How Do I Know What Alloy Wheels Fit My Car?
Choosing new alloy wheels isn't simply a case of finding a design you like and ordering four of them. The wheels need to be correctly matched to your vehicle, and there are several important measurements to consider.
At OMI Alloy Wheels, one of the first things we ask customers is what car they have, what size they want to run and what style they're looking for.
Here's what you need to know before buying.
What Information Do I Need to Choose Alloy Wheels?
The main things to consider are:
- Wheel diameter
- Wheel width
- PCD
- Offset (ET)
- Centre bore
- Brake clearance
- Tyre size
- Vehicle requirements
But choosing the right wheel isn't only about measurements.
You also need to think about how you want the car to look.
A customer looking for an OEM-style upgrade on their daily driver may want something completely different from someone looking for an aggressive performance look.
What Size Alloy Wheels Can I Put on My Car?
Many cars can run several different wheel sizes.
Depending on the vehicle, you might have options such as 17, 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels.
However, bigger isn't automatically better.
Larger wheels can completely transform the appearance of a car, but as the wheel gets larger, the tyre generally has a lower profile. This can affect ride comfort and the overall driving characteristics of the car.
The best size is the one that gives you the appearance you're looking for while remaining suitable for the vehicle.
What Is PCD?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter.
It describes the vehicle's wheel bolt pattern.
For example, 5x112 means the wheel has five mounting holes arranged around a 112mm pitch circle.
The PCD of the wheel needs to match the vehicle's requirements.
What Is ET or Offset?
ET refers to the offset of the alloy wheel.
It's an important measurement because it affects where the wheel sits in relation to the suspension and bodywork.
A wheel with a different ET can sit further in or further out in the wheel arch.
This is why you can't choose wheels based on diameter alone.
What Is Centre Bore?
The centre bore is the hole in the middle of the wheel that locates it onto the vehicle's hub.
Again, this needs to be suitable for the vehicle.
Depending on the application, hub-centric rings may sometimes be used where appropriate, but the correct fitment should always be established before buying.
Why Can't I Just Buy Any 19-Inch Wheel?
This is one of the biggest misunderstandings we see from customers.
Two wheels can both be 19 inches but have completely different:
- PCD
- Width
- ET
- Centre bore
- Construction
- Tyre requirements
They can also have completely different prices.
For example, one 19-inch OEM-style wheel might cost around £150, while a premium branded flow-formed wheel could cost significantly more.
They might look similar, but they're not necessarily the same product.
The construction of the wheel is one of the biggest factors affecting price and characteristics.
Does the Type of Wheel Matter?
Absolutely.
At OMI, we sell wheels across different price points and construction methods.
A conventional OEM-style cast wheel can be a great option for someone who wants to change the appearance of their car without spending a fortune.
Flow-formed wheels sit higher up the market, while fully forged wheels are at the premium end and can cost around £3,000 for a set of four.
So when you're comparing wheels, don't just compare the size.
Compare what you're actually buying.
How Do I Know Which Wheels Will Look Best?
This is where we think the process should be simple.
Rather than trying to imagine what a wheel will look like from a product photograph, send us a picture of your car.
Tell us:
- What size you're interested in
- What colour you want
- Whether you have a particular style in mind
We can then suggest designs that suit the vehicle.
A wheel that looks fantastic on one car might not have the same impact on another, which is why seeing the actual vehicle makes such a difference.
Do I Need to Buy Tyres as Well?
Not necessarily.
If your existing tyres are suitable for the new wheels, they may be reusable.
However, if you're changing wheel size, you'll often need to look at a different tyre size to maintain a suitable overall rolling diameter.
When budgeting for new wheels, remember that the final cost can also include:
- Tyres
- TPMS
- Fitting and balancing
- Delivery
Don't compare a wheels-only price with a complete wheel-and-tyre package without checking what's included.
What Is the Best Advice When Choosing Alloy Wheels?
Our advice at OMI is simple:
Don't start with the price. Start with the car.
Send us a picture of the vehicle, tell us the size and colour you're interested in, and we'll help you find suitable designs.
Once you've found a design you like, then you can compare the construction, quality and price.
That's a much better approach than simply searching for the cheapest set of wheels that will physically fit.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right alloy wheels involves much more than knowing whether you want 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels.
You need to consider PCD, ET, centre bore, width, tyre size, clearance and the construction of the wheel.
And remember that two wheels of exactly the same diameter can be completely different products.
If you're unsure what will fit your car, send OMI a picture of your vehicle and let us know what size and colour you're looking for.
We'll help you find designs that suit the car and your budget.