Wheels provide a means of affixing tires to the vehicle in order for the engine to put its power to the ground. The engine creates power, which then moves through the drivetrain down to the wheels. Wheels bolt to the wheel hub and rotate around the axles.

 

Friction is necessary to turn the wheels and propel a car forward, and is provided by the tires touching the ground. The wheel transfers power from the axle/hub to the tires, providing the leverage needed to move the car.

The amount of leverage created depends on how large the wheel is in relation to the power that the engine generates.

Besides looks, changing your car’s wheels can have a significant impact on its alignment, handling, braking, ride quality, and acceleration, as well as the calibration of the speedometer. There are several things you need to consider before installing new aftermarket wheels:

 

Make sure it fits in the wheelwell

 

Consider the correct backspacing, which is the width of the wheel and the location of the mounting plate

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Ensure it matches your vehicle’s wheel bolt pattern

 

Determine if there is an adequate selection of tires that fit the new wheels

 

Make sure the wheels don’t rub anything on the vehicle, especially while turning or under suspension compression.