If you’re not familiar with automotive terminology, it can be easy to confuse tires and wheels. After all, they are connected and work together to help drivers tire rims up close with the rims in the background control their vehicles.
However, tires and wheels are not the same thing.
In this guide, we look at the differences between tires and wheels. We also cover whether you should purchase your tires and wheels together or separately. At the end of our article, we will offer some practical advice on how to pick new wheels and tires.
Are Tires and Wheels The Same Thing?
No, tires and wheels are not the same. The terms “tires” and “wheels” may be used interchangeably at times, but they are not the same thing. Wheels are the rims on which tires are affixed.
Tires are rubber ovals that are installed on the wheels. The wheels of a car do not actually come into contact with the road, while tires do not ever contact the road’s surface.
What are Tires?
Tires are rubber ovals that are designed to protect the wheels and to ensure that the vehicle has enough traction. If the vehicle has enough traction, then the driver will be able to control it easily.
Each model of tire is made up of a different mixture of rubber that has varied hardness and temperature-resistant properties.
In addition to the rubber on the outside (the part that contacts the road) and the inside (the part that contacts the wheel), tires have a steel mesh in between the rubber. This makes the tire harder and more durable, which reduces the chances of a blowout.
There are many different types of tires as well as tire size. These different tire types are usually categorized by the season the tires should be used in. For example:
- All-season tires can be used throughout the year in areas that do not have very cold winters.
- Winter tires should be installed during snowy months.
- Summer tires should be used in warm and dry conditions, as they will not provide much traction during the winter.
What are Wheels?
Wheels are metal rims that are connected to the suspension and steering mechanism of the vehicle. They help the car ride smoothly and they are vital for the vehicle’s handling.
There are two main types of wheels: steel wheels and alloy wheels. Steel wheels may be less common than they were in the past, but they are still found on many vehicles.
Steel wheels are cheaper than alloy wheels, but many drivers find them to be visually unappealing. This is why steel wheels are often covered with plastic wheel covers. These wheel covers are often designed to mimic the look of alloy wheels.
Alloy wheels are found on most new cars on the road today. They are made out of steel alloy, which means that the wheel’s material is made up of a mix of steel and another metal.
Most drivers find alloy wheels to be more visually appealing, and aftermarket alloy wheels are popular on a variety of cars.
Then, What Are Rims?
The general definition of “rim” is the outer edge of something, and in this case, it is the wheel’s outside edge. The rim holds the tire in place. When you look at it head-on, it is typically U-shaped, with the center being deeper than around the edges. It’s designed that way to support the bead of the tire.
The rim is generally made of the same metal or alloy as the rest of the wheel, with the addition of a Teflon covering for increased protection. A rim’s primary role is to support and seal the tire to the wheel. The rim maintains the air inside the tubeless tire by ensuring an appropriate fit.
Differences Between Tires and Wheels
The main difference between tires and wheels is that they refer to two completely different objects. The tire is the black rubber part that is mounted on the rim. The wheel or rim is the metal part that is bolted to the hub of the vehicle.
Here are some other differences between the tire and wheels.
1. Material
Tires and wheels will never be constructed of the same material. Wheels will always be some form of metal, while tires are constructed from rubber.
While these are generic descriptions of what they are made from, there are different types available. We will touch more on that in one minute.
2. Location
It appears that the wheel and tire are one and the same because of how cohesively they work together. However, the two elements are actually separate at a different location.
The wheel mounts on the hub assembly. The tire isn’t mounted to the hub assembly but sits perfectly secure on the wheel itself.
3. Types Available
The biggest difference in types is the size. Without lifting or lowering a vehicle, it’s difficult to change the size of the wheels easily. However, most cars can be outfitted with different tire sizes without too many modifications.
Additionally, tires come in various forms. You can choose summer tires, winter tires or all-season tires, depending on where you live. Additionally, you can opt for special tires, such as mud or all-terrain, if you plan to head off-road at all.
As far as wheels are concerned, most are either alloy or steel. The steel wheels are some of the cheapest to choose from, but they aren’t much to look at. For this reason, most steel wheels get covered up with a plastic wheel cover. These covers help to make the wheels look more like they are created from alloy.
Alloy wheels are becoming more popular. They are constructed from steel alloy, which is a steel and metal mixture. These are more appealing and come in a variety of styles, but they will also cost more than the stock wheels.
4. Function
Wheels and tires might be close together, but their purposes are completely different. The wheel is meant to convert the power coming out of the engine into the spinning force that moves the vehicle.
Tires are required to maintain traction with the road. For this reason, the tire is going to wear out before the wheels. You will be changing tires and rotating them often, but the wheel shouldn’t need to be replaced unless something causes physical damage to them.
5. Cost
It’s not cheap to purchase tires or wheels, yet you are going to need tires more often. The average price of tires can vary between $50 to $250 per tire, depending on the size that’s needed and what type you purchase.
On the other end, you could quickly spend much more to purchase a set of rims, especially if you want something fancy, such as chrome. On the bright side, you shouldn’t need to replace the rims again any time soon, so it’s a much better investment.
How Do I Know When I Need New Wheels and Tires?
You only need to replace your wheels when absolutely necessary. If you’re not sure if the wheel of your car is damaged, get to an auto technician immediately.
Driving on a broken wheel can cause serious and irreparable damage to your vehicle. An expert technician is the only person who can safely repair or replace your wheel.
Tires have obvious signs of wear and tear that should send you into the auto shop for new tires. Here are the telltale signs of worn-out tires:
- Bulges or blisters
- Cracked or cut rubber
- Falling tire pressure
- Loud or excessive vibration
- Low or uneven tread
Uneven wear on your tires can indicate a bigger issue with your car. Talk to your auto expert about any unusual sounds or sensations coming from your tires or brakes, so you can feel safe when you’re on the road.
Do You Buy Tires and Wheels Separately?
While a car comes standard with wheels and tires, you aren’t normally going to purchase replacements together. Instead, you will want to pick out your wheels and your tires separately.
Most of the time, you need a replacement, it’s only the tires that need to be replaced. The wheels aren’t going to wear out on their own unless a collision has occurred with the metal surface. Still, there are times when you might want to get different wheels, such as when you want to lift the vehicle and put on bigger tires and rims.
Even if you need rims and tires, you may not get a bundled rate for the two. You could also be responsible for paying for the installation on both the wheels and the tires even though it doesn’t require any more labor to do both.
How to Buy Tires & Wheels
1. Size
The biggest factor with new tires or wheels is the size. Your vehicle is only equipped to handle a particular size of wheels and tires. Trying to use something other than what’s recommended is dangerous.
If you plan to upgrade the suspension or lift the vehicle, the size is going to change. Make sure you use the appropriate size for whatever modifications you make.
2. Brand
You have a lot of brands to choose from when looking at wheels and tires. It’s best to choose a popular brand that is known for creating high-quality products. You want to start by looking at what other customers have to say about the products.
From there, evaluate the warranty protection on either. You want to know that when you pay a premium price, you will be covered against any manufacturer defects.
3. Type
Earlier, we talked about the different types of wheels and tires. You need to think about the type that matters to you when choosing what to buy.
If you need winter tires, it won’t do you any good to have summer tires installed. Additionally, if you are trying to create a show car, you won’t want steel wheels installed.
4. Cost
Your budget is always a top priority when buying any car parts. While it’s important to stick to a budget, the cost shouldn’t be all that you think about.
If you save a few dollars today to get a cheaper set of wheels or tires, what will be the cost later? Better tires and wheels are going to last longer and stand up to more abuse. Therefore, you shouldn’t need to have them changed as often.