Reasons Why You Need To Upgrade Your Truck Wheels

Although you can see crossovers, SUVs, and other smaller cars like sedans, pickup trucks still dominate American roads. Not only are they functional, but these brute vehicles are a crowd favorite because of their customizability—letting you modify or upgrade a few parts, such as the truck wheels.

Are you considering upgrading the wheels on your pickup truck? Read on to understand the importance of upgrading the wheels and considerations before you ditch the old ones.

Signs that you badly need to replace your old wheels

Are you unsure how to identify or diagnose a bent tire rim? Here are the signs if the wheels are bent and need replacement.

Visible wheel damage

Deformation may already be a serious deterioration to your wheel, so it must be repaired and straightened. However, replacement is necessary if the flaw is already severe. You may replace it with aftermarket products like Black Rhino Wheels.

In some cases, the defect on the wheel is apparent, but the driver has not noticed the damage. That happens when a large metal or plastic hubcap is used on the wheel. These accessories may hinder anyone from detecting the damage to the wheel. Routine checks are essential, and it's done by removing the hubcaps and examining the wheel and tire to look for any damage.

Deflating tires

Have you noticed that your tire is deflating quickly? Filling it up with air every few days or weeks isn't normal. The tire may be having a slow leak because of damaged wheels.

Truck tires are designed to fit snuggly against the wheel. However, if you notice that the tire deflates often, the culprit may be the bent wheel. The air leaks because the wheel pulls away from the tire and presses against the rubber, causing a flat tire Better to get it fixed right away because if you continue driving with a deflating tire, you could be at risk of a serious blowout.

Handling is affected

You may encounter problems, especially with your tire pressure, if a wheel's particular part is bent. It also significantly affects the performance and steering of your vehicle. If you cannot control your truck properly as you drive, you must check for any bent portion on your wheels. You can do a quick visual inspection, or if unsure about how to inspect the damage, bring your vehicle to a service center as soon as possible.

Shakiness or vibration when steering

If you notice a vibration or have felt shakiness in the steering column, you might have a problem with the wheels. Even if only one rim is bent, the tires would have uneven contact with the road surface. If the tires have contact with the road unevenly, they may cause shakiness when driving. If you feel the vibration in the front (usually in the steering column), it could mean that your front rim is bent. If vibration is felt on your seat or in the rear part of the vehicle, it may indicate damage to the rear wheels.

Benefits of replacing old wheels

Upgrading the wheels on your pickup truck with aftermarket ones can be a great way to improve its performance, durability, appearance, and safety. If you are considering making this upgrade, it’s crucial to select the correct truck wheels based on your preference and needs. Here are some benefits of upgrading pickup truck wheels:

Protection: Changing the wheels can help maintain control in wet or slippery conditions. It also protects the undercarriage of the truck from damage.

Better stability: One of the significant benefits of replacing the old wheel with a new and larger size is it improves the vehicle's stability. Remember that bigger rims cover a wider surface area, which helps increase the stability of the truck. The greater the tires have contact with the road, the better the stability.

Improved safety: Deformation indicates that it’s time to change the old rims with new ones to ensure your safety, along with the passengers and cargo you put in the truck. Additionally, improving the truck's safety is possible if you want larger wheels and tires, as they provide a larger contact patch with the road.

Increased fuel efficiency: Replacing the old stock wheels with larger wheels and tires can help improve fuel efficiency by reducing its rolling resistance.

Reduced noise levels: Upgrading the wheels can help reduce the noise levels inside the cab of your truck. But do take note that you have to pair them with the correct size of tires.

Increased resale value: If you’re about to sell your truck, retaining the old wheels will only sell the vehicle at a lower value. But if you replace the stock wheels with new shoes, you can sell your pickup truck for a higher price.

Factors to consider when searching for new wheels

Consider these terminologies to understand the risks involved before you buy a new set of wheels for your vehicle.

Hub size: Selecting new wheels isn’t just about the design or finding the right width and diameter. Also, consider the bolt pattern of the truck to help you find the wheels that fit and the ones that don’t. Hub sizes vary depending on the vehicle’s make and model.

Fitment: If you have picked a wheel that matches the bolt pattern, you must consider another factor called fitment. Different vehicles have distinct offsets, so be aware of these things before you purchase any wheel product. Offset is the distance from the wheel’s dead center to the mounting surface, while the distance from the back of the wheel to the mounting surface is called backspacing.

New or used: There is no harm in purchasing used truck parts, especially if you need replacement parts for your vehicle. The used market can be a cost-effective place to find wheels for your ride. However, it will not be easy because you must thoroughly check the condition of the used wheels. Inspecting the wheels for bends and cracks is essential when buying used parts. If buying used wheels already paired with tires, check for punctures, patches, and excessive wear. Aside from damage, better to check if the secondhand items offered to you are not stolen goods.

Adding a new set of wheels and tires can transform the look and feel of your pickup truck. Whether pure aesthetics or performance is on your mind, it helps to know what you’re getting into. Avoid making an expensive decision in haste, as you can find a wide range of incredible wheel selections that suit every need and preference. Choose wisely, and make sure to buy the perfect wheels for your truck.