If your car needs new wheels for any reason, you’ll find your options are virtually limitless. In addition to choices from your vehicle’s original manufacturer, there is a wide range of aftermarket choices from other manufacturers. Although many people are satisfied with wheels that come from the same automaker as their rides, you might want to consider all the additional features and aesthetics an aftermarket set of wheels can provide. Because buying new wheels can represent a significant investment, you want to make sure you have all the right information when shopping. With that in mind, here’s a brief overview to help you choose.
What Are Stock Wheels?
Stock or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) wheels, meaning those that come from the automaker that built your car, offer ease of selection and consistent performance. Because these are manufactured in the same plants with the same stringent quality assurance standards as the car itself, such as Ford, GM, Jeep and others, you can be reasonably sure that your new wheels will deliver the performance and durability you expect.
OEM wheels typically are made from either steel or aluminum alloys. Typically, steel is the most cost-effective choice, offering exceptional durability even in severe conditions. On the other hand, aluminum alloy wheels are a popular choice because they’re relatively lightweight and can be polished or painted to offer more variety in terms of appearance.
What Are Aftermarket Wheels?
On the other end of the spectrum are aftermarket wheels made by manufacturers other than the original automaker. These offer a wider range of materials and styles, but less in the way of consistency. Without the same level of quality control as the OEMs provide, there can be a lot of difference in the durability and performance that these deliver on the road. If you’re considering aftermarket wheels, it’s important to do some research and find a trusted manufacturer.
Like some OEM wheels, many aftermarket options are available in aluminum alloy. This gives them better heat dissipation than steel wheels. However, there are some more-exotic materials offered by third-party companies. These include carbon fiber, which are much lighter than even aluminum and tend to be used on higher-end sports cars and supercars. Many companies also offer wheels made from magnesium alloy, which are exceptionally light and ideally suited for high-performance situations. However, their construction makes them much more expensive than other options.
Advantages of OEM Wheels
Are OEM wheels better than aftermarket choices? It depends on what you’re looking for, but in general OEM wheels offer a number of advantages that could tip the scales in their favor for you. These include:
- Fitment and Compatibility — Because they are machined specifically for your vehicle by the original manufacturer, OEM wheels are guaranteed to fit and provide the maximum level of performance.
- Maintaining Value — When it comes time to sell your car or truck, having OEM wheels can help you maintain a higher resale value because potential buyers will have more faith in its condition.
- Safety and Performance — Being made to the original factory specifications means you can trust OEM wheels to be as safe on the road as they can be.
- Aesthetic Match — If you’re concerned about your new wheels sticking out like a sore thumb, OEM components are sure to fit right in with the overall look of your car.
Disadvantages of OEM Wheels
On the other hand, there are some reasons why you might be less than excited about OEM wheels:
- Higher Cost — Quality doesn’t come cheap, and being built to OEM standards means these wheels tend to be more expensive next to comparable aftermarket choices.
- Limitations of Steel — Although steel wheels are more durable, they add a considerable amount of weight to your vehicle and may not be as attractive as you want.
Advantages of Aftermarket Wheels
Are aftermarket wheels worth it? They may be, depending on your preferences and needs. Some of the main benefits of aftermarket wheels include:
- Cost-Effectiveness — Choosing third-party wheels means you can save some money compared to OEM options.
- Customization — Aftermarket manufacturers offer a wider range of styles, colors and finishes than OEMs do, giving you the chance to personalize your ride to a greater degree.
- Performance Upgrades — Certain types of aftermarket wheels offer performance boosts such as more traction, lighter weight and improved handling in specific conditions.
Disadvantages of Aftermarket Wheels
Buying aftermarket wheels means being aware of what makes them different from stock components and weighing the pros and cons. Some of the most common disadvantages of aftermarket wheels include:
- Fitment Issues — If your wheels don’t fit exactly right, it can impact your ride quality. This is why it’s important to work with a reputable supplier who can provide expert fitment support.
- Quality Variability — Not all aftermarket wheels are manufactured to the same high standards, which could lead to unexpected safety concerns. An experienced dealer will stock only brands known for their quality.
- Impact on Vehicle Systems — Today’s cars are precision-engineered, and any changes can have a negative effect on their handling, stability or electronic systems.
Choosing aftermarket wheels gives you a wealth of options for customizing your ride. The key is understanding how they differ from OEM wheels and your reasons for making the change. Kixx Motorsports carries a wide range of choices, including Ford Mustang aftermarket wheels, Jeep Grand Cherokee aftermarket wheels and more from top brands such as Velgen and Varro. To learn more about what we have to offer, reach out and get in touch with one of our experts today.