Want to upgrade your wheels and tyres? Here are a few things to consider.

If you are a car enthusiast, you will find factory-fitted steel rims and tyres quite boring, which is why it makes sense to upgrade to stylish alloy wheels and wider tyres. While upgrading to new tyres is exciting, it’s not uncommon to go over the top and buy a set of wheels or tyres that turn out to be a poor decision down the road.
Here are a few things that should help you upgrade to the right set of wheels and avoid mistakes that most car enthusiasts make.
Knowing your requirement
What do you need the new rims for? Merely aesthetics, or performance, or both? Alloy wheels are not only stylish, but they are also lighter than steel rims. But keep in mind that alloy wheels are less durable and more susceptible to damage than their counterparts. If you can live with it, go for it.
Size
If your stock tyre specification says 185/65/R15, for instance, and you want to upgrade to bigger and wider tyres, make sure the rim diameter, which is denoted by R15 in the aforementioned example, should not exceed R17. Getting a rim bigger than that may cause handling and suspension issues. And in all possibility, the R17 may not fit into the wheel arch without using lift kits. Consult a reliable mechanic in Rozelle regarding wheels and tyres upgrades.
Profile
Let’s consider the above example, 185/65/R15. Here, 65 is the tyre profile, which is the aspect ratio and is measured from the base of the tread to the rim. Low-profile tyres have gained immense traction in the car modification industry. If you are planning to upgrade to low-profile tyres, keep in mind that poor-quality rims can cut through the tyre over time. Even if you invest in high-quality rims, it is important that you drive carefully through potholes or over the speed breakers to avoid tyre damage. Our tyre repair specialists in Sydney can recommend the best tyre profile based on your requirements and driving preference.
Load Index and Speed Symbol
Not all tyres are designed to withstand heavy loads and high speeds. For someone who likes to do 200+ kph highway pulls, the recommended Load Index and Speed Symbol will be different from someone who drives 120 km an hour. So, when you are shopping around, factor in the Load Index and Speed Symbol too. Your tyre dealer can help you pick the best fit.