According to a recent survey, a large percentage of people modifying their vehicles choose wheels as the first modification. Wheels happen to be one of the most noticeable parts on a vehicle, and many people refer to getting new wheels as buying "new shoes." But because of the relatively high price of rims/tires compared to other parts on the car, buyers need to be extra careful, and even spend extra time researching the wheels, tires, and even the company they purchase the wheels from.

Here are a few important things to consider to know when purchasing wheels:

 

Wheels are a major investment as far as modifications go, there are LOTS of things to consider when buying a set of wheels/tires as they ABSOLUTELY DO affect the handling characteristics of your car (i.e. too heavy of a wheel/tire greatly increases the braking distance/steering response). Ebay's guide is good, but it is not complete by any means. Anyone thinking about buying a set of wheels/tires should really post about it and get feedback about this specific set. I usually spend a good 5-6 hours researching a particular wheel or tire before I buy it. You should read reviews, look at size/with/offset/bolt pattern/weight/method of manufacturing in wheels; threadware/noise/speed rating/seasonal ratings/compound/reviews for tires. Please do not be one of those people "rollin' on 22's" on 25 series tires. Not that there is anything wrong stylewise, but if you substantially increase the diameter of your wheels you will want to upgrade oyur brakes and suspension components.