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How to Buy Wheels Online - A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

How to Buy Wheels Online - A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

Posted by Horatio Golf on Apr 24th 2024

How to Buy Alloy Wheels Online: Your Guide to the Online Marketplace

Posted by Hermes G May 1st 2023

How do I find the right rims?

Buy wheels online with ease and security after reading this guide. Welcome, fellow car enthusiasts! Are you in the market for some new wheels?

Maybe you're tired of your ride looking like it belongs in a retirement community, or perhaps you're just looking to add your vehicle some extra style and pizzazz.

Whatever your reason may be, you're in luck! Thanks to the internet, buying wheels online has never been easier.

In this guide, we'll take you through all the steps involved in buying wheels online, from determining your vehicle's fitment to selecting a reputable seller.

By the end of this article, you'll have all the knowledge you need to confidently purchase the perfect new set of wheels for your ride. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Determine Your Vehicle's Fitment

The first step in buying wheels online is to determine your vehicle's fitment.

Fitment refers to the specific measurements and specifications required for the wheels to fit your car properly.

This includes things like the bolt pattern, wheel offset, and center bore diameter.

Now, you may be thinking, "I don't have a clue what any of that means!" Don't worry, we've got you covered. Here's how to find your vehicle's fitment:

  1. Check Your Owner's Manual: Your vehicle's owner's manual should have all the information you need to determine its fitment. Look for a section that lists the wheel specifications.
  2. Consult a Professional: If you're still having trouble determining your vehicle's fitment, consider consulting a professional. Your local auto shop or mechanic should be able to help you out, or you can write us at info@wheelsmartrims.com.
  3. Use our Online Fitment Guide: There are several online fitment guides that can help you determine your vehicle's fitment.

We have one of the most comprehensive Wheel Size Calculator and Fitment Guide. Simply enter your car's make, model, and year, and the guide will provide you with the necessary measurements and specifications.

Tips for Making Sure You Have the Correct Fitment Information:

  • Double-check all measurements and specifications before making a decision.

  • If you are replacing one or more wheels, you can always remove a rim from your vehicle and check the stamps on its backside. The wheel size, offset, and original part number will be stamped on the back of the wheel itself!

  • Call your vehicle’s Dealership. Their Service Department has a VIN number database that includes the wheel options purchased with the vehicle. They can tell you the original rim part number and the wheel offset needed.

image showing manufacturing fitment stamps on the back of a wheel

Now that you know your vehicle's fitment, it's time to choose the right type of wheels for your ride.

Choose the Right Type of Wheels

There are a variety of different wheel types and brands to choose from, including steel, aluminum, chrome, and more.

Here's an overview of the most common types of rims and factors to consider when choosing the right type of wheel for your vehicle and to match your needs:

  • Steel Wheels: Steel wheels are the most basic type of wheel and are often found on lower-end vehicles. They're durable and affordable, but not particularly stylish or lightweight.

  • Aluminum Wheels: Aluminum wheels are lighter and more stylish than steel wheels, making them a popular choice for many car enthusiasts. They're also available in a wide variety of finishes, including polished, painted, machined, and chromed.

  • Chrome Wheels: Chrome wheels are a popular choice for those looking to add some extra bling to their ride. They are aluminum wheels, with highly durable and corrosion-resistant copper, nickel, and chrome plating baths. However, they are usually more expensive than other types of wheels.

When choosing the right type of wheels and accessories for your own vehicle' needs, consider factors like aesthetic appeal, weight, durability, and cost.

For example, if you're looking for a fast, sleek and stylish upgrade, aluminum wheels might be the way to go.

On the road on the other hand, if you're more concerned with performance, durability, and affordability, steel wheels might be a better option.

image of a Steel Wheel

Steel wheel

image of an Alloy Rim in Silver

Alloy rim in Silver

image of an Chrome Rim

Chrome rim

Here are some tips for choosing the right type of wheels for your needs:

  • Consider your driving habits and the type of environment you'll be driving in (e.g. offroading vs. city driving).

  • Think about the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve and choose rims that complement your vehicle's style.

  • Don't sacrifice safety for style. If you buy custom rims, make sure the wheels you choose are rated for your vehicle's weight and load capacity. Factory OEM Wheels already meet all safety and fitment parameters for the vehicle they were intended for.

Select a Reputable Seller

When it comes to how to buy wheels online, selecting a reputable seller is key. After all, you want to make sure you're getting high-quality wheels at a fair price. Here's why it's important to choose a trustworthy seller:

When it comes to buying rims online, selecting a reputable seller is key. After all, you want to make sure you're getting high-quality wheels at a fair price. Here's why it's important to choose a trustworthy seller:

So, where can you find a reputable seller?

There are several online sellers and marketplaces to choose from. However, these marketplaces will introduce to you a variety of sellers, some of which may not be as reputable as others.

There are several online sellers and marketplaces to choose from. However, these marketplaces will introduce to you a variety of sellers, some of which may not be as reputable as others.

Here are some tips for selecting a trustworthy seller:

  • Read Reviews: Check out reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the seller's reputation.

  • Look for Warranties: Reputable sellers typically offer warranties or guarantees on their products. This can give you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.

  • Do Your Research: Take the time to research different sellers and compare prices and offerings before making a purchase.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you're buying high-quality rims from a trustworthy seller.

Now, you're ready to make your purchase and upgrade your ride!

Check for Reviews and Rating

Buying wheels online can be daunting, especially when you're not able to see and touch them in person.

That's why checking for reviews and ratings is important to ensure that you're getting a quality product and dealing with a reputable seller.

Explanation of why reviews and ratings are important

Reviews and ratings give you insight into the experiences of other customers who have bought the same product or the same shop or dealt with the same seller. They can help you avoid potential pitfalls and highlight positive aspects of the product or seller that you might not have considered.

Instructions on how to find reviews and ratings for wheels and sellers

When shopping online, reviews and ratings are usually found on the product page or seller's profile. You can also use search engines to look for reviews and ratings from other websites or forums. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective.

Tips for interpreting reviews and ratings

When reading reviews and ratings, look for patterns and common themes. If multiple reviews mention the same performance issue, it's likely to be a legitimate concern.

Be wary of reviews that are overly positive or negative, as they may be biased or fake.

Also, take into account the number of reviews and the overall rating. A product with a few negative reviews among many positive ones may still be a good choice.

Compare Prices

When it comes to the way to buy rims online, there can be a significant price difference between different sellers and websites. Comparing prices can help you save money and ensure that you're getting the best deal.

Explanation of why comparing prices is important

Comparing prices can help you avoid overpaying for a product and ensure that you're getting a fair price. It can also help you identify sales, promotions, and discounts that you might not have otherwise known about.

Tips for comparing prices effectively

When comparing prices, make sure to take into account any shipping and handling fees, as well as taxes. Also, consider the reputation and reliability of the seller.

A slightly higher price from a reputable seller may be a better choice than a lower price from an unknown seller.

Finally, don't forget to factor in any additional perks or benefits that may come with purchasing from a particular seller or website, such as free shipping, warranty, or customer service.

Consider Shipping and Delivery

So, you’ve found the perfect wheels at the right price, but now you need to consider shipping and delivery. It's important to take the time to carefully read and understand the shipping and delivery information provided by the seller.

Make sure you know how long shipping will take, how the wheels will be packaged, and what shipping carrier will be used.

Shipping and delivery costs should also be taken into consideration, as they can vary widely.

When it comes to shipping options, most online sellers offer standard shipping via UPS or FedEx.

It's also important to make sure that the wheels and accessories are packaged securely to prevent any damage during shipping.

Check that the seller uses adequate packaging materials such as bubble wrap or foam padding, and that the wheels are tightly secured to prevent movement during transit.

The last thing you want is to receive damaged wheels and must go through the hassle of returning them.

Beware of hidden shipping fees and taxes, i.e., large marketplaces or stores may charge tax on an interstate sale (when a sale is shipping between two states) since the seller has a warehouse in your State. But, how do you know?

It is usually cheaper to buy the same wheel or set of wheels from a smaller vendor, with a store or warehouse in another state, without a physical presence in yours.

Check for Warranties and Return Policies

Before making your final purchase, it's important to check for warranties and return policies. These are essential considerations that can protect you if there is a problem with the wheels you receive.

A warranty will provide you with some assurance that the wheels will be of high quality and free from defects. You should always look for wheels that come with a manufacturer's warranty.

Return policies are also important to consider. You want to be sure that you have the option to return the wheels if they are not as described, damaged, or not the right fit for your vehicle.

Make sure you fully understand the return policy of the seller you're purchasing from, including the time frame for returns and any fees or restocking charges that may apply.

If you purchased used, or refurbished wheels, have your installer check the wheels first BEFORE A TIRE IS MOUNTED on them. In this industry, once a tire is stalled on a rim you forfeit your right to return it!

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