How Much Do Car Rims Cost? Average Prices by Type of Rim

If you want to change the look of your vehicle, a new set of rims will have a big impact. Rims are the metal part of wheels that tires are mounted to. When you change them— whether you opt for bigger, shinier or low-profile rims—you alter the whole look of your vehicle. Steel rims, alloy rims and carbon fiber rims all have benefits and drawbacks. Here's everything you should know before upgrading your rims, including how much car rims cost, on average, and how to make paying for them a bit easier.

When you're ready to upgrade your wheels, you'll first need to decide what material you'd like your rims to be made of. Then, you'll have to pick a specific style. From the spinners that were popular in the early 2000s to the split rims that are hot now, there are many distinctive looks to choose from.

Rims are usually made from metals, including steel, aluminum or an alloy (a blend of at least two different types of metals). Carbon fiber rims are another option, but they're usually reserved for track cars. Below, we take a deeper dive into the most popular types of car rims.

• Very strong and durable

• Affordable—often the cheapest material for rims

• Heavy—may affect acceleration

• Generally limited styles

Steel rims are considered the most basic option for wheels. They're strong and affordable, but they usually don't offer much in terms of style. However, you can get chrome-plated steel wheels for a more distinctive look that's still budget-friendly.

• Affordable and easy to find

• Good performance and lightweight

• Aesthetic appeal

• Not as strong as steel wheels

Aluminum rims are hugely popular and a go-to for many car makers and aftermarket rim producers. Aluminum rims will give you better performance than steel wheels and are usually considered more stylish. Plus, aluminum doesn't rust. Like steel, aluminum wheels can be chrome-plated for a more distinct look.

If you're shopping for aluminum rims, you'll need to choose either cast rims, forged rims or rotary-forged rims. This refers to how the metal is shaped. Cast is the most affordable aluminum rim, while forged rims are the strongest. Rotary-forged rims fall somewhere in the middle, balancing cost and strength.

• Support performance handling and braking

• Visually appealing

• More expensive

• Magnesium alloy rims may degrade with time

Alloy rims are made from a blend of metals, usually including aluminum or magnesium. The blend allows the manufacturer to make a strong and beautiful rim that is also lightweight. Alloy wheels are meant to deliver great performance and edgy style.

• Excellent performance because they're lightweight

• Strong

• Very expensive

• Best suited to track cars, not daily drivers

Carbon fiber rims are most often used for track cars. These rims are extremely strong and very lightweight. Unfortunately, they're also expensive and hard to find. That, combined with their brittleness and tendency to shatter in strong impacts, means carbon fiber rims aren't usually put on daily drivers.

There's a huge range of pricing for a set of new rims. If you're simply replacing a set of basic steel rims, you may find rims for as little as $30 each or $120 for a set of four. From there, prices can rise sharply. High-end, customized rims can cost more than $1,000 each. In addition to buying your rims, you'll have to pay roughly $80 to $200 to have them installed.
Even within a certain material, prices vary widely. Here's an overview of the starting cost of car rims (not installed). Remember that unless you're replacing the rims you already have with an exact match, you'll have to purchase four rims. In addition, it's a good idea to get a tire alignment when your rims are installed.

While the material is the biggest determinant of the cost of a set of car rims, there are other factors that impact your total, including:

• Size. The bigger the diameter of the rims, the more you can expect to pay.

• Finish. Certain finishes, like chrome plating or blacked-out paint, will add to the cost significantly.

• New vs. used. Refurbished, previously used rims are more affordable than new rims.

• Manufacturer vs. aftermarket. Buying from the manufacturer is often (though not always) more expensive than buying from aftermarket manufacturers.

• Style. Specialty styles add flair to your ride, but they come with a higher price tag.

Still trying to decide which car rims are right for you? Consider these factors:

• The look you want. Whether you want the flash of chrome or the subtle style of blacked-out wheels, your rims will help define the style of your vehicle.

• Your driving habits. Rims can affect your performance. If you do particularly tough driving—like off-roading—you may want to opt for stronger wheels.

• Fashion vs. function. Some rim choices (like opting for low-profile rims) can have unintended consequences (like increased road noise or a bumpier ride). Make sure you understand the impact your new rims will have.

• Fit. Rims must fit within the fenders of your vehicle and be able to accommodate the vehicle's weight. Double-check the fit before purchasing rims.

Upgrading your car rims is a foolproof way to add your personal style to your vehicle. Just like tires, rims can affect your performance and the visual impact of your car. Budget-friendly car rims like steel prioritize strength and low cost, but offer limited performance and style. Other options, including aluminum and alloy wheels, are lightweight for increased performance and add stronger styling. Chrome-plated, blacked-out and other customized finishes give your vehicle a distinct look.

Costs for a new set of rims can add up quickly, easily costing $1,000 or more. Just as you can finance tires, you can also finance new rims with the The Synchrony Car Care™ credit card. Learn more and apply today.