Best Aftermarket Wheels

These days, new vehicles leave the factory with wheels that would have been considered outlandish and custom just a few years ago. That said, many consumers still find factory wheels boring and want to change them up. There are also good reasons to swap out wheels, such as for motorsport or off-roading. Aftermarket wheels can change the look and feel of your vehicle, but you’ll need to do your research ahead of time to make sure you’re choosing the right size, type, and brand.

What are Aftermarket Wheels?

In the automotive world, the term “aftermarket” refers to non-factory parts that are installed by the owner. The category is broad, and includes everything from wheels to window tint to stereo components. Aftermarket wheels are replacements that may be sold with or without tires already installed. Unlike universal aftermarket parts, which fit any vehicle, wheels must be selected for fit. Car hubs have different bolt patterns, so the wheel’s pattern must match for a proper fit.

How do Aftermarket Wheels Work?

Aftermarket wheels are sold at many tire retail franchises, as well as online and in specialty shops across the country. When purchasing new wheels, the buyer must make sure the bolt pattern and overall tire/wheel size matches their current setup. Cars have different hub bolts and different models are capable of accepting different wheel sizes and widths. In general, you can upsize or downsize your wheels, as long as you make an equal adjustment to tire size.

For example, it’s perfectly possible to upgrade from a 17- to an 18- or 19-inch wheel, but there will need to be a smaller sidewall on the tires for larger wheel sizes to keep the overall tire/wheel diameter the same. Vehicle systems such as the speedometer and some safety tech rely on wheel speed sensors, and a change in wheel diameter can throw off readings.

Aftermarket Wheel Types

There are several different types of aftermarket wheels. Some are much more expensive than others, of course. But regardless of price, you should search for the wheel that matches your needs. Popular types of aftermarket wheels include:

• Forged - Forged wheels are among the lightest weight aftermarket wheels, but their designs are usually simpler than other types as a result of the manufacturing process. The good news is that forged wheels can be painted or coated.
• Aluminum - Aluminum wheels come in a variety of flavors and types, including one- two- and three-piece designs. You may also see the term “Billet,” which refers to a type of aluminum.
• Steel - Steel wheels are popular with the off-roading crowd, but they need to be coated or painted to avoid rusting. Steelies, as they’re informally known, can come in a variety of designs, or with a plain design intended for use with hubcaps.

How Aftermarket Wheels Compare to OEM Wheels

If you’re able, it’s almost always better to replace wheels with an OEM replacement than with an aftermarket design. Even if you find the exact same size in an aftermarket wheel, the OEM wheel’s quality, durability, and safety will usually be better. This is because automakers must build wheels that comply with federal vehicle safety standards, and which work well with the vehicle. Though they’re typically more expensive than aftermarket units, OEM wheels are considered a better (though sometimes less stylish) replacement.

What are the Best Aftermarket Wheels?

There are more great aftermarket wheel brands than we could ever begin to list here, but a few of the most popular include:

• Vossen - Vossen makes high-quality forged wheels, which promise better strength and lighter weights than conventional cast wheels.
• BBS - BBS is an iconic wheel brand with designs inspired by motorsport. It makes wheels finished in various colors, such as bronze and white, and its designs range from elaborate to dead-simple.
• OZ Racing - OZ Racing wheels look great, and are just as at home on a rally car ripping through the forest as they are on a supercar traveling 200 mph on a track.
• Enkei - Enkei wheels became extremely popular with tuners in the import car scene, but have remained popular with new designs.

Read more on the topic of Aftermarket Parts here.