Wheels

Dreaming of lighter wheels for track days, stronger wheels for off-road or a fresh look for your street car? This category brings together forged wheels, alloy wheels, beadlock wheels and separate rim shells for your project. Each wheel is listed with diameter, width, bolt pattern and offset, so you can match it to your car.

How to choose wheels for your project

Start with the dimensions that need to fit your car: bolt pattern (e.g. 5x114.3, 5x100 or 6x139.7), center bore and offset. The offset – the distance from the wheel's mounting surface to its centerline – determines where the wheel sits in the wheel arch. Lower or negative offset moves the wheel outward, which can change track width, handling and clearance to fenders and brake calipers. The width must also suit the tires you want to run, and bolts or nuts must have the correct seat – see lug bolts, lug nuts and locks.

Forged, cast or beadlock?

Forged wheels can be lighter and stronger than cast wheels of the same size, but it depends on design and construction. Alloy wheels come in many sizes and finishes, e.g. Gram Lights 57NR and 57DR. Beadlock wheels mechanically clamp the tire bead in place and are typically used at low tire pressures in off-road or motorsport. Separate rim shells can be used to rebuild or repair multi-piece wheels. Brands in the category include Weld, Vossen, BBS, Enkei and Advan.

Whether a wheel is road legal and can pass inspection depends on the product and the car, so check dimensions, load rating and any approval for the specific part number. Re-torque the bolts after the first few miles, and wash off brake dust regularly to protect the finish.

Frequently asked questions

What do the numbers in the wheel designation mean?

In e.g. 18X9.5 +12 5x114.3, 18 is the diameter in inches, 9.5 the width in inches, +12 the offset in millimeters, and 5x114.3 means five bolts on a circle with a diameter of 114.3 mm.

Can I use beadlock wheels on the road?

It depends on the product and the car. Many beadlock wheels are intended for competition or off-road use. Check approval and inspection requirements for the specific part number before fitting them to a registered car.

Can I reuse my old lug bolts with new wheels?

Not necessarily. The bolt seat – conical, ball or flat – must match the wheel, and the thread must have sufficient engagement. Check the wheel's specification before fitting.

How wide a wheel fits my tire?

The tire manufacturer typically specifies a range of suitable rim widths for each tire size. If the wheel is outside that range, the tire may sit incorrectly on the rim and affect handling.