Custom Rims for Every Ride

Custom rims come in many different sizes and types, and RimTyme has them all. We carry rims and tires for cars, trucks and SUVs and our expert wheel and tire installers can put together the exact wheel and tire package you want.

Custom rim buyers need to select a style and size first, and we've got you covered with a wide range of custom wheel options. RimTyme stores carry everything from basic alloy wheels to the latest custom, chrome spinning wheels, and we have every size you want. Popular, 20 inch rims and 22 inch rims are readily available from your local RimTyme wheel and tire shop, and hard to find sizes like 24 inch and 26 inch rims are available too. RimTyme can even help you customize a wheel design or paint color to enhance the look and provide true exclusivity for your ride.

There is more to choosing the right custom wheels than deciding on a "look". Luckily, every RimTyme custom wheel shop has a team of installers to help you decide which weight and wheel mounting option will provide the performance and handling you need.

For example, light weight rims provide good overall road performance and handling and can help improve gas mileage. So, light weight custom wheels may be the best option for commuters. The width of the rim can influence ride comfort, and though wider rims are more stable, a wide wheel produces more vibration.

To help kickoff your search for a custom wheel and tire package, we've compiled a short list of the pros and cons for some of the most popular custom wheel types.

Chrome Rims

Custom chrome rims definitely enhance the look of your ride. Chrome wheels were invented after methods to coat objects with thin layers of metal became available. Improving on the light weight, performance and handling benefits associated with alloy wheels, chrome rim makers began covering alloy rims with a layer of chrome to provide a shiny, luxurious custom wheel.

Made popular by celebrities, adding chrome rims to your ride used to come with a hefty price tag. 20 inch chrome rims may have been popular first, but since coming into the custom wheel and tire market, chrome rims have become available in many sizes - even up to a 26 inch diameter!

Chrome rims provide more than a good look for your car, truck, or SUV. Chrome plated wheels have some practical benefits over basic alloy rims as well. The plating that covers a chrome wheel is highly resistant to corrosion – much more so than regular alloy rims. Chrome rims are also able to withstand more extreme temperatures and weather conditions than regular alloy wheels.

How to Care for Chrome Rims

Specialty cleaners are available for chrome wheels, but they're not necessary to keep your chrome rims looking good. You can care for your custom chrome rims just as easily with mild car soap, a bucket of water, a soft, dry cloth, and some basic car wax. If you choose to use a specialty cleaner, only choose one made specifically for cleaning chrome rims. Other cleaners may contain acid which can dull the finish on your custom chrome wheels.

• Chrome rims should be washed with a mild car shampoo, but pay close attention that you rinse them thoroughly with water.
• Always use a soft cloth to dry your wheels so you don't scratch the chrome finish.
• Once dry, spread a thin layer of car wax on the chrome to collect dust and other debris and remove it with a soft towel.
• Avoid automatic car washes! Harsh detergents will damage chrome rims, and the mechanical action may cause scratches.

Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels are light weight and can improve steering, speed, gas mileage, and overall drivability. Alloy wheels also conduct heat better than steel wheels which can improve heat dissipation and reduce the chance of brake failure in high performance driving conditions.

Balancing alloy wheels is easier than steels wheels because weights can be attached in the center, but repairing bent alloy wheels is more difficult than steel wheels. Another contrast to steel wheels is that alloy wheels provide a cosmetic upgrade for your ride without all the hassle of painting the wheels or hiding the wheel with plastic wheel covers.

Custom rim and tire enthusiasts know there are different types of alloy wheels - some alloy wheels are cast, and others are forged. Forged alloy wheels are the lightest and strongest type of alloy wheels, but they can be much more expensive than cast alloy wheels. Overall, the higher price tag associated with alloy wheels makes them attractive to thieves, and many alloy wheel makers have become proactive about protecting alloy wheels by incorporating a custom wheel lock for each set which requires a special key to remove the alloy rim from your car, truck, or suv.

How to Care for Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels are prone to corrosion, therefore they require additional preventative care to keep galvanic corrosion from building up. This is important on all alloy rims because corrosion on rims can cause the tires to leak air.

Frequent washing with mild, soapy warm water is the best way to keep alloy wheels clean. Here are some specific tips:

• Let alloy wheels cool before cleaning them
• Never use abrasive cleansers on alloy wheels
• Hose off loose dirt and grit from alloy wheels weekly
• Never use wool pads or buffers on alloy wheels.

Aluminum Wheels

Even though steel wheels are more affordable, aluminum wheels are more popular. Aluminum wheels are only one third as dense as steel wheels making them lightweight and strong. Braking distances decrease while acceleration goes up, so aluminum wheels can actually improve the safety of your car, truck, or SUV.

There are two types of aluminum wheels - Cast aluminum wheels and Forged aluminum wheels.

Cast aluminum wheels are formed by pouring molten aluminium into a one-piece mold. The casting process produces better consistency between sizes and lines from one wheel to another which can provide a smoother ride and less wear on your tires than steel wheels with hubcaps.

The manufacturing process for forged aluminum wheels is even more stringent. Forged wheels are produced by applying extremely high force to the base wheel material in a contained die. The high-pressure stamping process is critical to forged aluminum wheel strength because there are less cracks, abrasions, and grain imperfections.

How to Care for Aluminum Wheels

Custom aluminum wheels can help Increase or maintain the resale values of your car, truck, or SUV. Take care of your investment in custom aluminum wheels by following some basic care instructions.

• Regularly remove dirt and debris from aluminum wheels using mild soap and water
• Apply wheel polish to aluminum wheels regularly, but make sure to buff it out thoroughly
• Balance, rotate, and align aluminum wheels on a regular basis
• Do not have aluminum wheels steam cleaned