How to Choose the Right Rim for Your Tire

The right rim size is a guarantee of safety and driving comfort. There are many rim variants on the market, and it’s easy to get lost. We’ll show you how to choose rims that last as long as possible, and walk you through the basic terms used when matching rims to tires.

What does the tire’s profile affect?

The profile defines the height of the sidewall. The number on the side of the tire is the ratio of sidewall height to tire width. Take a 220/50 tire as an example — the sidewall height is 50 percent of 220 mm, i.e. 110 mm. Keep in mind that too high a profile will negatively affect ride comfort. On top of that, the tire may rub against the car’s bodywork, reduce grip or limit steering lock. In that case we’d recommend low-profile tires — interestingly, this type of tire is used on sports cars, where vehicle performance is the priority.

Rim markings

How do you match a rim to a tire? First, the rim and tire need the same diameter — specifically the tire’s inner diameter, the part that sits against the rim. This size is on the tire’s sidewall, expressed in inches, e.g. R15, R16 or R17. Width matters too — to find it, check the size marking on the rim itself. For example, the marking 6.5Jx16H2 ET26 means:

6.5 — rim width in inches,
J — rim flange profile,
16 — rim diameter in inches,
H2 — rim hump profile (a safety feature that keeps the tire from slipping off the rim),
ET26 — offset, i.e. the distance between the mounting surface and the rim’s centerline.

Which rim width for which tire?

Getting the size right is extremely important! Fitting a rim that’s too wide or too narrow can stop the tread from working correctly, ultimately hurting traction. It also increases the risk of aquaplaning, because a mismatched tire-to-rim width means the side grooves responsible for channeling water away from the wheel don’t work properly. The same happens if the rim is too wide — the contact patch loses its rounded shape, which leads to faster tire wear.

For example, a popular 205/55 R16 tire is approved for mounting on rims from 5.5 to 7 inches wide — but a 6-inch rim will be the best choice.

Not sure what rim size fits your car? Get in touch with us — we’ll help you choose the right set, or check out our article on how to read tire markings.