by Michael Skatoli

All of us require a little tender loving care every once in a while, and so do our cars. A nice paint job, new suspension, or a little under-rail lighting can transform any vehicle. But there are few upgrades as classy, convenient and affordable as changing your old car wheels for a set of custom rims.

So if you need to 'pimp your ride', custom rims and car wheels are a perfect way to begin. They are not too costly, a basic set of 18 inch rims can be purchased for about the $100 mark, but you will probably need to pay much more than that for a really good set.

The first thing you need to do is to do your research. Visit a number of tire shops and custom rim websites to see what is on offer, and check out what styles are available. Custom car rims come in all kinds of intricate styles and do not need wheel covers or paint.

Not only do they look good, quality custom rims will improve the speed and steering of your car because they are usually lighter than the equivalent size of standard steel wheels.

There are two main kinds of custom wheels - cast and forged. Most custom wheels you see on the roads are cast. These are normally of good quality and are not too expensive. Forged custom wheels are of higher quality, and they are lighter and stronger than cast wheels. However, the are significantly more expensive and are most popular with enthusiasts and the rich.

Whichever option you decide on, there are a few things you need to consider before you invest. First, you should ensure that the wheel will fit your vehicle. Custom wheels usually range in size from 18" to 24", so you should choose a size that matches your vehicle. In addition, bear in mind that custom wheels can differ in width.

It is also a good idea to find out the weight of your new custom wheels, the lighter the better. If they are very heavy they could significantly reduce the speed, performance and steering ability of your vehicle.

Other factors you should keep in mind are whether your car is front or rear wheel drive; the type of tires you want to fit; and the finish you would prefer on your new custom wheels - plated, polished, anodized, etc.

While it pays to do your homework, any quality custom wheel dealer online or on the high street should be able to help you select the right product. If you provide them with the make, model and details of your car, along with your preferences and your budget, they should come back to you with some suitable options.

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