Understanding the relationship between rims and rubber.

Before you buy wheels, it’s important to get a better education on the versatile subject. We have prepared a detailed breakdown of wheel specifications. We've also created a detailed outline of the measurements that you should better understand, whether you are a consumer, an enthusiast, or an aftermarket wheels distributor.

To better appreciate the relationship between a wheel and a tire, with 24 inch wheels for example, you have to understand the mechanical characteristic of their union. Let's face it, there's no other single component more important than your wheels and tires because the entire car rests on their weight. Our detailed breakdown includes helpful charts, a glossary of wheel and tire measurement terms, and information on wheel alignment, centering, and offset. If you are ready to buy rims, we hope you will enjoy reading all about wheel and tire dynamics.
1. OVERALL WIDTH This defines the overall width of a tire, width is measured from the inner to the outer sidewall. If your tire has a lip bead (or protective rib or raised lettring) then this is included in the measurement. 2. SECTION WIDTH This is the measurement of the tires width from sidewall to sidewall (not including the protective ribs). It is important that this measurement be taken when the tires are properly mounted and inflated with no load on the tires. 7. TREAD WIDTH The distance from the outer edge to the inner edge of the tread. 8. TREAD RADIUS The design curvature or contour of the tread profile. 12. RAISED LETTER 9. SECTION HEIGHT This measurement off of he vertical distance between the tire's bead seat and outer tread surface when properly mounted and inflated with no load on tire. 3. FREE RADIUS This is the distance from the wheel's axle center to the outer tread surface of the unloaded and properly inflated tire. 10. NORMAL RIM DIAMETER This is measured as a linear distance between the bead seats which are taken at the widest point. 11. OVERALL DIAMETER You probably don't need help understanding this but it's the distance from the tread surfaces at its widest point. The tire should be aired to the prescribed air pressure and under no load. 5. STATIC LOAD RADIUS This measurements is measured with load on the tire and is taken from the axle centerline to the treat contact area or patch. 4. RIM WIDTH This is the linear distance between the outer and inner rim flanges on which the tire bead rests. 6. DEFLECTION The measured difference between the tire's free radius and the loaded radius when mounted on a rim which is inflated to test pressure and under a prescribed or predeterminded load