All of us like a little tender loving care now and then, and so do our vehicles. A nice spray job, new suspension, or a little under-rail lighting can transform any car. But there are few things as classy, hassle-free and cost-effective as changing your old car wheels for a set of custom rims.

So if you are looking to ‘pimp that ride’, custom rims and car wheels are a great place to start. They are not very pricey, a cheap set of 18 inch wheels can be purchased for about the $100 mark, but you will probably need to pay much more than that for a really good set.

The first thing you need to do is to do your homework. Visit a few different tire shops and custom wheel websites to see what they have to offer, and find out what styles are available. Custom car rims come in numerous intricate designs and do not need wheel covers or paint.

Not only do they look great, quality custom wheels will improve the speed and steering of your car because they are normally more lightweight than the equivalent size of normal steel wheels.

There are two main kinds of custom rims – cast and forged. Most custom wheels you see on the streets are cast. These are often of good quality and are reasonably priced. Forged custom rims are of higher quality, and they are lighter and stronger than cast wheels. That said, the are significantly more expensive and are most popular with enthusiasts and the more affluent.

Whichever option you decide on, there are a few things you need to think about before you part with your hard-earned money. First, you should make sure that the wheel will fit your car. Custom rims generally range in size from eighteen inch to twenty-four inch, so you need to find a size that suits your vehicle. Also, keep it in mind that custom rims can differ in width.

It is also vital to find out the weight of your new custom wheels, the lighter the better. If they are very heavy they might dramatically reduce the speed, performance and steering ability of your car.

Other factors you should consider are whether your vehicle is front or rear wheel drive; the kind of tires you want to use; and the finish you would like on your new custom rims – plated, polished, anodized, etc.

While it is wise to do your research, any decent custom wheel dealer on the web or on the high street should be able to help you choose the right product. If you provide them with the make, model and details of your vehicle, along with your preferences and your budget, they should come back to you with some good options.