Does Changing Your Second-Hand Truck's Wheels Worth the Time and Effort?

Deciding to change the stock wheels on a second-hand truck depends on specific needs, desired functionality, and personal preference. If you want to ditch the old stock set and select from wheel and tire packages, you need to consider several factors.

Not only will the looks change when you replace the old stock wheels. Before jacking up your rig to change the rims, it is crucial to determine whether it’s worth your time, effort, and of course, money. These are some elements typically affected when you change the wheels.

Performance: Changing the wheels can enhance the performance of your second-hand pickup truck in various ways. Traction, handling, and off-road capability can be affected once you change the stock rims to something different. Most vehicle owners say that the larger the tire, the more grip it has on the road. If you frequently engage in activities like venturing off-road and towing heavy loads, choosing aftermarket wheels designed for improving performance can be beneficial.

Aesthetics: Believe it or not, one of the reasons why vehicle owners replace their old wheels is because of personal style preference. Many people choose to upgrade the wheels of their vehicles for aesthetic reasons alone. Different wheel designs, sizes, and finishes can significantly alter the truck's appearance, allowing a more customized look to your liking. Even without a fresh paint job, putting aftermarket wheels can help complement (or even enhance) the appearance of your second-hand truck.

Individuality and customization: Aside from refreshing the looks, modifying the wheels will provide a unique touch to your truck. With countless aftermarket wheel options available in local and online markets, you can select a style that stands out from the stock offerings. Match your personality with brands, such as Ion Wheels, that offer impressive wheel designs in different finishes like chrome, satin black, gloss black, and more. Upgrading the wheels can be a way to express your individuality and make your truck truly your own.

Drawbacks of changing the wheels

Despite the benefits you can get from replacing the old stock rims with new ones, some risks can make or break your second-hand truck.

Inappropriate wheel and tire size

Getting the correct tire and wheel size is essential. If not, you could end up with a product that does not fit the vehicle. A lot of people make a mistake when shopping for new truck wheels and tires because they do not pay attention and check the specs.

Aside from the hassle of returning, it can cause the truck to look disproportionate. The stretched-out tire look is a popular fitment type in today’s truck show scene. However, it is not a recommended setup for drivers using a second-hand pickup truck for daily driving. If you put a 12 inches wheel width on a 14-inch-wide rim, the stretched-out tire strains the rubber on the wheel. As a result, it puts tremendous stress on the tire sidewall and beadlock. Doing this could lead to excessive wear on the tread and reduced handling, making them unsafe when cornering at speed.

Additionally, putting incompatible wheels and tires can make driving difficult and lead to serious suspension problems. Research first, and don't forget to check the dimensions to ensure the wheels and tires you plan to buy are appropriately sized for your truck.

Not checking for directional wheels

Another mistake some owners make is not considering if the truck needs directional wheels. If improperly installed, the wheels can cause the used truck to pull to one side or the other. To avoid this mistake, ask a tire expert before buying to validate if the wheel is directional.

Decreased tire life due to incorrect alignment

It can lead to complications when installing larger wheels without the proper knowledge and technical expertise. Even if only one wheel is not perpendicular or parallel to another, it may cause a problem with the suspension and tires of the truck.

If the vehicle alignment is out of specs, it can wear out the tire without you ever knowing it. You will notice uneven wear tread on a tire's inside or outside edge. You may also experience vibrations when going at certain speeds. That's why good tire alignment is crucial to have a safe ride.

Larger wheels may lead to bigger bills

Upsizing the truck wheels can either improve or worsen the truck's performance. According to Consumer Reports, the larger the wheels, expect more expensive cost. Aside from the money you spend on new wheels, you need to spare some more, especially if you need a new set of tires to ensure fitment.

The type of tires for your vehicle must also be considered, such as all-season, all-terrain, or something meant for off-road. You need to check if the brand you want has the tire size available for your ride.

Tire blowouts

Some owners put thinner tires because they have replaced the old stock rims with new aftermarket wheels. They do that to fit the tires inside the wheel well. Those with upsized rims with thinner tires have a slimmer rubber construction along the outside of the tire. Since they are less compatible, they may not be worth using if you carelessly drive through potholes and tackle rougher roads. Also, you must be aware of sudden blowouts when using them.

Changing the tire size is possible without changing the diameter, especially if you want bigger rims. Better to buy tires with a reduced height of the outer tire to compensate for the larger wheels.

Out with the old rims

Minimize the effect of larger wheels with a few tweaks and calculations. If you don’t need to upsize the wheel size too much, buy a set of wheels the same or close to the stock’s dimension. Better to increase the width and reduce the truck’s profile if you still want to increase wheel size. You can find a size similar to your stock wheels by doing some calculations. Minimizing the overall size difference between your stock and aftermarket wheels helps avoid problems.

Replacing the old wheels on your second-hand truck is worth the time, effort, and money if you can install new ones without problems. Some aftermarket dealers can help you calculate and find the appropriate size of wheel and tires using the online tool on their website. Also, you may talk to a tire expert to show you what sizes are best for your vehicle.