and larger rim can make the engine work harder. This reduces fuel economy and slows down acceleration. Wheel bearings, as well as other components, could also be affected by heavier wheels. It is therefore important to understand how to measure wheel offset when needed.
Quality
Are aftermarket wheels affecting ride quality? It could. They may. Original wheels are designed to maximize ride quality. Therefore, larger wheels will often require thinner tires. This can affect a car’s ride quality. A larger wheel can harm the vehicle’s drive and ride quality.
Track Use
If you are interested in buying a performance car with lighter wheels, it is worth asking about track usage. If a driver tries to reduce weight by using lighter wheels, the vehicle is likely raced on, which means all car components are subject to greater stress and wear. To ensure no hidden problems, it is good to inspect lightweight wheels.
Resale Value
Are aftermarket wheels a factor in the car’s resale price? Like high-end luxury cars with specific buyers, some vehicles require that the original wheels be purchased when selling. The previous owners loved the wheels, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the next owner will love them. Aftermarket wheels can decrease your car’s value and make it more difficult to sell.
We have two cents on OEM vs. Aftermarket wheels:
OEM is an acronym used in the automotive industry for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM refers to any part, including wheels, that can come equipped on a vehicle as it is delivered from the factory. Wheels that are not OEM are referred to as non-original, aftermarket, replica or any other term that refers to the fact that the wheels did not originally come on the vehicle.
OEM wheels come in two different types, steel and alloy.
It shouldn’t be a problem to get a car with aftermarket tires. It would be best to remember a few things when considering buying a vehicle.