Getting to Know Your Tires, Wheels, and Hub Caps
If you’re thinking of changing or getting new wheels or hubcaps, you have to first know their “specs” i.e. size, capacity, etc. The true size of your wheels and hub caps is dependent on the measurements of your vehicle’s tires. If you look at the side of a tire on any vehicle, there will be a series of numbers ending in R14, R15, R16, etc. This final number will tell you what size wheel or hubcap you need. For example, you have a 2001 Toyota Corolla and you need to replace the hubcap. You look on the side of the tire and find a number similar to this “P175/65/R14″. What this number tells you is that you need a 14″ hubcap or wheel. This applies to all, even with custom wheels or custom rims. Once you’ve determined the size, then you’re ready to choose. Custom hubcaps are the best way to go for a personalized look but if you’re on a budget, you can also opt for factory rims and hubcaps.
Now, if you’re choosing between aluminum wheels or steel rims but can’t tell the difference, then what you need to know is this—most steel wheels take full wheel covers or hubcaps. Aluminum wheels take a smaller center cap cover and are either a machined finish or painted finish with a hard clear coating. However, if you’re interested in chrome wheels, then you should know that chrome can either be steel or aluminum. Your auto shop should help you tell which is which. Most auto repair shops sell new and used wheels so if you’re on a tight budget, you still have this option.
Sam the Hubcap Man has all types and size of custom, new, and used wheels. Choose from different designs of custom and factory original 20″ wheels, 17″ wheels, 22″ rims, and 20″ rims. They carry all original brands of hubcaps and wheels such as American Racing, BBS, Eagle, Boss, Enkei, Asanti, Centerline, TSW, Panther, and Beyern. Sam the Hubcap Man also provides wheel repair services and car accessory installations.
Generally, tire and wheel repair go together. Changing one usually entails changing the other. But one thing you need to remember about wheels is that unlike tires, they don’t wear out so fast. In such a circumstance, most people would think changing the wheels is unnecessary, but if what you’re going for is an overhauled look for your car, then you’ll need to replace them inevitably. A better-looking wheel makes a world of difference on many cars and trucks.
There’s also a way to vamp-up the look of your old or used chrome rims. You can do this by changing the skin of your rims to give it that custom rim look. Factory-painted wheels can look boring so snapping on wheel skins instantly upgrades your factory wheels to expensive looking chrome wheels. Ask your auto shop vendor if they have this car accessory.
Let’s talk tires. There are two important considerations when you’re having your tires replaced, along with your wheels. First, know your expected needs and driving uses. This consideration is important to overall driving enjoyment and a well-run tire shop will help you determine your tire needs before you lay down any green. The second consideration is to find a vendor or store that you trust enough to recommend the type of tire that fits your needs. Make sure that they carry authentic brands. Some of the industry’s most trusted brands when it comes to car tires, car rims, and wheels are Dunlap, Continental, General, Michelin, BFG, Goodyear, Firestone, Bridgestone, Toyo, and Pirelli. Choosing a well-trusted brand of tires ensures you of tried and tested products in all 5 tire requirements, namely: Tread life, wet weather performance, speed rating, ride quality, and noise. Make sure you know the capacity of the tires you’ll be choosing in terms of these requirements for a hassle-free driving experience.
About the Author
Sam the Hubcap Man
1411 E Busch Blvd
Tampa, FL 33612
Phone: (813) 931-0354
Fax: (813) 931-5844
Email: samthehubcapman@verizon.net
Website: http://www.samthehubcapman.com
DIY wheel repair the right way
|
|
Nordic Ware MIcrowave Micro-Go-Round 10 Inch $22.99 NordicWare’s handy Microware TM series for the microwave gives home chefs the tools they need for clean, lean, and fast cooking. This 10-inch Micro-Go-Round turntable eliminates the infamously uneven heating that can turn soup into a risky escapade (will the next sip be scorching or cold?) or transform a frozen dinner into, well, something still half frozen. Weight-activated to begin rotating, the… |
|
|
KitchenAid mixer 4162897 worm gear. $4.99 KitchenAid mixer worm gear. May have 241803 printed on it and may be gray or yellow. Fits older generation KitchenAid mixers K45, K5, KSM90, KSM150, and variations of these models…. |
|
|
Waring 007314W Blender Cutting Assembly $21.51 The Waring 007314W Blender Cutting Assembly fits models MBB520 MBB521 MBB518 15BL69 PBB20 18BL92 19BL36 PB204 19BL43 6154 19BL44 6154 19BL46 PB30 19BL49 MBB5 19BL50 19BL51 5000GC 19BL54 PBB25 19BL62 6000GC 19BL63 31BL45 BB300 31BL69 BB500 31BL93 32BL37 32BL38 32BL81 32BL90 33BL59 33BL74 33BL78 34BL13 BLC50 34BL45 BB1000 34BL53 BB1100 34BL54 34BL57 BB1050 34BL58 BC900 34BL59 BC1000 34BL62 34BL67 BL… |
|
|
Ready to Roll $19.95 Ready to Roll is a bicycle repair DVD that will help you learn, step by step, how to perform routine maintenance on your bike. Demonstrating each safety check, tune up, and adjustment is Bill Mould, an experienced, professional bike mechanic and master wheel builder from the Washington, DC area. Over the years Bill has passed along his skills to hundreds of students in his popular 6-week classes… |
|
|
English Wheel Techniques (DVD) $37.95 Ron brings his signature easy-to-follow style using the English wheel, a machine notoriously difficult for beginners to figure out. Demonstrations are given on a broad range of machines from a cast iron monster to a tiny C-clamp. This comprehensive DVD includes the history of the machine as well as a clear explanation of principles that enable the machine to move metal. Ron shows basic tracking… |
|
|
Chilton`s Ford Pick-ups/ Expedition/ Navigator 1997-2009 Repair Manual (Paperback) $23.07 Total Car Care is the most complete, step-by-step automotive repair manual you`ll ever use. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views, and photographs. From the simplest repair procedure to the most complex, trust C… |
|
|
Jenni Chan Bows 360 Quattro 28-inch Wheeled Upright Luggage $0 Arrive and travel in style with this Jenni Chan 28-inch wheeled upright luggage. This luggage features a 45-degree locking and telescoping handle and self-repairing zippers. |
|
|
Jenni Chan Red Bows 360 Quattro 25-inch Wheeled Upright Luggage $0 Arrive and travel in style with this Jenni Chan 25-inch wheeled upright luggage. This luggage features a 45-degree locking and telescoping handle and self-repairing zippers. |
|
|
Jenni Chan Bows 360 Quattro 25-inch Wheeled Upright Luggage $0 Arrive and travel in style with this Jenni Chan 25-inch wheeled upright luggage. This luggage features a 45-degree locking and telescoping handle and self-repairing zippers. |
|
|
Jenni Chan Dots Black and Pink 360 Quattro 25-inch Spinner Upright $0 Arrive and travel in style with this Jenni Chan 25-inch wheeled upright luggage. This luggage features a 45-degree locking and telescoping handle and self-repairing zippers. |