Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse my Original Equipment (O.E.) TPMS sensors instead of buying new sensors when I purchase new wheels?

A vehicle's O.E. sensors can be reused with new wheels. A qualified installer will need to remove the sensors from the previous wheels and install them on the new.

The following parts will need to be replaced by your installer when reusing O.E. sensors:

  • Rubber grommet seal
  • Aluminum valve nut
  • Aluminum or plastic TPMS-compatible valve cap with an internal O-ring seal
  • Nickel-plated valve core
  • Various valve washers or rings where required depending on the application

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What is the purpose of centering rings? Are they required?

Some wheels are designed to fit multiple vehicle models and will use a centering ring system to reduce the bore size to match the hubs of different vehicles. These rings help to keep the wheel precisely centered on the vehicle hub as the lug hardware is torqued down. The clamping force of the lug hardware in the lug seats is what mechanically centers and secures the wheel in place on the hub.

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How do you know what wheel fits my vehicle?

We know a vehicle's critical component measurements inside and out. We use sophisticated electronic tools that allow our fitment engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of these parts. We do the same for the wheels that we offer and then use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to match the wheels to the vehicles. Using these electronic tools we verify numerous different critical areas before a wheel can be listed for a vehicle.

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What are lug centric wheels?

Many wheels are lug centric and do not require the use of a centering ring. They are typically found on truck and SUV fitments. On these applications, the center bore of the wheel is larger than the vehicle hub diameter to allow for various hub/axle configurations that may have been an option from the factory. These wheels need to be installed with the wheel/tire assembly off the ground when the lug hardware is torqued. This allows the lugs to properly center the wheel and secure it on the mounting surface of the hub.

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What does offset mean? How does it relate to backspacing?

The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types (measured in millimeters). Backspacing, similar to offset, is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the inside lip of the wheel (measured in inches). Find more information in our tech center: Offset

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What happens if I don't buy Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors when I buy new wheels?

It depends on the vehicle. If a sensor is not installed or the system is not functioning properly, most vehicle's TPMS warning lights will flash at start-up then stay illuminated until the TPMS problem is resolved and sensors are installed on the vehicle and registered to it.

The 2005+ Corvette, on the other hand, will cut engine horsepower (depending on the specific model) and not allow certain performance-oriented vehicle control settings to be accessed whenever the TPMS system is not functioning for any reason.

Check with your vehicle owner's manual for information regarding your vehicle.

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What should I do if my wheel covers do not fit my wheels?

First ensure that you have followed the wheel cover installation instructions outlined here.

If after following these instructions you cannot properly install your wheel covers, please call customer service at 888-541-1777, ext. 360. They will provide you with a return authorization number and answer any additional questions you may have regarding the product return/exchange procedure.

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Why do I need to re-torque the lug hardware on new wheels?

It's very important to go back and re-torque your lug hardware after the first 50-100 miles of driving on your new wheels. The lug seats of the new wheels will slightly compress and loosen up under the lug hardware as you begin to drive on them. Once this initial breaking in period is over and you re-torque the wheels, it should not be required again until you remove the wheels for rotation or service. Failure to re-torque the lug hardware can allow the lugs to loosen up causing serious vibrations, and in many cases, damage to the wheels, lug hardware, and the vehicle.

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Why don't you have wheels listed for my vehicle?

Proper size is more than a round wheel of an exact diameter. To properly fit a vehicle a wheel must have the proper bolt pattern, centerbore, offset, width and load capacity to match the measurements we've taken from the vehicle itself. If a wheel's measurements and specs aren't correct for a vehicle, it will not be listed in search results.

Sometimes, if a vehicle is brand new or is an exotic brand, we won't have immediate access to it for measuring purposes. Wheels won't be listed as a match until we can get the necessary measurements.

We set stringent guidelines for the wheels we offer so that you can be sure you are getting the right fit.

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Can I use my O.E. hardware when I buy new wheels?

If your new alloy wheels arrive packaged with brand new hardware, it's critical that you use only the new hardware we provided with the wheels! Do not use your vehicle's original lug nuts or bolts unless your invoice has a note instructing you to re-use your original hardware.

Keep a set of your original lug nuts or bolts in your glove box or trunk in case you need them to mount your spare wheel and tire in an emergency! The same is true for any adapter sockets, locking lug keys, or extenders we send with your new wheels.

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What is the proper torque for wheel installation?

Proper installation requires that the wheel lug torque be set to the recommended specification for your vehicle. These torque specifications can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, shop repair manual or obtained from your vehicle dealer.

Since the thickness of an alloy wheel can differ from Original Equipment wheels, also verify that the lug nuts or bolts will engage the threads. Refer to the chart here to determine the number of turns or the depth of engagement typical for your stud or bolt size.

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How do I select wheels for my vehicle?

Use Shop by Vehicle.

Once you select your vehicle's make, model and year you will be able to see wheels specifically for your vehicle and to try different wheels on it in The Wheel Rack®.

Search results include a variety of finishes, including chrome wheels (where applicable), accurately-depicted sizes (including fitments with front/rear options and Plus Sizing options) and current pricing (including wheels on closeout or special). Links to view wheel images in detail at a larger screen size are also available.

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Why can't I view wheels on my vehicle?

Though we try to bring as many vehicles into our studio as possible, there are some make/model/year combinations that aren't available to us (ever or temporarily) to photograph for our website.

When this is the case, it may be confusing since we take you directly to wheel search results without the option to see the wheels on the vehicle (and without any explanation). We know that's frustrating. Bear with us as we work toward an update that adds a message stating the functionality isn't available for that vehicle at that particular time and also work through the archives to add images as we can.

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SERVICE WITH A SMILE

Need help choosing the right products for your vehicle? Our US-based team of highly trained experts has the knowledge and passion to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a ring. Or let's chat via email. We love solving problems and lending a hand (or an ear).

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