The Evolution Of 17 Inch Wheels
Back in the 60′s and 70′s, in the day of the muscle cars, 15 inch wheels were a sign that you had the best. On the other hand, 17 inch wheels were unheard of in those days. Nowadays 15 inch wheels are available on a lot of base models vehicles. 13 and 14 inch wheels used to be the base wheels.
Today 17 inch wheels are a very common factory wheel. One reason for this increase in wheel size is looks. Cars, trucks and SUV’s, especially ones with big round wheel openings, benefit the most. The 17 inch wheel size will fill up the wheel openings much nicer than a smaller wheel. Also with a 17 inch wheel, typically the tire is of a more low profile design. This keeps the overall diameter of the wheel/tire combination the same; but instead of a lot of tire showing, you get more of a nice looking wheel.
It is not only looks that benefit a car with a larger wheel. The vehicle also handles better because of its larger sidewall surface. This option gives the vehicle more flex. When you are cornering, especially spirited cornering, you will notice a more stable drive with the 17 inch wheel.
Even though the most vehicle manufacturers offer factory 17 inch wheel options, many people think they are a little boring to look at. They are normally of an aluminum design or steel with hub caps. Enter the aftermarket wheel industry.
You can find literally hundreds of sites that offer wheels at a discounted rate. Many are local dealers in your area and they will try to outbid each other. The benefit is that you can get a pretty decent deal out of it. You can even go to a website and plug in your model of car to see what they purchase would look like on your specific car. This is a great option to ensure that you are going to like what you buy.
In response to the aftermarket wheel industry, most vehicle manufacturers have gone to the aftermarket segment and developed partnerships to sell their wheels as a factory option. There are benefits and draw backs of doing this. The biggest benefit is that these wheels will not void any of the factory warranty. Also, if you purchase a vehicle with a tire monitoring system, these factory option wheels will not disable that system.
The big drawback to buying these wheels is the price. You will pay a lot more at the dealer than going to an aftermarket store. 17 inch wheels can make your ride look great and handle better, whether they come from the factory or you purchase them later.
Check us out and find great info on a set of 17 inch rims and get cruising today! These 17 inch custom wheel sets are a car modifiers dream and should be on everybody’s vehicles!




