subject: 17 Inch Wheels And Their Purpose [print this page] Many cars have 17 inch wheels on them these days. They are either from the factory or are aftermarket additions. These wheels can give you a performance advantage over your factory wheels. Appearance is positively affected in most situations.
Larger wheels need a low profile tire to fit in the wheel wells properly. The shorter sidewall helps to accommodate for the larger wheel. The tires will be wider than the factory tires in most circumstances to fit the wheel the right way.
Wheels with low profile tires are easily dented and dinged from road hazards such as potholes and curbs. Extra care and slower speeds will help you avoid the potential for disaster. If you take the necessary precautions your wheels will be beautiful and give you the enjoyment you desire for the life of the vehicle.
Seventeen inch rims are manufactured of either aluminum or steel. The steel wheels are normally seen as original equipment on newer vehicles and are often covered with a wheel cover to make them appear to be aluminum wheels. Aluminum wheels are either cast or forged. The cast wheels are more affordable, but are much weaker because of their cast construction. The forged wheels are often lighter and almost always stronger. If you live in a place with roads that are sub-par, the forged wheels are the way to go.
Low profile tires for larger diameter wheels are made for everything from ultra high performance to luxury cruising. When picking a tire, be sure to check your vehicle's speed rating and match or exceed it on your new tires. Tread patterns are a personal choice as what one person likes might not suit another person's tastes. In a luxury tire, aesthetics are as important as performance.
Make your decisions regarding 17 inch wheels with all of these things in mind and you cannot go wrong. Get a wheel that looks great on your car and enjoy the performance advantages that they will give you. Examine your options closely and buy the one that pleases you most!
