Adorning a car is a passion indeed! One of the ways to do just that is by having the right rims for your car. Gone are the days of hubcaps, rims today serve the purpose of protecting and beautifying tyres. Here is an all-purpose guideline to rims.

1. Most rims are made of aluminium alloy and have replaced steel rims which used to add unwanted weight and reduce performance. Technology offers rims made of carbon fibre, thermoplastic and wood.
2. Single wall rims are less expensive and weaker compared to double wall rims, which reduce aerodynamic drag and provide additional strength.
3. Common types include alloy, chrome and spinning. these differ in design, price, size, weight and mounting options.
4. Alloy rims are made from aluminium and are lightweight, dissipate heat rapidly and improve mileage.
5. Chrome rims can be made of any metal and plated with chrome and polished to provide a mirror effect.
6. Spinners are customised rims which have a free spinning exterior portion that keeps rotating when the vehicle stops. this is achieved by using a roller bearing.
7. The size of the rim varies with the size of the car. Smaller cars have rims of 13 inches in diameter and go up to 27 inches and beyond for larger cars. Rear wheel drive vehicles typically need rims two inches larger in diameter than front wheel drive vehicles.
8. "Plus sizing" refers to increasing the size of the car rim in proportion to the wheel. It enhances the look; gives better steering response and the ability to handle corners efficiently as a larger surface area of the wheel comes in contact with the road.