Your car is only as good as the tires and rims you drive on. You can trick out your car with all of the bells and whistles, but if you buy bad or faulty tires or rims, you are not going anywhere. That is why it is essential to know what you are doing when you go in to buy new tires or rims. Audiosport has the best selection of tires and rims in Escondido, and our employees are experts when it comes to equipping your car with new tires and rims. Below you can find our tips on buying the right car rims and tires, and to learn more give us a call at (760) 292-2659.

Choose Tires That Match Your Rims, and Vice Versa

If you are buying new tires, you want to make sure they match the width of your rims. It is also important to make note of the lug pattern or bolt pattern so that everything can be put into place properly. This goes both ways, so if you are buying new rims make sure that they match your tires.

Pay Attention to the Number on the Side of the Tire

When picking a new tire, you will notice a set of numbers on the side of your tire. This number has a variety of different meanings that we will break down below.

1. The Letter Prefix

The first part of the code on the side of your tire is a letter in the alphabet that works as a prefix. This will either be a P, T, LT, or ST, which stands for Passenger car, Temporary spare, Light Truck, or Trailer, respectively. Make sure to pick a tire that suits your needs.

2. Section Width

The next portion is the width of the tire in millimeters. This number is the width when the tire is mounted on the correct type of rim.

3. Aspect Ratio

After the width, you will see the aspect ratio, which is the distance from the inside of the wheel to the outside of the tread. This number will be listed as a proportion of the width rather than as a whole number, so expect to see a “/”

4. Speed Rating

On the highest quality tires (Z-rated models) you will next find the speed rating. On all other tires, the speed rating is located on the sidewall.

5. Construction

This will either be an R or a D. An R means you have a radial-ply tire, while a D means it is a diagonal tire. Diagonal tires are only used on trucks and trailers.

6. Size

The last number is the size of the rim, listed as the diameter in inches. Make sure this number matches the size of your current rims, or purchase new rims that match your new tires.

What Size Car Rims Do You Want?

When choosing new rims, there are a variety of different things to consider. First of all, you probably want rims that match your current tires unless you want to purchase new tires as well. Also, rims that are too big or small for your car can make your car unstable and difficult to steer.

What Kind of Car Rims Do You Want?

When most people are purchasing new rims, they are usually looking for flash over functionality, trying to find a sick new set of rims that perfectly complement the look and feel of your vehicle. There is a wide variety to choose from, including different colors, styles, and designs. You can go with chrome rims, all-black rims, all-white rims, colored rims, or something completely different!

Talk to the Car Rims and Tires Experts at Audiosport in Escondido

We can give you all the tips in the world, but nothing beats consulting with an expert who has spent their lives learning the ins and outs of car rims and tires. At Audiosport, we have a team of rims and tires experts who are ready and willing to answer any questions you may have.

Not only that, Audiosport also has an incredible selection of tires and wheels at our shop in Escondido, giving you a variety of options to choose from. If you are interested in purchasing new rims or tires, contact Audiosport Escondido today by calling (760) 743-2333.