FAQs About Off-Road Wheels

One of the most important decisions to make after purchasing a vehicle is selecting a good set of tires and wheels. Once you have selected a tire, it is time to choose a wheel. However, very few people have the knowledge to choose the right wheel for their vehicle. This FAQ article hopes to address concerns regarding off-road wheels.

Q: Which off-road wheel type should I opt for?

A: There are two basic types of wheels, alloy and steel. Alloy wheels are lighter since they are predominantly made up of aluminum. Since they are lighter, these wheels impose less strain on the bearings. They can also improve the mileage of the vehicle. However, these wheels can break easily if they hit a rock. Steel wheels are stronger as they have a good composition of iron, carbon and other materials. As a result, they are sturdier. Although alloy wheels are lighter weight, they are expensive and can break easily on impact. This is a problematic if you are out in the wilderness. For the off-road environment, steel wheels are the ideal choice for your vehicle.

Q: What size of off-road wheels are ideal for my vehicle?

A: The general rule for off-road driving is that larger is better. But, this is not always true. The ideal wheel and tire size is determined by the weight of your vehicle. For a super-light vehicle weighing between 2,200 and 3,000 pounds, the ideal wheel width is 10 inches. However, the wheel width for a heavy vehicle weighing over 4,800 pounds is 16 inches.