Without wheels and tires, cars wouldn’t be very good forms of transportation. That’s because these two components work in tandem to make vehicles move. Due to their stark differences, many people can tell the wheels and tires apart. However, this isn’t the case for wheels and rims.
Something that many people don’t realize is the difference between wheels and rims—they’re not the same thing! Fortunately, we are here to set the record straight so you know what your mechanic or automotive salesperson is referring to when talking about these components.
What Is a Wheel?
Let’s start by clearly defining a wheel. The wheel is the large metal cylinder that holds the tire to the axle. The metal in wheels can vary, but some of the most common options are aluminum alloy, steel, and carbon fiber. Some wheels might use a magnesium alloy, but these types aren’t nearly as common as they used to be.
Wheels also come in a variety of sizes; some might be relatively small, allowing for a thicker tire for oversized vehicles and drivers who like to off-road. On the flip side, wheels can be quite large and usually pair well with low-profile tires that add style to the wheelbase.
Of course, that’s just the height. Wheels can also vary in width, but these changes are not quite as extreme. Before buying a new set of wheels, you should always verify the specifications of your vehicle’s existing wheels to make sure the new ones will fit properly. Be sure to take the size of the tire into consideration, as well.
Keep in mind that even though wheels appear like solid metal, they consist of many parts. We’ll go over each section individually to help you better understand automotive wheels:
- Wheel bearings connect the wheel to the axle and allow the wheel to spin freely while moving.
- Lug nuts hold the wheel onto the axle.
- The center cap is the center of the wheel that covers the bearings, protecting them from the dirt and debris of the road.
- The barrel is the outer portion of the wheel that the tire sits on.
- The spokes are the long sections of metal that hold the center cap and barrel sections of the wheels together.
What Is a Rim?
Now that we understand the wheel, let’s take some time to learn about the rim. While this term is widely misunderstood, it’s actually quite simple. The rim is just the outer edge of the barrel that holds the tire in place. While the rims of each wheel vary depending on brand and style, they’ll always raise up a bit for tire security and an improved seal.
Due to the discrepancy in rim size, this is an important detail to be aware of when buying new tires. Some tires might not fit well if the rim is too big or small. You can measure your current rims to determine their size or find this information on your vehicle. It’s typically listed in two places: on the tires that came with the wheels and on the inside of the driver door. This only applies if you have stock tires, though. If you’ve ever replaced them, you’ll need to figure out the size of the rims yourself.
Why Does This Distinction Matter?
While the difference between wheels and rims might seem minor on the surface, understanding this distinction can be very useful if something ever goes wrong with your wheels. For instance, if you drive on a flat tire for too long (e.g., anywhere other than straight to the mechanic), you could cause damage to the wheel. However, in most cases, the damage will only be to the rim.
When the person fixing your car tells you there’s damage to your rim, it may only be on the wheel’s outer edge. In some cases, this might be fixable. Before you start looking into buying a replacement wheel, confirm with your mechanic whether your existing rim can be safely repaired.
The difference between wheels and rims also matters when talking to a mechanic about issues you’ve noticed with your vehicle. If you constantly refer to your wheels as “rims,” the mechanic might only check the rim, which could lead them away from fixing the problem you’re experiencing.
How We Use These Terms in Real Life
Despite needing to know this distinction, it’s equally important to realize that many people you interact with won’t recognize it. Whether it’s in a casual conversation or when shopping for wheels, the term “rims” will likely be used interchangeably with wheels. In many cases, people refer to a wheel as a rim when the wheel is of higher quality or has a standout design. For example, saying, “Hey, nice rims!” sounds much better than saying, “Cool wheels!”
This mentality often extends to the online world, as well. Companies trying to gain attention or show off their wheels as high-quality will often refer to them as rims. Now that you understand what a rim is, it’ll be obvious that these companies aren’t selling just the rim of a wheel but rather the wheel itself. Still, understanding how the average person uses these terms will lead to a lot less confusion when shopping online for new wheels for your ride.
Where To Buy Wheels Online
Speaking of buying wheels online, if you’re in the market for a new set, you might be aware of many online vendors for automotive parts. Because of that, finding a reliable source can feel tricky at times. Lucky for you, you’re already in the right place!
WheelerShip has been a leading, trusted source of replacement wheels, tires, and auto parts since 2010. And we make it easy to find affordable parts online! We have years of experience in this field and offer a great number of wheel and tire options to choose from. Whether you are looking to replace some worn-out tires or hoping to freshen up your wheels, WheelerShip is the place to be. Our family-owned and operated wheel and tire company will make sure you get exactly what you’re looking for!