Wheels are one of the easiest and most inventive ways to enhance the look of a vehicle. Automotive wheels are available in alloy and chrome, standard or custom for all makes, models and years of vehicle. If it has tires, you can change the wheels. Wheels are the top aftermarket item purchased to enhance the look of the vehicle.

Auto wheels can be the difference between a show stopper and blending in with the crowd. To offer the automobile wheels to make your customers' vehicles stand out, you should:

1. Buy standard car wheels wholesale for repair and replacement.

2. Offer the best in decorative chrome wheels and rims for aftermarket upgrades.

3. Connect with sources of custom wheels to meet specific needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get standard auto wheels wholesale for repair or replacement

Stock or locate standard OEM aluminum, steel and alloy wheels for everyday repair and replacement. Arrange with distributors to purchase automotive wheels wholesale; look for discount pricing, deep inventories, quick shipping and helpful customer service.

I recommend: Wheel Technologies specializes in replacement aluminum and alloy wheels for late-model cars, trucks and SUVs. Car Wheels welcomes wholesale orders of alloy wheels and wheel accessories for all car makers. Contact Merit Truck Parts & Wheel for truck wheels. Their customer service department will help you locate hard-to-find, obsolete and custom truck wheels.

Offer custom wheels for aesthetic value and street flash

Aftermarket decorative auto wheels and rims are a popular upgrade, whether for tricking out a hot rod or vintage vehicle or just adding some flair to the basic production vehicle. The best chrome wheels aren't just pretty; they have the durability to provide safe handling and high performance, too.

I recommend: Dayton Wire Wheels has been providing great-looking, maintenance-free wire wheels since 1916. Boyd Coddington is the number one name in automotive wheels design, with more than 25 years of street cred. Chrome wheels designer Chip Foose jump-started his career with Boyd after earning a degree in automotive product design. Today, his cutting-edge Foose Wheels, in original and classic designs, win industry prizes and the hearts of customers.

Connect with suppliers of custom wheels and tires

Help customers meet their needs for specialized automotive wheels solutions by putting them in touch with sources of custom car wheels. Most online suppliers of custom wheels offer visualization tools to help customers see how the custom wheels and tires will suit their vehicles.

I recommend: Halibrand Engineering is a top name in custom wheels for hot rods and racing. Use the Wheel Visualizer online tool at Custom Wheels and Car Rims to help customers choose the right custom car wheels. They carry custom truck wheels, too. The website for American Racing Equipment, a leading supplier of racing, vintage, hot rod and custom SUV wheels, features a visualization tool known as the Carfigurator.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Most suppliers of automobile wheels and truck wheels will also make recommendations about the best tires to suit the wheels. It's particularly important for custom wheels and tires to match up well for maximum performance and safety.

Wheels you choose for you automobile can say a lot about you. Custom wheels and tires have forged a huge part of the aftermarket and custom sectors of the automotive industry. Finding the right wheel for your vehicle starts with size, tires and taking the time to look carefully before purchasing.

Take time to understand the types of wheels available for your specific vehicle and tire size. Also, consider what company will supply your wheels — many purchase wheels from a factory manufacturer, while others spend the money to have custom wheels made for them.

1. Explore the types of wheels available through aftermarket options.

2. Consider the factory wheel options you can order.

3. Invest in custom wheels to truly express yourself through your vehicle.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Explore the types of automobile wheels

Wheels are available in a variety of materials including alloy wheels, steel wheels, chrome wheels and stainless accents. There are as many designs and styles as their are taste. Colors are available, though factory wheels are most often silver or black.

I recommend: Tire Rack is a widely-known company offering discounts, custom and top of the line wheels. You can shop the online catalog or narrow your search by brand, size or vehicle information. Finish Line Wheels offers a large variety of wheels that can be purchased online for reasonable prices.

Consider factory wheels

Factory wheels are those made by the vehicle manufacturer. Aside from the wheels automobile manufacturers make for the vehicle off the line, they also usually have a line of aftermarket wheels. These wheels are likely to be the best fit for your vehicle and are less likely to void your vehicle's warranty.

I recommend: Capital Original Wheels offers factory wheels and reproductions while specializing in alloy and chrome wheels. You can order only at their site or at their eBay store. The Wheel Warehouse Inc. specializes in having a large variety of wheels in stock, including truck wheels and racing wheels. Shop by make or manufacturer for delivery in the US and Canada.

Invest in custom wheels

Custom wheels allow for the maximum level of personality and personal style. They can also allow for the maximum level of cost, but should be considered an investment. There are many custom wheel makers who specialize in design, manufacturing and installation of custom car wheels, custom truck wheels and custom SUV wheels.

I recommend: Custom Wheels Direct allows you to shop many of the top custom wheels brands, including Foose, Dub and Robby Gordon Wheels, all in one place. They also offer installation (in California), a warranty and additional services, like powder coating. American Racing offers design services and features celebrity brand names, including Boyd Coddington, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Carroll Shelby. Use this site's "carfigurator" to select your vehicle and try "virtual wheels" on your car using the computer.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Choose a wheel that is compatible with the make, model and year of your vehicle. Also, keep in mind the bigger the wheel, the more expensive the tires will be to purchase and maintain.
• •  Check your vehicle's warranty information before buying wheels to make certain the ones you are buying don't negate any section of your automobile warranty.