Buying used rims for your car or truck can save you significant money versus buying new ones. Safety will depend on the grade of the wheel and you will need to properly inspect them before purchasing. Below I will discuss who sells used rims, how to inspect them for safety, how rim quality is graded, and my experience with the places that sell used rims near me.
Map of Used Rims Near Me
For “used rims near me” or “where to buy used rims”, see below for locations…
Who Sells Used Rims – Where to Buy Second Hand Wheels for Cars and Trucks
The map above covers your primary sources for buying used rims and wheels. The types of places you can find used wheels are used tire shops, vehicle salvage yards, online stores, and private owner sales on Ebay Motors and Craigslist.
Typically you can find both used car rims and used truck rims. Most places that sell used rims are also the same places who buy used rims.
Used Tire Shops
Places that sell used tires often carry used rims. It makes sense because sometimes when they get used tires the wheels come with it. If they intend to sell the wheels they will do a close inspection and grade them before selling.
Some used tire shops may even fix an old rim if it is repairable and then sell it. You can find mid to high quality used rims for sale at used tire shops. The advantage of getting rims at these places is the ability to inspect them yourself.
Vehicle Salvage Yards
Vehicle salvage yards tend to have the lowest quality used car and truck wheels, but cheap prices. These salvages take in junked automobiles and auto parts and then resell the functioning parts.
They don’t do a tight inspection of rim and wheel and put the rims into stacks based on their quality grade. The lowest quality junked rims, will often be sent off for scrap metal recycling. While the quality of rims is lower at salvages, you can look at their quality grades and perform your own inspection.
Online Store
You can find plenty of online businesses that sell used car rims and used truck rims. These places will have stricter standards on their inventory for quality. They will typically take good pictures of the wheel and tell you the grade of the quality.
While you can find good quality used rims, you also need to consider the cost of shipping. Rims are heavy and can quickly add to the bottom line. If you do purchase used rims online, make sure you read customer reviews about the rims. It’s important because you are trusting their grading system and not your own eyes.
Private Owners
Lots of people sell used rims near me on Craigslist. You can also find them on eBay motors. If you live near a metropolitan area you will have more options local to you.
Getting second hand wheels from a private owner can often be the best money value and you can negotiate. The average person who sells used rims though often overgrades the rims and overestimates their value.
When dealing with a private seller, negotiate first but don’t commit to a price until you visually inspect the rims in person. If you are buying eBay Motors make sure you read the sellers ratings before purchasing anything.
New vs Used Rims
At face value, new rims and wheels have all of the obvious advantages. They are clean, shiny, perfectly, straight, blemish free, and may have a factory warranty. The catch on new rims is that they are expensive.
Depending on the brand, the type of metal, and the size sometimes they are ridiculously expensive. That’s the cost of new though, but that’s not your only option…
You can find good quality used rims if you are willing to do the research. You can still find the same brand name names and sizes at a fraction of the cost.
Now of course they won’t come with the warranty and it’s likely they aren’t quite as fresh as when they left the factories warehouse. Even still you can still find rims that grade out as “A’s”.
When it comes to anything used for your vehicle, safety inspections are critical. A set of rims that may look perfect on the surface, may not be straight and cause you a problem down the line.
Carefully evaluating the entire wheel prior to purchasing it will help get the quality you want for the price you want. The last thing you want is to get a wheel that was damaged in an accident or has hit a lot of potholes.
The trouble with buying used wheels online is there is little to no government regulation on the second hand market. Technically there isn’t much stopping someone from selling you an unsafe product. So buying used wheels and rims is buyer beware. This means knowing how to grade a rim and evaluate it for safety on your vehicle.
Wheel vs Rim – What’s the Difference?
This is a common question often asked at the place that sells used wheels near me and it’s pretty straightforward. A lot of people use the term wheel and rim interchangeably. The wheel is essentially the whole thing to which the tire gets mounted. The rim is part of the wheel and below you can actually see it listed as the outer lip. You can read more here.
How to Evaluate a Used Rim: Safety Evaluation and Quality Grading
Getting the right size rim for your car or truck is only half the battle. There are a few intricacies you should be aware of when inspecting a wheel. First I will address the basics of how to identify if a wheel is safe and then discuss how to grade the quality of it.
You will also want to read about how to choose the right size wheels. Most people pay attention to the cosmetics like scratches on the spokes, center cap, and outer lip rim, you will want to focus on the barrel, lug holes, center bore, and valve stem.
Safety Evaluation
Before you purchase a used wheel, you MUST inspect it for safety.
Check for Bent Rims
Closely look for any distortion like a bent rim. The best way to check a rim is on a wheel balancer, which most people won’t have available to them while they are shopping. Your next best option is to roll the wheel on a level surface and look at the rims lips. You are checking to see if it hops as it rolls.
Check for Repairs
Some shops will actually hammer a wheel back into straight condition with a mallet. This is never a safe practice and even if they straighten it out, can make the rim still dangerous. You never want to buy a wheel that has been repaired.
You can lay the rim flat down and run your hand across the outer lip and make sure it feels smooth all the way around. If the rim doesn’t lay flat on a flat surface, that is a bad sign. Also, rub your hand around the barrel and make sure there aren’t any signs of flat spots or indents.
Some wheel damage is repairable and okay to buy if it’s just with polishing or sanding. If it has a major dent, gauge or scrape, then pass on buying it.
Bead Area and Valve Stem Inspection
The bead area is where the tire and the rim seal together. You can’t inspect a bead area if a tire is still on. This area needs to feel smooth. If there is any sign of pitting or peeling on the bead/mounting surface pass on this rim.
The valve stem needs to look clean and straight. Any damage to the bead or valve stem will affect the ability of the tire to hold air.
Quality Grading of Used Wheels
Safety grading is of course a huge part of quality grading. This is the part of your inspection process where you decide if the wheel is new, like new, very good, bad, dinged, terrible, or junk.
Places like tire shops, online sellers, and salvage yards grade rims and categorize them. Private sellers, don’t which is why you should know how to grade a rim yourself. The most basic method of grading is the A, B, C’s.
- A: New or like new. Have no structural damage or cosmetic damage like scratches
- B: These have only one blemish no thicker than the depth of a credit card
- C: Is anything that has one or more blemishes
There are more granular grading systems that get into minus and plus grades as well.
Is Buying Used Rims Safe?
I get the question all the time: “Are used rims safe to buy”? Yes, as long as it is straight and the tire doesn’t loose air because of it. You can live and drive with blemishes, scuffs, and scratches. You should avoid any wheel with structural issues or a wheel that looks like there was serious repair work done to the structure.
How Much are Used Wheels Near Me?
I can find used rims near me for 30 to 50% off the original manufacturer’s price. If you are getting to replace the tires with it, you can expect to pay more. Naturally, used car rims near me, tend to be less expensive than used truck rims near me, just given the size.
Finding a private owner near me and negotiating down tends to be a better value than getting them online. There is no standard price for purchasing used rims. There are several factors that affect the price such as: brand, quality, and size.
If you are purchasing a used rim locally, you can save on shipping costs. You may also need to consider how much does it costs to mount and install the replacement tires when you change the rims out as well as other tire related services.
Before you purchase anything for your car or truck, you should also do a little research on pricing. Look up how much the wheels went for as new and see what other people are selling them for on eBay. Having some insight into the price and market can help you evaluate if you are getting a good deal.
Cleaning Up Used Wheels After You Purchased Them…
If you have purchased second hand wheels you may want to do a little cleanup on them before you mount a tire. Hopefully, at this point you have done a proper inspection and there is no structural damage to fix. If there are issues, then you need to seek a rim repair shop.
If the wheel has minor curb rash and scratches those are issues that can be fixed. Many people like to paint rims and that is one possible way of cleaning them up. The problem with paint though is that it doesn’t last very long and it chips easily.
What I recommend for the best level of protection on a used wheel is powder coating. This is a process where you can choose a color and put a protective layer over the metal. It lasts 3x longer than paint and doesn’t chip as easily.
Why Buy Used Rims?
When it comes to vehicle maintenance and part replacement, many vehicle owners face the dilemma of choosing between new and used parts. One such decision involves purchasing rims. Here’s why buying used rims can be a wise or fantastic choice:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Purchasing used rims can be significantly more cost-effective than buying brand new ones. New rims, especially those from renowned companies or dealers, can be pricey. On the other hand, used rims, if in good shape, can offer the same functionality at a fraction of the cost. It’s essential to measure the cost savings and ensure that the price matches the quality. Additionally, many shops offer warranties on used rims, making them a fantastic deal for customers.
- Environmental Benefits: Opting for used rims is an environmentally-friendly choice. Manufacturing new parts consumes resources and energy. By choosing used rims, you’re reducing the demand for new parts and, in turn, decreasing the environmental footprint. It’s a way to opt for sustainability, ensuring that perfectly usable rims don’t end up in landfills. This practice promotes a balance between consumption and conservation, especially in countries like the USA and America where vehicle usage is high.
- Availability and Variety: The search for the perfect rim can lead customers to various sites and stores. Used rims come from a variety of vehicles, offering a broader range of styles and sizes that might suit different car models. Whether you’re looking for OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) rims or aftermarket ones, the availability is vast. Plus, with the rise of online service platforms and reviews, it’s easier than ever to access a wide variety of options. Many services even provide video demonstrations or detailed descriptions to helpfully guide the buyer.
In note, whether it’s for cost savings, environmental consciousness, or the sheer variety available, buying used rims is a decision that many find advantageous. Always ensure to contact trustworthy mechanics or dealers before making a purchase to guarantee the best value for your money.
Installation and Maintenance of Used Rims
Proper Installation Techniques
- Match the Size: Before installing, always ensure that the tires and rims are a perfect match. Using mismatched sizes can adversely affect the vehicle’s performance.
- Use the Right Tools: Having the correct tools on site is crucial. This ensures that the rims are fitted securely and reduces the risk of damage.
- Align Correctly: Proper alignment is essential to prevent uneven wear on the tires and to ensure the vehicle drives straight.
- Balancing: Once the rims are installed, they should be balanced. This helps in reducing vibration and extends the life of the tires.
Regular Maintenance and Checks
- Clean Regularly: Dirt and debris can accumulate on tires and rims. Regular cleaning helps in maintaining their appearance and prevents corrosion.
- Check for Damage: It’s helpful to inspect your rims for any signs of damage or wear. This can be done during routine vehicle checks.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure that the tire pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommendation. Incorrect pressure can affect the engine efficiency and fuel consumption.
- Rotate Periodically: Rotating the tires ensures even wear. It’s a good practice to rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
- Review the Condition: At least once a month, or before a long journey, review the overall condition of the rims and tires.
Remember, while rims add aesthetic appeal to a vehicle, their primary function is safety. Proper installation, regular maintenance, and timely repairs ensure that the vehicle remains safe on the road, irrespective of the country or terrain.
Used Rims Near Me – Wrap Up
Used rims for cars or trucks are great to save money as long as they are properly inspected. Never buy one that looks like has been repaired for structural damage or any wheel that isn’t straight. It’s my personal philosophy to never choose money over safety as well. No matter how good it looks or how inexpensive it is, if it doesn’t pass your safety test throw it back. This is what I have learned from buying used rims near me.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much is a Used Rim?
Used rims vary in prices based on factors like the model, brand, condition, size, and material. You can expect to save 30-50% off of the retail price on a used rim.
Do Junkyards Have Rims?
You can find rims at a junkyard and save significant money. Finding a set of the size you need in decent condition sometimes takes some scavenging, but a suitable set is out there. You can actually find designer models and after market rims at specialty junkyards and get huge discounts off the original retail price.
How Much Do Junkyards Pay For Rims?
Rims fall under the category of scrap metal and the prices vary by state and current market value of the type of metal. For an aluminum rim you may get $0.50/lbs. If the rims are still in good working condition you may be able to negotiate a higher offer since the junkyard will likely resell them.
Is it Bad to Buy Used Rims?
When buying used rims you need to inspect them and look at their quality grade. Many used rims on the second hand market are in great condition and are fine to drive on. If a rim is bent it could impact your car’s performance and cause a significant risk to your safety. Never let anyone pressure you into buying used rims. You should only purchase them from reputable sources.