There are times when you need to purchase new rims to replace old, worn-out wheels. In other times, you just want to upgrade the look and add more style. Either way, you are asking – how much do rims cost?
In this guide, we cover everything that affects the rim cost. We also give you averages for the top types of rims on the market. At the end, we talk more about measuring the rims and estimating the cost of installing your new rims.
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You can expect a new rim to cost between $30 and $1000 per rim. The price depends a lot on the material chosen, the size of the wheel, and the design that you choose. You will also spend a varying amount based on your car type, new or used rims, and select wheel brand.
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the factors that affect the cost of the rim.
Factors Affecting Rim Cost1.One of the most important factors in rim cost comes down to the material used. Steel rims are normally the cheapest option, but these are also plain and don’t do much to turn heads.
If you are looking for a better style, you might prefer aluminum alloy. Just keep in mind that these will cost more and aren’t often suited for tight budgets.
2. SizeJust like with tires, the price goes up with the size. The larger the wheels are, the more you can expect to pay.
It’s important that you use the right rim and tire size combination. You don’t want to increase tire or rim size without ensuring that your vehicle can handle the adjustment.
3. Vehicle Type/ModelIf you drive one of the most popular cars on the road, there will be a massive selection of rims to choose from, allowing you to shop around for the best price. However, if you drive something rare, you might have trouble getting a good deal.
It can be especially hard getting low-priced rims for classic vehicles. The newer your car is, the more selection you can expect.
4. Brand/QualityIf you want OEM rims, you might spend a little more. However, you already know the quality and durability are top-notch and you can rely on the manufacturer. If you have a damaged OEM rim, OEM replacement rims are preferable.
On the other hand, there are plenty of aftermarket manufacturers, some of which keep the price much lower. Your only struggle with going this route is finding a brand that provides high-quality rims. You can search online and you will find many retailers and tire stores that sell both new and used aftermarket rims, and if you are not sure what size you need, you can ask your dealership or local tire workshop.
5. New or UsedThe final factor is whether the rims are new or used. If you want brand-new rims that look picture-perfect, you are going to spend top dollar.
However, if you need to replace damaged rims and don’t care much what they look like, you might prefer used rims instead. These are much cheaper. Plus, you can find a high-end set of rims for much less if you are willing to take them off someone else’s hands. Additionally, some tire shops provide reconditioned rims, which are used but have been cleaned and restored to look like new.
6. ColorIf you want to have the rims painted or coated, you will pay a little more. Not only will this create a better aesthetic design, but the coating can also prevent corrosion, thereby giving you a longer rim life.
Some of the most popular finishes include chrome, polished, silver, gunmetal, black, gold or bronze. If you need a finish but have to stick to a budget, choose something more basic to keep the cost down.
RELATED: What Color of Rim is Better for a White Car?
What are Car Rims?The car rim is the metal part beneath the tire, often known as the wheel.
It holds the rubber tire material that is wrapped around it.
These rims are different from your standard hubcap made from plastic. Instead, the majority of rims are made from some type of metal, whether it is steel, alloy or aluminum.
Rim Cost By Style1. SteelSteel rims or so-called steelies are the most ordinary of the types. These used to be placed on every type of car, no matter if it was a station wagon or sports car.
In recent years, the steel wheels have become less popular. Now, you only find them on cheaper vehicles where the price needs to be as low as possible.
As the cheapest option, you can find steel wheels for as low as $30 each brand-new and you can sometimes find a new set of rims for under $120. However, steel rims are heavy, so you will notice a decrease in handling and gas mileage. That’s why you won’t find steel rims on most high-performance cars these days.
2. AlloyAluminum alloy rims tend to be one of the more popular options nowadays.
They are lightweight and can still be reasonably priced. Plus, they can be finished in a variety of ways for a unique style.
It’s easy to finish the alloy wheels with a powder-coating, anodized finish or with a diamond-cut style. Even though they are more expensive, you can still find some reasonable options. Depending on your vehicle, you might be able to find a rim for $50 each.
3. ChromeChrome rims are among the most expensive in the bunch. That’s why they are found on luxury cars with higher price tags.
What you might not know is that the chrome wheel isn’t made completely of this metal. That would be overly expensive, so manufacturers simply coat the wheel with chrome. However, even with the simple coating, you can spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 per wheel. In fact, there are some that are far more than that.
The chrome wheel doesn’t offer anything special in terms of performance. The whole focus is on the aesthetic appeal.
You can also get carbon rims, but these are often insanely expensive and are mostly for race cars.
If you purchase your rims at the same location that’s installing them, you might be able to get a deal on the labor. Otherwise, you can expect to spend around $20 to $50 per rim for the installation. It’s also possible to install the rims yourself if you have the right tools and expertise.
When you get new rims, the tires will also need to be balanced. The tire balancing will also be done during your tire rotations and sometimes when you get new suspension work. For example, if you add a suspension lift, you will want to have the alignment and balancing done once again.
Some tire shops will offer pre-paid maintenance schedules that cover many of these services. You can pay upfront and get free rotations, balancing, and alignments. If you are concerned about the rising costs of tire services, you might consider pre-paying for them. Make sure you find a qualified mechanic for this type of job, as it can cause a lot of problems if not done correctly.
We strongly recommend that you make a wheel alignment if you are installing new tires and wheels because if the wheel alignment is poor, it will tear down your new set of tires quickly.
RELATED: Average Wheel Alignment Cost (Front, Rear & 4-Wheel)
How to Measure for New Rims1. WidthThe width of the rims is important if you want to keep them from rubbing the car frame and body. However, many people don’t measure the width properly.
You want to measure the barrel section. Avoid measuring the overall width of the entire rim.
2. DiameterYou can find this measurement on the driver’s side door jamb if you are using factory wheels. Otherwise, you can measure it for yourself.
Measure the diameter by going from lip to lip on the wheel. However, this measurement might not be perfect. If you are seeing 19.5”, the rim could actually be 18”.
3. Bolt PatternThe bolt pattern consists of two different numbers.
The first number shows you how many holes the car has.
The other measurement reveals the diameter of those holes. You will need both of these numbers to get the bolt pattern that matches. Just keep in mind that some brands use inches while others use millimeters.
4. OffsetIf you don’t have the right offset, it will be impossible for the tires to fit the rims. You need to figure out the distance between the wheel centerline and the hub mounting surface.
This measurement should be in millimeters. If the centerline and hub mounting surface are even, it’s known as a zero offset. If the surface is actually near the rim face, it is known as positive, while the surface located near the back is known as negative instead.
5. BackspacingThe rim backspacing is the distance from the back lip to the hub surface. It determines how far the rims stick out beyond the fender.
When the backspacing is correct, there is room for the suspension.
It also creates room for the steering and brake systems without creating interference.
How much do rims cost varies mainly on the material used and their size. This article will help you make the perfect decision when it comes to buying rims for your precious ride.
You probably take your car out for a drive daily, but do you ever stop to think about the quality of the wheels?
Unfortunately, most people don’t understand the importance, while others only settle for superior quality tires with custom rims.
But whether you’re just into stylish rims or are just picky about the kind of wheels you want for your precious car, knowing how much rims cost, their different types, and what factors affect these prices can help you make your vehicle safe and comfortable without overspending.
And this article will be talking about just that so that you can make a valuable and calculated decision about the quality and cost of rims for your car.
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First off, you have two options: either purchase a new set of rims or settle for used or reconditioned ones.
Brand new rims are the most expensive option, but they should function perfectly since they haven’t been used before.
Used rims are the cheapest option if you’re not bothered by a few dings or dents.
Reconditioned rims are minimally damaged rims that have been restored to look new but don’t quite cost as much.
The difference in the price of car rims depends on where they are manufactured and how they are marketed.
A new set of rims can start from as little as $90; however, prices increase as the materials, designs, and sizes are upgraded. Also, rims for luxury or vintage cars requiring custom manufacturing can cost as much as $1000.
But if you’re simply looking to replace old rims on a budget, purchasing used or reconditioned ones can substantially bring the price down.
How Much Should I Pay For Rims?To help you with your purchase, here’s a list of some things you need to consider before buying new or replacement rims for your car:
Make and Model: the unique the car, the harder it is to find rims. Plus, they’ll probably be more expensive as well.
For instance, finding rims for Corvette will be much costlier than finding the right ones for a Ford Taurus.
Year of Manufacture: it’s usually harder to find new rims for very old or classic cars. In fact, the rims might cost a lot more than the car itself!
Size: the bigger the car, the bigger the wheels, and the larger and costlier the rims.
Wheel Type: this is where the difference between steel and alloy wheels comes in. Alloy rims are more expensive since they’re tougher to make, but they’re available in more colors and finishes. But more on that later.
Finish: a basic finish will cost much less for new rims than brushed and custom finishes.
Factors That Affect Cost of RimsNow that you have a general idea of what to look out for when going rim shopping let’s dive into the details of what factors you need to carefully consider when deciding how much you want to pay for a set of rims.
As mentioned previously, the bigger your wheels, the larger the rim, and the costlier it is. This is pretty obvious since more metal is used for manufacturing larger wheels, hence increasing the price.
There is a steady increase in price between 15″ and 18″ wheels, whereas prices increase dramatically for 20″ and 22″ wheels.
Types of RimsWhen it comes to types of wheels, there are two types: steel and alloy. And this also affects how much rims cost.
As the name suggests, steel wheels are made of steel. Since they are simple, easier to make, and don’t come in many varieties, it is easier and cheaper to purchase and replace them.
On the contrary, alloy wheels are made using an aluminum alloy and are available in various sizes and finishes. This makes them more expensive and more preferred by those willing to pay more for a customized look.
Here are the average prices of different types of rims for modern cars:
| Type of Rim | Price per Rim |
| Steel Rims (Basic) | $90-$100 |
| Alloy Rims (Aluminum) | $110-$130 |
| Chrome Plated Rims | $150-$290 |
| Painted finish rims (black/white) | $100-$280 |
Now let’s consider a worst-case scenario. If you’re in an accident and simply need to replace your car’s rims, the choice will come down to what rims you already had.
If you had steel rims, replacing them won’t cost you much. But if you had alloy rims, you’re either going to have to buy a new set of steel wheels or simply replace the alloy rims that are damaged.
Wheel FinishAnother very important factor in deciding the cost of rims is customization and wheel finish. As mentioned, steel wheels have very few finishing options and generally come in white, black, and grey powder coat.
However, alloy wheels are available in various finishes with varying prices, and some manufacturers even combine finishes to create unique results.
Some common alloy finishes include:
Chrome WheelsChrome-plated wheels can completely transform the appearance of your car with a dazzling, mirror-like sheen. Chrome wheels are extremely durable if properly maintained, but they aren’t suggested for winter use and extreme weather.
Black WheelsAutomotive-style spray-painted black wheels are available in various finishes, including semi-gloss black, satin black, stealth black, carbon black, flat black, and matte black.
Polished WheelsPolished wheels are buffed by hand or machine, giving them their extremely shiny, chrome-like finish.
They are usually protected from erosion by a clear coat, and if not, then the wheels will require regular re-polishing to maintain their shine.
Automotive-style spray-painted silver wheels are available in various finishes, such as super silver, hyper silver, titanium silver, dark silver, satin silver, tungsten silver, and matte silver.
Machined or Machine Polished WheelsMachined wheels may be machined on the full face of the wheel or only on specific areas like the spokes and lips for a bold, shiny two-tone look.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Black Rims?The average black-out rims can cost $70 to $150 each, depending on the intricacy of the job and design.
On average, rims with black powder coating can cost about $225 per wheel. It’s more expensive because powder coating is considerably more durable than spray painting and provides a reliable and more stunning finish.
Having said that, the cost of getting black rims will also depend on your area and dealer.
A unique set of rims will surely make your car stand out, but as we’ve mentioned, various factors contribute to their cost.
You’ll need to pay extra for unique designs and sizes and rims for old or rare models.
Nevertheless, rims are an important part of your vehicle, so remember to invest not only in the appearance of the rims but also in their quality and durability.
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Thanks to the vianor.ru website, buying tires in the online store has become easy and convenient! The largest network of tire centers in the Nordic countries, Russia and the Baltic States offers a wide selection and favorable prices of tires of various sizes for the winter and summer seasons.
Evaluate all the advantages of vianor.ru today: on the site you can find a detailed description of each tire, read customer reviews and place an order with the opportunity to pick up the tires on a convenient day for you.
What are the advantages of VIANOR?
VIANOR is a network of premium tire centers founded in the early 1990s by Nokian Tires and specializing in tire sales and car maintenance. Throughout its development, the wide range of tires, the high level of comfort for customers and excellent service have remained unchanged advantages of the network. Each VIANOR tire center meets the requirements of the premium class and guarantees the high quality of service work using only high-quality materials.
What factors should be considered when choosing tires?
The main factors that you should focus on when choosing car tires are the climatic features of your region and the features of the road surface on which the car will be operated.
When comparing manufacturers' offers, it is also important to take into account not only the price of the models, but also the additional benefits from the purchase. Some manufacturers offer additional promotions - free tire fitting or a guarantee against accidental damage. Regardless of your needs and budget, you can always buy the right tires at vianor.ru.
How to choose tires by size?
The tire size consists of the tire section width, sidewall height and rim diameter. For example, in size 205/55, R16:205 is the tire profile width in millimeters, 55 is the sidewall height as a percentage of the profile width (in this case, 55% of 205), R is an indication of the radial design, and 16 is the landing (internal ) tire diameter. The complete tire size also contains information about the maximum permissible load and the maximum speed of movement (load and speed indices). Selection of tires by size is available on the vianor. ru main page and in the tires section.
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Vehicle sizing is a convenient alternative to sizing and is especially useful in situations where you don't know the exact dimensions of the tires you need. As a result of this selection, you will receive a standard size (or several standard sizes) recommended by the manufacturer of your car. However, we recommend that you always double-check the most appropriate size in your vehicle's owner's manual. Selection of tires by car is available on the vianor.ru main page and in the tires section.
What services are available in the Vianor tire center network?
Vianor tire centers not only sell tires and rims, but also provide a wide range of car services. You can always check the availability of the necessary service and sign up online at a convenient tire center at vianor. ru.
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