Do the wheel jargons make you feel stupid?
Well, not anymore. Let’s see what these terminologies really refer to. In this blog, we shall talk about car wheels, and everything related to them, so you won’t get confused anymore!
A car wheel includes the central hub and the outer rim (the part your tyre sticks to). The rim and tyre are what you see on the road, but the wheel assembly also includes the spokes and barrel that support it.
Tyre Basics – Reading the Sidewall
Tyres have secret codes on their sidewalls. For example: 205/55R16 91V. Here’s the breakdown:
- 205 = tyre width in mm (section width). (That’s ~7.7″ wide.)
- 55 = aspect ratio (sidewall height is 55% of width).
- R16 = radial construction, 16-inch rim diameter.
- 91 = load index (a 91 index holds ~615 kg per tyre).
- V = speed rating (V means up to 240 km/h).
Another call-out: Minimum Tread Depth. The legal minimum in Pakistan is 1.6 mm, but NHMP recommends switching tyres before they hit that limit.
For our monsoon rain, aim for at least 2–3 mm of tread for proper grip. Tyres usually have built-in wear bars that show when they reach 1.6 mm – when they’re flush with the tread, it’s time for new rubber.
Sizing Rules – Diameter, Width & Offset
Changing wheel sizes isn’t illegal, but it needs caution. Here’s the rule of thumb for plus-sizing (bigger wheels):
- +1 Size: e.g., 15″ → 16″. Allows a lower-profile tyre (for better handling) with minimal sidewall loss. Usually safe with no significant changes.
- +2 Size: e.g., 15″ → 17″. Gets a sportier stance, but you must drop the aspect ratio to avoid OD change. Check clearance carefully. Often, 16″ stock can be used at 17″ if the offset is correct.
Popular Upgrade Table (Examples):
| Car Model | Stock Wheel / Tyre | Safe Upgrade |
| Toyota Corolla | 15″ × 6.0 J, ET 45 (195/65R15) | 16″ × 6.5J, ET40–45 (205/55R16) |
| Honda Civic | 16″ × 6.5 J, ET50 (205/55R16) | 17″ × 7.0J, ET45–50 (215/45R17) |
| Kia Sportage (older) | 17″ × 7.0J, ET45 (225/60R17) | 18″ × 7.5J, ET40–45 (235/55R18) |
| Suzuki Alto | 13″ × 4.5J, ET45 (155/65R13) | 14″ × 5.0J, ET40–45 (165/65R14) |
These examples are based on standard practice in Pakistan. For instance, the current Corolla Altis comes with 16″ wheels by default, so many owners safely go up to 17″ if needed.
Alloy vs Steel vs Forged – Pros & Cons
Choosing wheel material is a trade-off:
- Steel Wheels
These wheels are heavy but brutal. They also make excellent choices for budget-minded options and winter/off-road duty. Steel wheels bend and don’t crack under stress. Repairing them is also easy and low-budgeted.
Downside: extra unsprung weight hurts handling and fuel economy, and they usually come in dull, stamped designs.
- Alloy (Cast) Wheels: Compared to steel ones, they feel lighter. They also ensure excellent fuel efficiency. While appearing glorious, they ensure cooler brakes. Most aftermarket alloys are cast aluminum or magnesium blends. They’re cheaper than forged but less durable: a big hit can crack or bend them.
On the plus side, their complex designs let enthusiasts style up their ride.
- Forged Wheels: These wheels are a high-end performance option. Machined from a solid block of aluminum under extreme pressure, forging wheels are both lighter and stronger than cast alloys. Heavy-duty strength means they resist bending/cracking and are prized for motorsports.
Of course, forging is expensive – expect a premium price for these wheels.
Use cases: For everyday urban driving, cast alloys usually do the job. Steel rims might serve winter spares or heavy loaders. If you’re into track days or serious off-road, forged wheels (or at least heavy-gauge alloys) give peace of mind. Just remember: a very lightweight forged wheel is excellent for kph performance, but on Pakistani kacha roads, it can still be expensive to replace if curb-scraped.
Budget Breakdown
A. Economy Tyres
If you are tight on the budget, brands like Atlas, Safer, or local labels make a great choice. These often start around PKR 8-12k for a 15″ tyre.
They offer basic functionality – serviceable, but expect shorter life and average wet grip. Useful for junkyard trucks or budget runs. E.g., Atlas “Milwaukee” tyres or Safer series often fall here. A wheel cover will protect it and augment its life cycle.
B. Mid-Range
Mid-range tires include Roadstone, Fate, Chengshin, or midline Yokohama (used imports). They balance price and performance. You might find good all-season or AT tyres like Roadstone CP661 or GT Radial series in this range. They’ll have longer tread life and better wet/dry traction than economy tyres. Many Corolla and mid-size cars run this bracket for 15–16″ tyres.
C. Premium
Big guns like Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli, Yokohama (new models). Excellent grip, high speed ratings, and longevity come with premium tyres. For instance, a Bridgestone Turanza 195/65R15 can be ~Rs 19k, while a high-end 16″ like Michelin Pilot Sport easily tops Rs 25k per tyre.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Many people trip on the same pitfalls. Watch out for:
Wrong Inflation
Under-inflation overheats a tyre, increasing the risk of a blowout, while over-inflation reduces grip—both waste tread life. Check pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Your car’s doorjamb or manual lists the correct psi.
Mismatched PCD/Offset
Don’t force a tyre onto the wrong bolt pattern. Even with the right PCD, the offset must be according to your car. Otherwise, it can cause alignment issues with your vehicle.
Buying Fake Alloys
Counterfeit wheels abound. Genuine wheels carry JWL/VIA (Japanese Industrial Standards) stamps or the brand badge. Fake alloys can crack catastrophically. Stick to reputable shops (Autostore.pk sells only certified wheels) and look for the Authenticity Badge from trusted brands.
Ignoring RPM or Load
If you haul heavy loads (say, a Lahore-bound overloaded van), choose tyres with the proper load index. Overloading standard car tyres can cause failures.
When to Replace Car Wheels – Wear Indicators & Age
- Replace tires after six to ten years, regardless of tread wear.
- If the tires are damaged or show signs of significant wear
- When they are worn to unsafe tread depths, typically below 2/32 of an inch.
FAQs: Choosing The Right Wheels
Can I fit 18-inch wheels on my Toyota Corolla?
Jumping to 18″ is trickier – you’ll need very low aspect tyres (e.g. 195/40R18) and may sacrifice ride quality. Always check fender clearance and speedometer error (a larger wheel).
What offset should I use if I upgrade my Civic?
Match or slightly lower (within ~5 mm) than stock offset. A 9th-gen Civic’s stock offset is around ET50. Going to ET45 or ET40 will push the wheel out a bit for a sportier look without rubbing.
How often should I rotate my tyres?
About every 8,000–12,000 km (or with every oil change). This even tread wear on FWD cars. In simple terms, move tyres that carry more load (front FWD, rear RWD) to the opposite ends periodically.
Conclusion
Choosing car wheels and tyres can be intimidating, but with the right information, you can make it work for you. Additionally, obtaining them from a reliable source is essential. If you are looking for a one-stop shop, there is no better than Autostore.pk.