Your vehicle’s rims, not to be confused with the wheel, are the outermost circular edge of the wheel assembly. They’re responsible for holding your tire and maintaining traction. Rim damage can have serious consequences, so you should know what to watch for—and what your options are when it comes to replacing them.

Rims is a term often used interchangeably with wheels to denote a specific part of your vehicle. You may be familiar with ads for aftermarket wheels that boast flashy rim colors or decorative designs. But despite their common conflation, rims and wheels are not the same, and it’s important to know the difference.

Here to break it down is

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What is a rim?

The term “rims” refers to the circular, outer edge of the car’s wheel that holds the tire in place.

Rims are responsible for holding the tire in place and help diminish friction between your tires and the road, aid in steering and handling, and even improve your fuel economy.

Rims are usually made of the same metal or aluminum alloy material as the wheel assembly itself, but sometimes may be reinforced with steel or Teflon.

Rims are an important piece of your car’s wheels—but they don’t act alone.

Are rims and wheels the same thing?

The terms rims and wheels are often used interchangeably, but the reality is, your rims are simply one component of the wheel assembly.

The wheel assembly refers to the entire unit on which your tire sits. The wheel consists of many components that help hold your tire secure to the vehicle, such as the hubs and hubcaps, lug nuts, and more. Below, we’ll take a closer look at each.

Parts of a wheel

Here’s a quick and handy vocabulary lesson on the different parts of the wheel:

Center cap: A protective covering that covers the connective parts of the wheel assembly, such as the lug bolts and bearings.

Centerline: A measurement of the exact center of your wheel’s width. Necessary for determining the offset of your wheels.

Hubs: Also known as the “wheel hub assembly,” the hub is the centermost component of the wheel that connects the wheel assembly to your vehicle’s axle. It contains the center cap and lug bolts and is secured with the lug nuts.

Hubcaps: The flat, decorative disc that protects the hub. Hubcaps typically cover the hubs, but are sometimes large enough to cover other components of the wheel.

Lug bolts and lug nuts: Specific types of nuts and bolts that secure the wheel to the vehicle’s axle.

Rims: The outermost edge of the wheel where the tire is mounted.

Spokes: Wheel spokes connect the center hub to the rim and are more common among older vehicles or as an aftermarket, decorative wheel upgrade.

Tires: A round rubber ring that sits on the rims and carries vehicle load. Also responsible for maintaining traction between the wheel assembly and road.

Valve stem: A small, stemmed opening on the rim that allows you to inflate/deflate your tires as needed.

Wheel weights: Small weights fixed to the wheel to help balance the tires.

Wheel cover: Contains the entire surface of the wheel. Wheel covers are often modified or upgraded for aesthetic purposes.

MORE: How to paint car wheels

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When to replace your rims

Because your rims hold the tires in place, their condition can directly impact your vehicle’s handling and safety.

Rim damage can be caused by something as minor as hitting a curb or pothole. But if left unaddressed, rim damage can lead to major problems like tire blowouts, poor handling, and worse.

But rim damage isn’t always visible—instead, you’ll have to watch out for the signs.

How to identify rim damage

Signs of rim damage include:

Rims vibrate when steering

You feel a “pull” or drift to one side of the road when steering

Uneven tread wear on tires (cupping)

Your tire won’t hold air or is rapidly leaking

Poor handling or sudden changes to vehicle performance

If you notice one or more of the symptoms above, it could be that your rims are damaged, worn out, or broken.

If that’s the case, it’s an issue you won’t want to delay fixing. Even if the damage appears to be minimal, blowouts are tricky to handle at best and dangerous at worst.

MORE:

How to fix alloy rim scratches

How much do new rims cost?

The average price of new rims is $100. But the cost of new rims for your vehicle will ultimately depend on factors like the make and model, as well as the type of rim you choose.

When it comes to replacing your rims, you typically have two options: you can buy new OEM rims or opt for aftermarket wheels instead.

Rims can influence your tire size and change the aesthetic appearance of your vehicle—so the choice often comes down to price and personal preference.

Some things to consider when making your choice:

OEM rims are the equivalent of the original manufacturer rims for your vehicle. OEM rims tend to be higher quality than most aftermarket products and look best on your vehicle—but they’re more expensive.

Aftermarket products are more affordable than an OEM set of wheels and offer the opportunity to upgrade a vehicle’s aesthetic and performance (such as its cornering and handling). For example, new wheels of a bigger size can enhance your car’s off-road ability, while new wheels of a smaller size can improve your car’s aerodynamics.

If you’ve been dreaming of a bigger wheel size or a better look, purchase a set of rims custom-made to your stylistic taste for an

easy car modification

Custom-made rims can get expensive but come with the added benefit of an upgraded look that doesn’t sacrifice fitment or safety.

Whenever you have your rims replaced, it’s also a good idea to get the vehicle’s suspension and alignment checked at the same time.

Key Takeaway Changing up vehicle wheels can change the way your car looks and performs, but it will cost you a decent amount of money.

MORE: How to polish aluminum wheels

How to find affordable car insurance

If you’re ready to upgrade your

car insurance

policy to match your new rims,

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No matter the car you drive, Jerry can help you find the lowest rates for your coverage level. With the app, you can compare rates side by side, manage your policy, and even swap providers—all right from your phone.

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FAQs

What part of a car is the rims?

Car rims are the outer, circular edge of the wheel assembly where the car tire sits. Depending on what your wheels are made of (alloy wheels, steel wheels, etc.) your rims can consist of varying materials.

Are rims and hubcaps the same thing?

No. Rims and hubcaps are both components of the wheel assembly, and both serve practical and aesthetic purposes for the wheel.

But rims are the outermost edge of the wheel, where the tire is mounted, while hubcaps serve the purpose of covering and protecting the hub and center of the wheel.

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