It is not uncommon to see bigger rims on SUVs, but what about bumping up the wheels on other vehicles? What if you want to upgrade your stock wheels and increase the size? Well, here are tips for buying 22 inch wheels to add a bit of style to your ride.

Custom rims are everywhere. You see them on SUVs, minivans, small to mid size cars, even wagons. This is just one way to accessorize and upgrade your vehicle to make it standout from the crowd. While many automobile manufacturers are now adding chrome rims to newer models, you can save money by purchasing aftermarket rims on your own. Not only does this give your vehicle its own distinct look, it will decrease the sticker price if you choose not to purchase factory rims.

Before adding 22's to your vehicle, speak with a suspension professional to make sure this is able to be done. You cannot always just put on a new set of wheels and rollout with any car. Sometimes this will require alternations to your suspension system to accommodate the change in size. Some vehicles will have to get lifters or added suspension parts to hold the added weight. This depends on the make and model of the car.

Should I Get 22's

It is no secret, the larger the rim the heavier the weight. Check to see if your car's suspension can handle the big boy wheels. When increasing the size of your wheels, it might be wise to have a suspension expert check out the car first to be sure your new look will not cause damage to the vehicle.

What Size Can I Go Up To

There are a few things to consider when deciding on new rims. When doing a lot of city driving in stop and go traffic, alloy wheels are the best bet. Alloys rims help keep the brakes from overheating, believe it or not. Typically, upgrading two to three inches from stock wheels is best. Not all cars can accommodate all sizes. When a wheel is too large it can create clearance issues and decrease the fuel economy on your vehicle. Steering issues can make your vehicle unsafe when wheels are too large, not to mention damage to the suspension if the wheels are not properly aligned.

Picking Out Tires And Rims

If you upgrade to a larger size, of course you will have to get new tires. Many companies offer package deals, so check around first. It is important that the bolt pattern matches your vehicle. These are the lugs used to put the tires and chrome rims on your car. If you have ever had to change your tire, you can see how many lugs nuts are there. Typically, bolt patterns are 4, 5, or 6 lugs. When searching for rims, these much match.

The offset of your rims must be correct as well. The offset is basically how far in or out the tire will sit. If it too far out you may have steering problems. This should be checked before purchasing a new set of 22's to be sure they will fit.

If you have decided to go big on your next set of 22 rims tires, take the time to comparison shop. Your local tire dealer is sure to have something you like, but consider other options such as shopping online or searching car classifieds. Online auctions offer great deals from wholesalers or manufacturers trying to increase sales. You see, tire wheels can add a dramatic and sleek look to any vehicle, and you can get them at a savings if you take the time to shop around.