Tires are a part of a car that must be replaced quite often. Since they’re constantly grinding against the pavement, the rubber will eventually wear down, leading to the need for a new set. However, the wheel, the part that holds those tires in place, doesn’t need to be replaced nearly as often. This is due to the fact that wheels are made of long-lasting metals that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
Despite this, the day will eventually come when you’ll need to replace your wheels. While there are plenty of aftermarket options to choose from, many drivers would rather just get the same set that their car originally came with. These are known as OEM wheels.
If the time has come for you to buy some new wheels, which can also be called rims, this guide is here to help. In it, we go over everything you need to know about replacing OEM wheels. That way, you can ensure you make the right purchase the first time.
The Size Is Always Right
One thing that can make shopping for aftermarket wheels difficult is that it’s easy to buy a set that’s too large or too small for your specific vehicle. If a wheel is the incorrect size, the tire won’t fit properly. Additionally, the incorrect wheel sizes can adversely impact the turning radius, brake effectiveness, and the relationship of the body of the car to the road.
Of course, this doesn’t take into consideration the lug nut locations. Not all cars use the same number of lug nuts or even put them the same distance apart. That means you’ll need to check the lug nut placement of each aftermarket wheel you look at to make sure it’s a match.
None of these things is an issue with OEM wheels, though. As long as you find the wheel for your specific vehicle type, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that it’ll be the perfect fit.
You Can Easily Find Individual Replacements
When the time comes to replace all four of your wheels, it doesn’t matter if you go with OEM or aftermarket. You’ll be able to find a full set that works for your car. However, if you ever bust up a single wheel or need to replace only the front or back two, you’re going to run into issues with aftermarket wheels. This is because aftermarket options aren’t always consistent.
Since third-party companies are the ones who make aftermarket wheels, it’s up to them if they continue to make specific models years down the road. Maybe a specific design wasn’t popular enough, or the car they made it for has been out of production for decades. If an aftermarket manufacturer decides to stop producing the wheel that you use in your car, you’ll never be able to find an exact replacement unless you get something custom-made. At that point, you’d probably be better off buying a completely new set.
This isn’t something you’ll need to worry about for OEM wheels. Even though the day will eventually come when the original manufacturer will stop making wheels for your specific car, they usually give at least a few years’ notice. That means you could always buy a few extras in advance if you think you’ll ever need them.
OEM Parts Meet Car Manufacturer Standards
Another thing you need to know about replacing your current wheels with new OEM wheels is that you can be sure your replacements meet the standards of the car manufacturer. While most safety features for vehicles are built into other parts of the car, wheels are still a crucial component for keeping people safe and secure while on the road. Factors like proper weight and material durability are crucial for ensuring your wheels stay intact and don’t overburden your vehicle.
While there are many aftermarket manufacturers out there that put the same love and care into their products, OEM wheels are made by the same manufacturer as your car. That means you can rest easy knowing they’ll treat your new wheels with the same level of care and respect as the first set. Plus, you’ll still have access to all the same safety and durability features that your previous set of wheels had.
OEM Wheels Offer Outstanding Quality for the Price
Back in the day, aftermarket car products used to be well-known for being low-quality options. While there are still plenty of more affordable options available on the market, many aftermarket manufacturers have stepped up their game, making wheels that meet or even sometimes exceed the quality of OEM options. However, nothing beats the quality-to-price ratio of OEM wheels.
When it comes to OEM wheels, you’ll always be getting something of outstanding quality at a reasonable price. This is because both sellers and manufacturers have high expectations when it comes to these wheels, meaning each rim will have to pass rigorous inspections before reaching the consumer. In the end, what you receive is a quality product that will be worth the money. That means you can rest easy knowing you’ve bought something that will last for many years to come.
Where To Get Your OEM Wheels
If you’re now convinced and have decided to purchase brand-new OEM wheels for your vehicle, you’ll need to find the right source. While the obvious choice might seem like your car’s manufacturer, these groups tend to sell their parts at significant markups and rarely run sales. That means you’ll likely be paying for the most expensive version of that particular set of wheels.
Instead, it’s better to find a trusted online wheel retailer that sells your brand of OEM wheels. Lucky for you, you’re already in the right place. Here at WheelerShip, we sell OEM wheels for many brands, from Audi to Volvo. It’s our goal to provide customers with the wheels they’re looking for at an affordable price. Browse our website to see for yourself and find a set that works for your vehicle.