How Much Do New Rims Cost?
Rims are one of the most important aspects of a car. They not only enhance the appearance, but they can also improve performance by allowing for better handling or stability in wet conditions.
On average, new rims cost $289. However, you can get cheap rims for as low as $50 and as high as $500. Size and material are two major things that affect the cost.
Additionally, style is a major factor affecting the price of new rims. You’ll want to shop around before making any final decisions if you want to get the best deal possible!
Rim Costs Breakdown
The cost of a rim depends on the material used to make it, with steel rims being the cheapest and titanium rims being the most expensive. Aluminum alloy rims are somewhere in between, depending on their design and size.
In general, steel rims range from around $50 to around $125+ per rim, while aluminum alloy costs around $125 to approximately $500+ per rim.
Titanium rims have the highest price range between $300 and upwards of $1,000+ per rim, depending on their size and design.
Installation Cost
The installation cost of your rims generally depends on where you get them installed. A local tire shop should be able to install your new rims for around $20-$40 per wheel, while if you go to a larger dealership, they might charge up to $100+ depending on the labor involved in the job.
Pro Tip: If you are looking for new rims of a specific size, it is always best to check with the dealership first since some companies require that you have their rims installed within their network.
This can result in having to pay more money for the installation.
Tire Balancing Cost
Getting new wheels usually means you are getting new tires. The tires will have to be mounted on the rim and balanced with special equipment.
Usually, this is included with the price of new rims and costs $10- $30 per wheel, depending on where you get it done.
Pro Tip: If you buy used rims, make sure to check with the owner if any tire balancing has been done before and what is included in the sale (rims and tires). This will give you an idea of the balancing cost.
Vehicle Alignment Cost
When tires are fitted to a new rim, they have to be aligned with the rest of the vehicle. If not, this wears out your tires faster and raises fuel consumption.
A wheel alignment typically costs around $50-$100. Make sure to budget for this when you buy new rims.
Painting Your Rims
Some people like to add some extra flair or appeal to their rim by getting custom paint. You can paint the whole thing or just part of the rim.
It will typically cost you around $50 – $75 per rim for this job if you take it to a professional. You can save money if you do this yourself but do your research first before taking on the job.
Dipping Your Rims
Dipping is a newer trend that people have been using to customize their rims. The process involves having your rims dipped in a paint-like product that changes their color.
Professionals usually do this, and the cost can vary depending on where you get it done. It can range from $50 -$100+ per rim if you have them dipped at a local shop, or it may be more expensive if you take them to a dealership.
The rims must be disassembled before they are dipped, so expect to dish out more cash, depending on where you get the dip done.
Pro Tip: If you opt for this, make sure the place offers a warranty so you can have them re-painted if there are any issues with the color.
Rim Size Matters!
As with most car parts, the size of your rims does matter when it comes to how much they will cost you. The two main diameter measurements are 15″ and 16″. Rims smaller than 15″ tend to be cheaper since their material is not as expensive, but the larger size (15X8) tends to have more benefits.
The average cost of a 15″ rim is around $50-$100, while the average cost of 16″ rims is between $200 and upwards of $300. 18″ Rims are also a popular size and will cost you anywhere between $200 and upwards of $500.
Rims that are 16″ or larger tend to be more expensive due to their design and the material used in the overall product. The drawback is that they might not fit certain vehicles as well, depending on how much space you have between your tires and the fenders/hood of your car.
So if you want to save some money, it’s recommended that you go for smaller rims where the size is closer to 15″ or 16″. The bigger sizes are great if you want your car to look sporty and unique!
Pro-Tip: When shopping for new rims, don’t forget to check your vehicle’s bolt pattern. Most cars have either a 5 or 5.5″ bolt pattern, which is either equal to or closer to a 15X4.5 rim and a 16X7.5 rim, respectively.
OEM vs. Aftermarket
When shopping for new rims, it’s crucial to know the two different types: OEM (original equipment manufacturer) and Aftermarket.
OEM Rims
These are made specifically for your car by the original company that designed and built it. They offer the best alignment and fitment with your vehicle, but at a cost.
OEM rims average anywhere from $200 to over $2000+ per rim, depending on their size and material.
Aftermarket Rims
These are made for your car, but not by the original company that designed and built it. They offer less quality, fitment, and alignment than OEM rims but at a more affordable price.
Aftermarket rims will cost you anywhere from $75 to over $500+ per rim.
Rim Material
Toughness and durability are two of the most critical factors in a rim since they need to withstand rocks and other road hazards.
Alloy Rims
The most significant advantage an alloy rim has is its lightweight ability. Alloy rims are created with a mixture of aluminum, nickel, or zinc molded into a single structure. Alloy rims can cost $50 – $200 and above.
It’s also more resistant to corrosion and heat than other types of metal, with the only major downside being its tendency to bend or dent, so it requires regular care.
Cast Alloy Rims
Cast alloy rims are made of aluminum, magnesium, and zinc, including chromium or nickel, for additional strength. They are resistant to rust, which is why they are the most popular option for alloy rims.
Cast alloy rims cost anywhere between $75+ to around $400, depending on their design and size. Cast alloy rims are more likely to bend or warp over time due to constant heating and cooling from driving on them.
Steel Rims
Steel rims are a mix of iron and carbon, making them the most inexpensive type of rim. They are also the least likely to bend or warp, but they tend to rust and can corrode over time if not taken care of properly.
Steel rims will cost you anywhere from $50 to around $125.
Stainless Steel Rims
Made from a mix of iron, carbon, chromium, nickel, and manganese, stainless steel rims are strong and resistant to corrosion but not as lightweight as alloy rims. These beautiful rims can cost from $50-$500+.
Aluminum Alloy Rims
Aluminum alloy rims are made with a mix of aluminum, magnesium, and zinc for increased strength over cast alloy rims. Like cast alloy rims, they’re also more likely to warp or bend than steel rims.
These rims average anywhere between $125 to over $500.
Titanium Rims
Titanium rims are the strongest and most expensive types on the market today. A mix of titanium and aluminum helps with their weight and resistance to corrosion.
The only major downside is their tendency to rust over time—titanium rims, on average, cost anywhere from $300 to over $1000+.
Size and Design
Rims come in various sizes, with the most common options being 16, 17, and 18 inches. The most popular option tends to be 16-inch rims since they’re the least likely to cause damage to tires or result in speedometer issues.
Designs range from a variety of plain styles to stylish options with complex designs. The more complex the design, the higher the price usually is.
The most popular types include:
5-spoke design
These have a simple and elegant appearance that complements many car models. They’re perfect for those who want a sporty yet professional look.
Split-spoke design
These have a three-dimensional appearance that looks especially attractive on luxury vehicles. They’re known for being stylish and elegant, but they’re also more expensive than other types of rims.
Multi-spoke design
These have a complex and unique look with three to five curved edges. They’re recommended for those who want a sportier and exotic appearance.
Y-spoke design
These have a more expensive but stylish design with two or more spokes that meet at the center. It’s similar to the multi-spoke style, but they’re also more durable due to its complex design.
D-spoke design
These have a similar appearance to Y-spoke rims with two or more spokes that meet at the center of the rim. They’re mostly used on vehicles that need increased stability, which is why they are usually recommended for hybrid cars and trucks.
Tapered-spoke design
These have a unique two-tone appearance that looks especially attractive on luxury cars. They’re known for having high durability, but they’re also more expensive than other types of rims.
Centre-cap design
These are the most common type of rim with an attractive center cap that covers up the wheel bolts and lug nuts. They’re prevalent in luxury cars since they provide a more elegant and sophisticated appearance.
Tips for Getting a Good Deal
The best way to get the most bang for your buck is to shop at a reputable automotive store that offers a wide range of rim styles and brands.
At the same time, you should keep in mind that just because a rim is more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll last longer than other options, so don’t overspend and choose wisely!
When looking at prices, remember to consider all additional costs such as installation fees, shipping fees, and taxes when making final decisions.
It’s also important to know your rim size before shopping around since it can influence the cost of several things, including installation fees.
Some stores may require you to pay extra for new lug nuts and center caps, so keep that in mind if they offer different options.
And finally, when it comes to deciding on a brand or style, you may want to test out multiple types to determine which one will look best with your car.
After all, if you’re going for a specific look, then it’s probably wise to pay a higher price so that the rim is exactly what you need!
Taking Care of Your Rims
The first step to maintaining a positive relationship with your new rims is to purchase a set of locking lug nuts. These will cost you $3-$5 per lug nut, but they’ll prevent wheel theft which can be a real pain if your rims are expensive.
For example, the difference between locking and non-locking lug nuts is that it takes longer to remove them. This gives thieves less time to steal your wheels!
You may also want to get rim cleaner to keep those shiny rims looking new. A cleaner can range from $7- $25 depending on the brand you choose, but it’s essential to maintain your rims with this because dirt and grime can damage them over time.
Closing
Rims are one of the first things most people notice on a car. They play a significant role in how your vehicle looks and how it will handle different road conditions.
But when making a purchase, there are several things you’ll need to consider: the size, the material, and finally, how much they cost.
At the end of the day, you’re going to want something that looks good and works well. And in most cases, it’s wise to be prepared for extras such as installation fees or any additional costs. And when shopping around, don’t forget about all the different factors! You may be interested in the black rims cost.
