Is it Cheaper to Buy Wheels and Tires Together?

Purchasing new tires often prompts the question of whether to buy a new set of wheels at the same time. There are several compelling reasons to consider this approach:

Cost Savings

Many shops offer discounts when you purchase wheels and tires together. This bundled buying approach not only secures a great deal but also saves money, providing excellent value.

Convenience

Having a dedicated set of wheels for your winter and summer tires simplifies the seasonal transition. Rather than heading to the tire shop for mounting each season, you can switch between sets yourself, saving time and hassle. This is especially useful for off-road enthusiasts who may want rugged tires and matching durable wheels that won't damage easily.

Compatibility

When you buy wheels and tires as a set, the shop will ensure that the tires fit the wheels properly, preventing common mistakes like incompatible sizes. Tires need to match the wheel’s radius, width, and profile to fit properly within the wheel arches.

What to Look for When Upgrading Tires

When upgrading tires, ensure they match your wheels and fit within the wheel arches. Consider the following:

• Diameter and Width: Confirm the new tires will fit on your existing rims and within the wheel arches.
• Profile: Ensure the tire profile is suitable for your vehicle to avoid any rubbing issues.

If you're looking to increase ground clearance, consider larger tires. For instance, upgrading to wheels that are one inch larger in diameter will net an additional half-inch of height, as the vehicle’s rise is based on the radius increase.

Benefits of Off-Road Tires

Off-road tires are designed with large, aggressive treads for superior traction in environments like mud, snow, or sand. Their flexibility helps maintain constant contact with various terrains, making them ideal for off-road conditions.

Lift Kit Packages

Lift kits vary significantly:

• Leveling Kits: The simplest kits, often just strut spacers for the front and block lifts for the rear.
• Full Kits: More expensive options may include new shocks and springs, offering better performance and over three inches of ground clearance.
• Advanced Kits: For extreme modifications, some kits provide up to six inches of lift, incorporating components like control arms and transfer case lowering kits.

A lift kit increases the clearance in wheel wells, allowing for larger rims and tires. However, always recommend a test fit before finalizing oversized wheel choices.

Choosing the Best Off-Roading Rims

• Aluminum Wheels: Popular for their strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance, but more expensive and less durable against severe impacts.
• Steel Wheels: Preferred for their affordability and ease of repair, ideal for harsh off-roading conditions.
• Beadlock Wheels: Excellent for rock climbing, these wheels use a beadlock ring to secure the tire to the wheel, ideal for running very low tire pressures.

Whether upgrading for aesthetics or functionality, consider all factors to ensure compatibility, performance, and durability. Remember, what works best for one may not suit another, making it essential to tailor your choices to your specific needs and off-roading style.

For a wide range of reliable off-roading products, including lift kits and wheel and tire packages, explore options from top manufacturers at XT. Discover the perfect upgrade for your off-roading adventures.