 | Low: Set of Four $700-$1,200 |
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 | Medium: $800-$1,800 |
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 | High: $2,600-$12,000 |
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| Also called rims, chrome-finished wheels are aftermarket add-ons for auto enthusiasts who appreciate the custom look these shiny accoutrements bring to their vehicle. Technically the wheel sits at the center of a tire and a rim is the outer edge of that wheel, but when it comes to car accessorizing the terms "wheels" and "rims" are often used interchangeably. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Prices vary for numerous reasons, and known brands undoubtedly cost the most. Prices also fluctuate based on vehicle load rating, and wheel and tire sizing. Generally the prices are for just the wheels/rims -- new tires are not included
- On average, a medium-size car will require wheels with a 17- to 20-inch diameter, which can cost between $175 -$400 per wheel/rim, or $700 -$1,200 for a set of four (not including tires).
- A light truck may require wheel sizes of 18 to 24 inches, at a cost of about $200 -$350 per wheel/rim, or $800 -$1,400 for a set of four.
- Similarly, SUVs may require wheels with at least a 20-inch diameter, in many cases, and cost $210 -$450 per wheel/rim, or $840 -$1,800 a set.
- Some super trucks, like the Hummer H2, can handle enormous 30-inch wheels/rims that can cost anywhere from $650 -$3,000 each, or $2,600 -$12,000 for a set of four wheels/rims -- such as this 30-inch set for around $8,200.
What should be included: | - Mounting and balancing services are typically provided if a complete tire and wheel packages is purchased.
- Some online stores include wheel installation hardware, like lug nuts, with wheel/rim-only purchases.
- Sometimes, shipping/delivery costs are included for online purchases; although some shops charge $10 -$15 per wheel, depending on size and weight.
Additional costs: | - The addition of new wheels often requires larger tires to accommodate the wheels' new weight and width. Prices vary, but expect to pay $90 -$160 per updated tire. See How Much Do Tires Cost.
- Wheel installations are often free when a tire-and-wheel package is purchased, but when wheels are bought a la carte expect to pay $60 -$120 or more per wheel to install.
- Lug nuts, which are necessary to attach wheels to a vehicle, are offered free of charge with some wheel purchases, but often must be bought separately at a cost of $40 -$60 per set.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors, a necessity to measure air pressure in new cars, can cost upward of $200 to install in new tires.
- To add glam spinner wheels, you'll fork out $4,500 a set but you could spend $10,000 or more.
Discounts: | - Package wheel-and-tire deals tend to reduce the overall tire price by a small percentage.
- Purchasing clearance, discontinued or overstocked wheels dramatically reduces the wheel bill.
Shopping for chrome wheels: | - Shop for wheels based on the make and model of your car; the rims should be within three inches of your tires' original size for balance and safety. A user on eBay offers a wheel buying guide.
- If outfitting existing tires, be sure to know the bolt pattern and be certain that the lugs fit your car before a purchase order is complete. This video discusses how to select chrome wheels.
- Make sure that your online purchase is what you want; otherwise, you may have to cough up as much as $100 to return the unwanted merchandise.
- Beware: excessive exposure to moisture, snow and potholes can damage chrome wheels. Your wheels, even with good care, may only last between 3 to 5 years; and you will probably need a new set if you change cars since each vehicle is sized differently.
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Article updated January 2010 |
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