How Do I Know What Size Alloy Wheels Will Fit My Car?
Choosing the right alloy wheel isn't simply a case of deciding whether you want 18, 19 or 20-inch wheels. The wheel has to be correctly matched to your vehicle.
At OMI Alloy Wheels, one of the first things we look at when helping a customer choose wheels is what they're trying to achieve with the car.
Some customers want a subtle OEM-style upgrade. Others want the biggest wheels they can fit. Others are more interested in performance and want a lightweight wheel.
The right choice depends on the car and what you want from it.
What Size Alloy Wheels Can I Put on My Car?
Most cars have several wheel sizes that can be suitable.
For example, a vehicle might have originally been supplied with 17-inch wheels but also have manufacturer-approved 18, 19 or even 20-inch options.
However, you shouldn't assume that “bigger is always better.”
Moving to a larger wheel can change the overall appearance of the car dramatically, but you also need to make sure the complete wheel and tyre combination is suitable.
What Information Do I Need to Choose Alloy Wheels?
When a customer contacts us, we'd want to know:
- What car do you have?
- What size wheels do you want to run?
- What design are you interested in?
- What colour or finish do you want?
The vehicle itself gives us the starting point, but knowing what you're looking for helps us recommend something appropriate.
That's why one of the easiest things you can do is simply send us a picture of your car.
Tell us the colour you want your wheels and we'll help you narrow down the options.
What Are PCD, ET and Centre Bore?
If you've started looking at alloy wheels, you'll probably have seen specifications such as:
5x112 | ET45 | 66.6mm
These numbers are important because they describe the wheel's fitment.
PCD
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter.
It describes the bolt pattern of the wheel — for example, 5x112 means five mounting holes arranged on a 112mm pitch circle.
ET / Offset
ET describes the wheel's offset.
It's an important measurement because it affects where the wheel sits in relation to the suspension and bodywork.
Centre Bore
The centre bore is the hole in the middle of the wheel that locates it onto the vehicle's hub.
These specifications are just as important as the wheel diameter.
A 19-inch wheel being the correct size doesn't automatically mean it will fit your car.
Is a Bigger Alloy Wheel Better?
Not necessarily.
A larger wheel can completely transform the appearance of a vehicle, which is why 19 and 20-inch wheels are so popular.
But there's a trade-off.
As you increase wheel diameter, you generally have less tyre sidewall available.
That can affect the way the car feels and rides.
For many customers, the decision is therefore about finding the right balance between appearance, comfort and practicality.
There's no universal answer.
Why Two Wheels of the Same Size Can Be Completely Different
This is something we regularly explain to customers.
Imagine you have two 19-inch wheels.
One could be an affordable OEM-style cast wheel costing around £150 per wheel.
The other could be a premium branded flow-formed wheel costing considerably more.
They are both 19 inches.
They might even look very similar.
But they're manufactured differently and can have very different characteristics.
This is why we always tell customers not to compare alloy wheels on size alone.
How Much Should I Spend on Alloy Wheels?
That depends on what you want.
At OMI, OEM-style wheels can offer an affordable way to completely change the appearance of your vehicle.
As a rough example:
- 17-inch — around £130 per wheel inc. VAT
- 18-inch — around £140 per wheel inc. VAT
- 19-inch — around £150 per wheel inc. VAT
Premium flow-formed and forged wheels can cost significantly more, with forged sets potentially reaching £3,000 for four wheels.
The important thing is understanding what you're paying for.
If appearance is your main priority, an OEM-style wheel may be perfect.
If strength, weight and construction are more important, a premium wheel may justify the additional investment.
The Easiest Way to Find Wheels That Fit Your Car
Don't spend hours trying to work out every wheel specification yourself.
Send us a picture of your car.
Tell us:
What size do you want?
What colour do you want?
Is there a particular style you like?
From there, we can help you find designs that suit the vehicle and your budget.
Final Thoughts
Choosing alloy wheels isn't simply about picking the biggest size or the cheapest price.
You need to consider the wheel size, fitment, design, construction and what you actually want from the car.
And remember:
Two 19-inch wheels aren't necessarily the same wheel.
The manufacturing process can make a significant difference to the price and characteristics of the finished product.
If you're unsure what will work on your car, send OMI a photo and let us help you find the right design.