Kid Turbo - Rims & Tires

There are few aftermarket mods that can be considered universal to most makes and models of cars, but rims and tires slide right into that category. More often than not, it's one of the first areas that tuners will focus on when putting together a mods list. It's a simple decision for most enthusiasts, since the performance and styling of the OEM setup leave a lot to be desired! With the sheer number of different styles, sizes, and performance levels of rims and tires available, the most difficult decision really lies in what's most important to you.

Over the past several years, aftermarket rims have become a staple of exterior styling. There's no doubt that body kits, fenders and spoilers will transform your ride's body styling. However, in my opinion, filling your fender wells with a sweet set of rollers always packs the biggest punch. The first and most obvious decision you'll need to make when shopping for rims is the design and finish. There's a plethora of unique patterns and styles available sure to put an ear-to-ear smile on your face. In addition, manufacturers offer most rims in several different colors as well as show-quality chrome and polished finishes. At this point, it's all a matter of personal preference.

The next and most important step in choosing your rims is in the specifications. It is crucial to proper operation and performance that the rims fit your ride properly. These specs include the rim diameter, width, bolt pattern, and offset. The rim diameter is the size of the rim measured across its center. Most enthusiasts look for something that's a couple of inches bigger than the factory diameter to help "fill in" the space in the rim well. The width refers to the distance from the inner lip to the outer lip of the rim as viewed from the top. Original equipment rims are typically a bit too narrow to achieve optimal performance results. A slightly wider rim gives you the ability to install a wider tire, increasing the amount of tread on the pavement and improving traction and cornering performance. The bolt pattern specifies the configuration of lug holes both in total number (4-bolt / 5-bolt / 6-bolt), and the distance between them across the center of the rim. For instance, a rim with a 4:100 bolt pattern has 4 lug holes spaced 100mm apart when measured from the center of the rim. Auto manufacturers use several different arrangements depending the make and model. The offset is the measured distance between the rims mounting surface on the hub, and the centerline of the rim. It's responsible for the fitment of the rim in the wheel well from side to side. It's critical, especially on lowered vehicles, that the offset is correct for the application to keep the tires from rubbing on the edge of the fenders when the suspension travels downward. It is measured in high (positive), medium (zero), and low (negative) ratings. You can take a look at the SCO wheel fitment guide for the correct bolt pattern and offset specs for your ride, or give the SCO Tuner Pros a call TOLL FREE at 1-888-766-0022 for one-on-one assistance.

Once you've got your rims picked out, you've got to wrap some rubber around them. There are several things to contemplate when selecting tires for your ride. Considering the fact that the only part of the car that actually touches the ground is the tires, the decision of which ones to go with is an important one. The last thing you want to do is install a below-average set of treads on your new rims. That would take any performance advantage you're getting from the upgrade and toss it right out the window! The two major areas of concern when choosing a set of tires is getting the correct size for the rim, and determining the performance level required.

A quick look at Sport Compact Only's tire selection makes it clear that tire sizes are expressed as three numbers separated by slashes, such as 205/40/17. What do these numbers mean? Let's take a quick look at how the 205/40/17 tire size information reads. The first number, in this case "205," specifies the tire's width in millimeters from the widest point of the outer sidewall, to the widest point of its inner sidewall. The second number specifies the tire's sidewall height (from rim to tread) as a percentage of the tire's width. In our example, the "40" indicates that this tire's sidewall height is 40% of its width. This second number is often referred to as the tire's series or profile. Higher numbers mean a taller profile sidewall; lower numbers mean a lower profile sidewall. Low profile tires (most performance tires) have a short and wide contact patch that provides very responsive handling, cornering stability, and traction. Finally, the third number, (the "17" in our example) specifies the tire's inner diameter in inches and needs to match the diameter of the rim it will be installed on.

Evaluating a tire's performance, durability, and endurance capabilities are simplified a bit by the UTQGS (The Uniform Tire Quality Grading System). It was developed by the US Government to supply consumers with tire information so they can get exactly what they need from their treads. Under the UTQGS guidelines, tires are graded by their manufacturers in three specific areas: treadwear, traction, and temperature. The treadwear number is related to the density of the tire's treadwear compound. Low treadwear numbers mean softer tread compounds. Performance tires are typically softer for better performance, but will wear faster. Tires with high mileage warranties will have high treadwear numbers for maximum life. For example, a tire with a 400 treadwear should have its useful tread last twice as long as a tire graded 200, but will not stick to the road as well. Another thing to remember is to only compare treadwear numbers within a specific brand. Testing procedures vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so results will also differ slightly. Traction scores signify the tire's capability to stop on wet pavement. Testing is performed under controlled conditions on both concrete and asphalt surfaces. Traction grades are AA (the highest), A, B, and C (the lowest), and do not reflect cornering or handling performance. The temperature grades represent both the tire's resistance to, and ability to dissipate, heat. Temperature grades include A (again, the highest), B, and C, "C" being the minimum performance required by federal safety standards.

The UTQGS rating system is a great view into what you can generally expect from a tire, but there other destructive powers at work. Variations in driving habits, road conditions, air pressure maintenance, vehicle alignment, tire balance, and regional climate can directly affect tire life.

In Short:
I've been a hardcore tuner for years now. The very first mod I performed to all my various projects is performance rims and tires. It wasn't even a question in my mind that it comes first! It's amazing how much of a part rims play in expressing your individuality. It's just like the clothes you wear! You would never wear crappy old sneakers with your best threads, would you? The same fashion rules apply to your ride.

Until next time... peace out!