Used Alloy Wheels Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Alloys for Your Car
Buying alloy wheels is one of the easiest ways to improve the appearance of your car, replace a damaged wheel, or find a more affordable alternative to buying brand new. However, choosing the wrong wheels can lead to fitment problems, tyre issues, handling changes and potential safety concerns.
Whether you are looking for a full set of used alloy wheels, a single replacement alloy wheel, or refurbished alloys for your car, it is important to understand what to check before you buy.
This guide explains how to choose the right alloy wheels for your vehicle, including wheel size, PCD, offset, centre bore, condition and compatibility.
Why Buy Used Alloy Wheels?
Used alloy wheels can be a cost-effective way to replace damaged, worn or missing wheels without paying main dealer prices. They are especially useful if you need a direct replacement for one wheel, want to restore your car’s original look, or are searching for genuine manufacturer alloy wheels.
Some of the main benefits of buying used alloy wheels include: lower cost compared with buying new alloy wheels; availability of genuine OEM manufacturer wheels; ideal for replacing one damaged alloy wheel; useful for older vehicles where new wheels may be harder to source; a wide choice of sizes, styles and finishes; and a more sustainable option than buying brand new.
However, not every alloy wheel will fit every car. Before buying, you need to check more than just the wheel’s appearance.
How to Check Which Alloy Wheels Fit Your Car
The safest way to buy alloy wheels is to match the wheels to your vehicle’s exact specification. Even cars from the same manufacturer can have different wheel sizes, bolt patterns and offsets depending on the model, year and trim level.
Before buying alloy wheels, check wheel diameter, wheel width, PCD or bolt pattern, centre bore, offset, tyre size compatibility, load rating, brake clearance, and whether the wheel is genuine OEM or aftermarket.
If you are replacing one alloy wheel, it is especially important that the replacement matches the other wheels already fitted to your car.
Understanding Alloy Wheel Size
Alloy wheel size is usually shown in inches. Common sizes include 15 inch, 16 inch, 17 inch, 18 inch, 19 inch and 20 inch alloy wheels.
The size refers to the diameter of the wheel, but you should also check the width. For example, a wheel may be listed as 17 x 7.5J. This means the wheel is 17 inches in diameter and 7.5 inches wide.
Choosing the wrong size can affect tyre fitment, ride comfort, handling and clearance around the brakes and suspension. Larger alloy wheels may look more stylish, but they can also require lower-profile tyres and may make the ride feel firmer.
If you want a straightforward replacement, it is usually best to match the size already fitted to your vehicle.
For a more detailed explanation of wheel measurements, read our guide on how to find the correct alloy wheel size for your car.
What Is PCD on Alloy Wheels?
PCD stands for Pitch Circle Diameter. It refers to the number of bolt holes on the wheel and the diameter of the circle they form.
For example, a wheel listed as 5x112 has five bolt holes and a 112mm pitch circle diameter. PCD is one of the most important fitment details. If the PCD does not match your vehicle, the wheel will not bolt on correctly.
For a simple explanation of PCD and how to check it, see our guide to alloy wheel PCD.
What Is Alloy Wheel Offset?
Offset refers to the position of the wheel’s mounting face in relation to the centre line of the wheel. It is usually shown as an ET number, such as ET35 or ET45.
Offset affects how far the wheel sits in or out from the car. If the offset is wrong, the wheel may sit too far inside the arch, stick out too far, rub against suspension components, catch the wheel arch, affect steering and handling, or put extra strain on wheel bearings.
What Is Centre Bore?
The centre bore is the hole in the middle of the alloy wheel that fits over the hub of the car. If the centre bore is too small, the wheel will not fit over the hub. If it is too large, spigot rings may be needed to help the wheel sit correctly.
Used vs Refurbished Alloy Wheels
Used alloy wheels are second-hand wheels that may have normal signs of wear, such as light marks, scratches or kerbing. They are often a good option if you want an affordable replacement wheel or a full set at a lower price.
Refurbished alloy wheels have usually been repaired or professionally refinished to improve their appearance. They may be more expensive than standard used wheels, but they can be a good choice if you want a cleaner finish.
If you're unsure which option is right for you, read our guide comparing used vs refurbished alloy wheels.
Are Used Alloy Wheels Safe?
Used alloy wheels can be safe, provided they are correctly inspected and suitable for your vehicle. Before buying used alloy wheels, check for cracks, buckles, heavy corrosion, previous weld repairs, severe kerbing, damage around bolt holes, damage around the tyre bead seat, and uneven wear or distortion.
For more information on what to look for before buying second-hand wheels, see our guide on are used alloy wheels safe?
Can You Replace Just One Alloy Wheel?
Yes, you can replace just one alloy wheel, but the replacement needs to match the other wheels on your car. When buying a single replacement alloy wheel, check size, width, PCD, offset, centre bore, style, finish and manufacturer part number where possible.
If you only need to replace one wheel, our guide to single replacement alloy wheels covers what you need to check before buying.
OEM vs Aftermarket Alloy Wheels
OEM alloy wheels are original equipment manufacturer wheels. These are supplied by the car manufacturer or made to the manufacturer’s specification. Aftermarket alloy wheels are made by other wheel brands and may offer different designs, sizes and finishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid choosing wheels based on looks alone, ignoring PCD, forgetting about offset, assuming all models from the same manufacturer are the same, not checking condition, and buying the wrong tyre size.
Alloy Wheel Buying Checklist
Before buying used alloy wheels, check wheel diameter, wheel width, PCD, centre bore, offset, tyre compatibility, load rating, cracks, buckles or weld repairs, corrosion around the bead seat, and whether the wheel is OEM or aftermarket.
FAQs
Check your vehicle’s wheel size, PCD, offset, centre bore and tyre compatibility.
Yes, if they are in good condition and correctly matched to your vehicle.
Yes, but it should match your existing wheels in size, PCD, offset, centre bore, style and finish.
Need Help Finding the Right Alloy Wheels?
Choosing the right alloy wheels is about more than just picking a design you like. Browse our range of used alloy wheels by size, manufacturer or vehicle type to find a compatible replacement for your car.
Browse our range of used alloy wheels and refurbished alloy wheels, or explore wheels for popular manufacturers including BMW, Audi, Ford, Mercedes, VW and Vauxhall to find a suitable option for your vehicle.