When it comes to improving more than just the performance but also handling and stability of your vehicle you often need to focus on more than just one system of components. Well, there is an alternative to this which may not deliver the same exact results but it will definitely come somewhat close.
This involves replacing your current wheels. The same can be done on any vehicle, no matter if performance-oriented or not and the same goes for Toyota’s which are nowhere near being performance vehicles. Going for different wheels entirely can make a big difference with all three aforementioned factors.
Important Features of Wheels
Diameter
The size of your Toyota rims as well as tires has the biggest effect on how your Japanese vehicle will handle and feel over bumps. Every model car has a manufacturer-recommended wheel size but you can go for larger or smaller ones if you want. If you buy new Toyota wheels that are larger than your stock ones you get to enjoy a more comfortable ride as well as a more stable one when on the motorway. Smaller wheels are better for fuel economy and road noise as they reduce both significantly.
Bolt Pattern
When it comes to compatibility you should look for Toyota rims that match the bolt pattern of the wheel hub. Although the bolt pattern of most vehicles including Toyotas included 4 bolts nowadays it has moved up to 5 bolts. You can go for 6 and 8-lug wheels too but that means you’ll need to replace part of the hub.
Offset
The offset of a wheel refers to the placement of the mounting hub in relation to its center line. For instance, a wheel with a positive offset has the mounting hub closer to the outside of the wheel and past the center line. A wheel with a negative offset has the mounting surface closer to the inside of the wheel before the center line. Toyota wheels with zero offset have the mounting surface sit on the wheel’s center line.
Hub vs Lug-Centric
Another compatibility-related factor of Toyota rims is the hub itself. The way the wheels are mounted can be either lug or hub-centric. Hub-centric wheels are more common as they mount directly on the hub which means they are meant for the model car you have. Lug-centric wheels are more of a universal-fit solution that can be mounted on any car which helps lower their price but they’re not going to sit as securely.
Finish
From a pure cosmetic aspect, the finish of a wheel can greatly affect how your car looks. While the change is nothing drastic it can definitely affect your Toyota as a whole. If you want a sportier look then go for black matte or chrome wheels. Some people go for shiny black wheels too. Gunmetal wheels are gray in color and can be matte, light, gloss and dark. Silver wheels are just that, silver while machined and milled wheels are able to make for a unique look that can only be done on aluminium Toyota wheels as it exposes the material under the paint.
Types of Wheels
Steel
For a simple and rugged look as well as a durable impact-resistant solution, steel wheels are the best. They may be the heaviest but they are also the strongest. One thing to keep in mind is that steel wheels are not the best at surviving the corrosion-thriving conditions of winter.
Alloy
In order to have peace of mind when all that salt lands on the surface of your wheels next winter you should consider getting alloy wheels. Aluminium wheels are light and corrosion-resistant and they also look more stylish than steel wheels. You don’t need to put wheel covers on to hide that ugly look like you need to with steel wheels.
All-Weather Alloy
While alloy wheels are better than steel wheels when it comes to salted roads, you can get all-weather alloy wheels. These are able to survive through more extreme weather conditions without having road salt affect their appearance as much. Bear in mind that they are much more expensive than regular alloy Toyota wheels though. You can drive with them through all four seasons no matter how hot or cold, rainy or windy it gets.
Spring-Summer Alloy
Another type of alloy wheels are spring-summer alloy wheels which are made to accentuate the exposed aluminium accents of the wheel. They are not made for rugged conditions though so don’t think you could drive with these wheels on during winter without the winter salt eating away at the material’s shine. As their name suggests they’re only suitable for two seasons which makes them less protected than regular alloy wheels. Essentially these wheels are mainly for show.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of choices when you need to buy new Toyota wheels as well as tires. Although it can be overwhelming, if you stick to what you already good and get some stylish rims you will definitely see a difference in both appearance and performance.
Covering All Things 