I have a special request from someone:

A wheel and tire FAQ.

I've never bougth wheels nor do I know much about them and/or tires. So if anyone is willing to take the time to describe different things, that would be AWESOME.

Things like definitions of "offset" and other words.
Stock wheel size/width/offset/etc.
Tire dimensions, what the measurements mean, the difference from a 30 series to a 45 series/etc.

Not only would it help the noob asses like myself, but it would help in determining different wheel sizing and fitament without having to ask over and over in multiple threads.

I saw The_Instigator post up a calculator and stuff like that. That thing is cool....but too bad I don't know crap about wheels. It's like giving a videogame console to an armless man....."wth am I supposed to do with this?"

Thanks to anyone that agrees to do it!

 

stock size is 17 x7 with a offset of 45 i belive. as far as tire size the diffrent numbers are width aspect ratio and rim size a 215x45x17 is 215 mm wide and 45 is the % that the side wall is to the width so it is 45%of 215 that is how you figure out your side wall height. now if you would like to go to a wider rim you will have to go to a 35 to 38 offset to clear suspension and body partsthis is a pretty basic anwser for more info you can talk to your local rim shop's.

 

Ok, here's an extremely noob question... I understand offset, I understand lug pattern and sized...I understand tire sizes...the part I can't figure out is the center bore. Is there a number somewhere that tells me the correct measurement?

For example, I tried to give a friend of mine my stock 17inch rims for her Pontiac Sunfire (yes, I know just the mere thought of that would automatically tell you that it's not going to work...but it was worth the try). The stock rim would have fit, except the center bore was not big enough to fit on the Pontiac. (The lug pattern and all that would have been perfect otherwise).

And since I'm asking dumb noob questions, let me ask one more: What is the difference between rims made for rear-drive and front-drive cars? (Please don't explain the difference between 'drives', I'm not THAT dumb...I'm just ignorant in not knowing why different types of rims are needed for each).

 

Also, how would you determine if tires would fit on a specific wheel. Also, same as the last question, is there a way to figure out center bore?

 

differance in front and rear drive rims is the offset from front and rear rims in a rear wheel drive car the front and rear offset is diffrent in a front wheel drive car the offset is same on the front and rear. as for center bore you would have to check with the dealer sorry not sure on that one.