Knowing Which Rims Are Best for Your Volkswagen

If you’re ready to swap out your Volkswagen rims for something different, there are a few things you’ll need to be aware of before you buy them. Read on to discover important information about what to look for when shopping for new rims.

Know Your Sizing

One thing that makes a difference when buying these Volkswagen parts is their sizing. The bolt pattern is the first thing to look at. Among VW vehicles, a common pattern is 4×100. The 4 refers to the number of lug holes, and the 100 designates the spacing between each bolt, measured in millimeters. If this is not the bolt pattern on your vehicle, then you’ll have to count and determine spacing with a tape measure.

Another aspect of sizing will be the diameter and width of your wheels. While this won’t matter if you’re just replacing tires with stock ones, it will make a difference if you’re planning to use larger tires, because it will affect the amount of clearance they have.

Offset is also vital information to have handy. Offset relates to the position of the mounting pad on the wheel as it relates to the wheel’s center line. This measurement is important to know because matching offset correctly will prevent rubbing and interference within the braking system and for other components.

Understanding VW Rim Materials and Manufacturing

Vehicle rims can be made of alloy, chrome, or steel. Alloy rims are very light and, therefore, they offer the best performance because aluminum is the primary metal used to make them. Chrome rims are not made of chrome; they are coated in chrome, which protects the rim against oxidation and gives wheels more shine.

Steel rims are also available; however, because they are so heavy, these rims will affect how fast your vehicle can go, how well it handles, and how fuel-efficient it will be. Because of its density, steel will hold heat, which may cause brake damage over time.

Rims can be either cast or forged. Casting involves pouring or forcing liquid metal into a mold, whereas forging involves milling hot metal pieces into a wheel shape. Along with the difference in their manufacturing, cast and forged rims will also offer different strengths, with forged wheels being lighter and stronger than their cast counterparts. However, they also tend to cost more.

Where to Find the Right Rims

If you’re ready to start rim shopping,  the best place to begin can be at a Volkswagen dealer. They can ensure that the rims you want will fit your vehicle, and you can benefit from their product knowledge and experience about which rims are best for your VW’s make and model.

Rims, Accessories, and More

If you’re in the market for quality rims, parts, and accessories, or you want to test drive a VW in Downington, look no further than Jeff D’Ambrosio Volkswagen. We guarantee all our genuine VW parts so that you can shop with confidence. Learn more about everything we offer by visiting or calling us today: 888-585-7794.

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