Did you know that there are more than 11,000 tire-related auto accidents every year? Your wheels and tires are some of the most important components that ensure safe and effective vehicle function.
Whether you want to improve the safety or performance of your vehicle (or both), you may be considering upgrading your tires or rims. A wheel and tire package may be the perfect way to do so.
You may be wondering why you need to replace your rims at the same time you replace your tires? There are several advantages to this, including increased performance, convenience, and cost savings down the road. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is a Wheel and Tire Package?
Rather than getting new tires alone, you can buy a wheel and tire package together. This usually comprises tires and rims, the part of the wheel that you mount the tire on. It allows you to match up tires designed for a specific purpose with rims that further improve performance and safety.
Most people understand that there are different types of tires for distinct driving conditions. But many do not realize the role rims play in this.
For instance, alloy wheels are light and can save you money on fuel economy. They are usually more expensive than other types of rims but can increase road driving performance.
Steel wheels are cheap and durable. Police departments often use them because they can withstand crashing into curbs. But they can put a lot of strain on your axle and drivetrain.
There also are two types of production methods for rims: casting and forging. Casting involves melting the metal down and pouring it into a mold to cool. It is fast and the less expensive of the two options.
Forged wheels come from a solid block of metal that is heated and formed into the desired shape. This process is more complex (and more expensive), but it yields a lighter and more durable rim.
Forged wheels will be able to handle harsher driving conditions and general wear over time. They also offer increased handled and driving performance.
How to Decide on a Rim/Tire Combination?
The right wheel-tire combination will depend on the kind of car you have and the type of driving you do. The good news is that there is almost an infinite number of wheel and rim combinations to choose from for any given vehicle setup.
For instance, if you are looking for jeep wheels and tires packages, you might go with an off road wheels and tires pack for recreational riding. Something like 24 inch forged steel rims and all-terrain traction tires would be preferable for winter-weather driving as well.
During the summer months, you may switch to an alloy rim with a street tire. This will improve the smoothness of your ride as well as your fuel economy.
You can explore the types of wheel and tire combinations available online. To learn more about everything from wheel and tire packages for trucks to cars and off-road vehicles, click here.
Why Buy Wheel and Tire Packages?
There are many advantages to buying wheels and tires together. Here are several to consider.
Convenience
One of the most common reasons people choose to buy wheel and tire packages is convenience. Changing the wheels and tires out together can be much easier than changing the tires alone, which requires special equipment and training. With only a jack and a lug wrench, almost anyone can change a wheel out.
This also means you avoid the inconvenience of having to schedule a trip to the mechanic. You don’t have to for the work to be done, and you can perform the swap anytime and as often as you like. Also, if you do decide to use a mechanic, the wait time for changing a set of wheels will be much shorter than if they were mounting new tires on existing rims.
Distinct Driving Conditions
Another reason to buy wheels and tire sets is that you can swap them out for different reasons. One is for driving in different conditions. This might include recreational activities or any driving where you need better traction.
It’s also a popular option for regions that experience a lot of snow or ice during the winter. Having tires that provide better grip means much safer driving during colder months.
Longevity
Alternating wheels sets also means that each one will last longer. That is due to less use in general, but also that you are using the rims and tires for the driving conditions for which they are intended.
For instance, it keeps you from wearing the tread on winter tires down while driving during the summer. Conversely, winter tires are not designed for hot blacktop roads, like summer tires. Besides diminishing performance, they make your car work harder, which increases wear and tear on your engine and decreases fuel efficiency.
Cost Benefits
There are other cost benefits to having separate sets of wheels and tires. Much like how retailers offer discounts on sets of tires, as opposed to buying only one, you are likely to get a discount by purchasing tires and wheels together.
Find Wheel and Tires Packages Near You
Now that you have an idea of the many advantages of a wheel and tire package, you can decide which combinations are right for your vehicle and riding style. Having different sets of wheels and tires improve your driving experience and makes it safer for you and your passengers.
We hope you found this information helpful. If so, be sure to check out some of our other posts on all things automotive. We cover everything from hot rods, lowriders, imports, minitrucks, and 4x4s.