Rims can be an expensive part for your car if you are buying them new. Whether you need to replace a damaged rim, need a rim so you can upgrade to a full-size spare, or want a set of rims so you can keep your snow tires mounted, used rims provide a cost-saving alternative to new. You can find used rims, often in near pristine condition, at an auto recycler yard. Recyclers often get cars that have been totaled in an accident, but the rims were untouched. The following tips can help you spot a good rim when you are shopping used.
Tip #1: Double Check Your Measurements
There are three main measurements you need to match up between the rim and your vehicle:
Bolt spacing and pattern. This is the most important one because you can't put the rim on your car if this doesn't match. Fortunately, most manufacturers use the same pattern for all their models, so sticking with the same manufacturer usually makes it easy to match this measurement.
Centerbore. This is the hole in the center of the rim, and it determines how well the rim is centered on the axle's hub. Measure the diameter of the centerbore and then double check that any rims you are looking at match the measurement you took from your current rims.
Wheel measurements. This is the diameter and width of the rim. If you are simply buying a single replacement rim, you will need to make sure that this matches the measurements of the rest of your rims. If you are getting all new rims, check with your car's manufacturer or look in the owner's manual to see which sizes of rims are safe for your vehicle.
Tip #2: Check for Damage
There are two main types of damage that you can spot with just your eye. The first is rust damage – if a rim shows signs of rust or discoloration, keep looking. Rust will eventually eat away at the metal, plus it is unsightly. The other easy-to-spot problem is damage to the outer edges of the rim. If the edge of the rim is bent, then your tire won't seal against it properly, which means the tire can't hold air. There should be no visible damage to the rim.
Tip #3: Look for Warping
Warped rims may not be as obvious as bent or rusted rims. You can check on site by standing the rim upright in a level area and rolling it. It should roll smoothly if it is perfectly round – a warped rim will have a jerky or bumpy roll. After the roll test, lay the rim flat on level ground. There should be no gaps between it and the ground at any point if it isn't warped. Flip the rim and check the other side, just to be sure.
For more information, contact Miamitown Auto Parts & Recycling or a similar company.
Share25 April 2016
After we made a commitment to focus on the environment as a family, we decided that it might make sense to start recycling. We focused carefully on sorting our plastic, metal, and paper, and we were able to completely overhaul how much trash we threw away. Within a few days, we were able to see a reduction in our amount of normal garbage accumulation, and an increase in the amount of materials we were sending in for recycling. It was great to teach our kids what they needed to know to protect the environment. This blog is all about learning how to recycle more effectively.
