Wheels

Central Tire’s

Wheel Buying Guide

At Central Tire, we offer a wide selection of wheels for customers in Bend, OR, Madras, OR, La Pine, OR, and surrounding areas.

Before you start shopping for a new set of wheels, use our wheel buying guide below, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of different wheel materials in order to find the best wheel to suit your needs. If you have any questions during your research, simply contact us online.

Know Your Wheels

Alloy Wheels

Light wheels with improved performance characteristics for enhanced cornering and steering precision, plus decreased road feedback for better braking response.

Steel Wheels

Heavier wheels with a lower center of gravity. Steel wheels are ideal for harsh road conditions in the snow or off-road rugged terrain but lack other performance capabilities due to their added weight.

Chrome

An aesthetically pleasing finish. Chrome wheels are admired for their metallic mirrored shine, durability, and strength but require regular attention and cleaning to maintain their visual appeal.

Wheels & Rims: The Manufacturing Process

Cast Wheels: Aluminum wheels are manufactured through a process of pouring molten aluminum into a mold. The shape of the wheel is formed through a process of gravity or pressure casting.

Machined Wheels: The machining process combines casting, heating, spinning, and precise pressurization to fill a mold with molten aluminum and shape the wheel.

Forged Wheels: The forging process takes a solid piece of aluminum and molds the wheel through high heat and extreme pressure. The result is a light, dense, and strong wheel.

The right set of wheels depends on vehicle characteristics and desired ride quality. When choosing wheels for your car, truck, or SUV, consider the following:

Size: Various wheel sizes and weights hold different performance characteristics. If you plan on upgrading your current wheel size, be sure to consider the maximum wheel size allowance on your vehicle.

Weight: Wheel weight impacts vehicle performance. Heavier wheels increase braking distance and reduce handling, while lighter wheels will improve maneuverability and braking performance.

Terrain: Where do you drive most often? Wheels should be selected based on their primary function.

Every customer’s criteria for buying wheels is different, so we urge you to contact us with your questions or concerns. Our service staff is comprised of wheel and rim experts who remain on the cutting edge of wheel style, configuration, and performance.

For the best wheel buying experience around, contact us today.