12 July 2004

Wheels and Tires

Yeah, them big 20-inch wheels and lo-profile tires look cool, but know what you're getting into before you plunk down how many thousands for the privilege. Do any of these pertain to you?

Rule #1-You get snow and ice regularly.

Rule #2-You're hard on your sidewalls (using them as curb feelers to parallel park). You'll know this if your blackwall tires now have a whitewall.

Rule #3-You park against a curb stop regularly.

Rule #4-You drive off road a lot or on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway regularly.

Rule #5-You can't drive worth a fuck.

What do these five rules have in common? Well if I just reminded you of you, you're eventually gonna tear out a sidewall or bend a rim, or both. Think about what a wheel/tire combo will cost you and expect to buy a new one every couple years. Couple winters ago, had a guy wipe out three wheels and tires in a power slide down the Avenue bouncing off the curbs on both sides of the street. I watched a grown man cry when I told him the price to replace them. Think twice about it or have a set of winter wheels and tires if you live in a place (like NYC) that gets snow and ice. If you really gotta have 'em, consider going up one size in sidewall height and one size lower in wheel diameter. Can't tell the difference at 40 mph and it might save ya some money.

Wheels and Tires Redeux:

If you get aftermarket wheels on your ride, make SURE you have the correct offset for the wheels. Just 'cause your buddy will give you his old custom wheels and tires cheap, doesnt mean they'll work on your car. Listen to me, Lugnut. If your new wheels and tires sit OUTSIDE the fenderwells, you're asking for trouble. Wheel bearings, suspension parts, tires, they all get unduly stressed and they'll leave you on the side of the road waiting for the wrecker. Besides, it looks downright fucking stupid. If people tell you it looks good, they're lying. If you can't get the correct shit for your car, leave the stock rims and tires on it. You'll thank me, my little Lugnut.

My wisdom for today. Gotta go. Have a good evening.

Pleasant dreams.

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