I am going to be buying summer rims for the wifes 2006 Rav4. I am plan to use the stock ugly grey rims as winter rims with winter rubber.

In canada, black steelie style rims cost aprox 80-100 bucks for the rav4. On tirerack, I can get descent looking aftermarket rims for 90 bucks a shot. ??? Is there such a thing as a poorly made rim? Whats the worst that could happen? I plan to get the rims while in the states this summer... and avoid shipping costs.


So... anything I should look out for when buying rims from tirerack?


Thanks

 

yes there are such thing as poorly made wheels, for example i'm not going to say the brand name because it's still in litigation, but a friend of mine bought some wheels from a reputable wheel and tire company, he hit a CRACK in the road and the right front wheel cracked causing him to lose control and nail a powerpole(several people witnessed this)
turns out the company was using a grade of aluminum that wasn't dot approved for wheels

 

I would have thought that an automotive part woul dhave had to pass some sort of safety testing in order to be sold in the usa.

 

they should, but some of this stuff we order from other countries doesnt have the same standards.
one of the reasons people like forged wheels vs cast

 

I am sure the rims at tirerack would be just fine for your Rav4.

 

all wheels sold in the usa have to meet a "standard" just like tires, cars etc

 

You should be asking this in the Wheels and Tires by The Tire Rack forum. I find reasonable and honest answers there.

 

Made in China?

 

Tirerack often has very inexpensive winter wheel packages. Say the tires are like $400. They'll package it with some weird looking alloy wheel for another $75. Did that for my ex gf's car. They work fine. Not going to win any shows obviously, but they serve their purpose.