Alloy Confussion???
Discussion
Hi can anyone help?
I want to buy some new alloys for my classic mini but dont understand how the sizing works. My specs say mine should be 12'' but you seem to be able to get 4.5 x 12'', 5 x 12'' and a few others, so what does the first digits relate to? Please if and one can help would really appreciate it
I want to buy some new alloys for my classic mini but dont understand how the sizing works. My specs say mine should be 12'' but you seem to be able to get 4.5 x 12'', 5 x 12'' and a few others, so what does the first digits relate to? Please if and one can help would really appreciate it
AliceGem said:
Okay, brilliant I am feeling a little blond now LOL, so am i right in saying that if i measure the diameter of my current alloys i should know what size the new ones need to be?
You need to get four things right - the diameter, the rim width, the stud pattern and the hub offset. 
any advice on the best type to buy? This should help?
Tyre Calculator is used for measuring the overall diameter, checking that the rolling radius remains within ±2.5%.
Rim Width Calculator is used for checking that a tyre size will fit a rim width.
What does PCD mean?
PCD stands for (pitch circle diameter), this is the diameter of a circle drawn through the center of your wheel's bolt holes. PCD is measured in millimetres and also indicates the number of studs or bolts the wheel will have. The most common fitment has 4 studs with a PCD of 100mm, hence the fitment 4x100. Check the fitment guide above to check the fitment of your car, if you are unsure consult a technician.
What does OFFSET (et) mean?
Your car requires a unique offset. This is where the wheel will sit in relation to the bodyline of the vehicle, realistically you can go 5-7mm outside these recommendations, but always consult a technician if you are unsure, as there are often other factors that need to be considered. Offset is usually stamped on the wheel and is measured in millimetres of et (et is the short form of the German word 'Einpresstiefe' which literally translates as insertion depth).
For further reference check out Chris Longhurst's The Wheel & Tyre Bible, an excellent reference for alloy wheels & tyres.
AlloyWheels.COM ©2010. http://www.alloywheels.com
Welcome to PH
Tyre Calculator is used for measuring the overall diameter, checking that the rolling radius remains within ±2.5%.
Rim Width Calculator is used for checking that a tyre size will fit a rim width.
What does PCD mean?
PCD stands for (pitch circle diameter), this is the diameter of a circle drawn through the center of your wheel's bolt holes. PCD is measured in millimetres and also indicates the number of studs or bolts the wheel will have. The most common fitment has 4 studs with a PCD of 100mm, hence the fitment 4x100. Check the fitment guide above to check the fitment of your car, if you are unsure consult a technician.
What does OFFSET (et) mean?
Your car requires a unique offset. This is where the wheel will sit in relation to the bodyline of the vehicle, realistically you can go 5-7mm outside these recommendations, but always consult a technician if you are unsure, as there are often other factors that need to be considered. Offset is usually stamped on the wheel and is measured in millimetres of et (et is the short form of the German word 'Einpresstiefe' which literally translates as insertion depth).
For further reference check out Chris Longhurst's The Wheel & Tyre Bible, an excellent reference for alloy wheels & tyres.
AlloyWheels.COM ©2010. http://www.alloywheels.com
Welcome to PH
kambites said:
AliceGem said:
Okay, brilliant I am feeling a little blond now LOL, so am i right in saying that if i measure the diameter of my current alloys i should know what size the new ones need to be?
You need to get four things right - the diameter, the rim width, the stud pattern and the hub offset. On the assumption you want to leave the standard wheel arches on, the biggest wheel you want to go to is 5 inches wide, or 5x12. Any wider and they'll stick out from the arches, which can be an MOT fail IIRC. The wheels already on the car are likely to be 4.5x12, so if you go for that size, you can be really cheap and swap the tyres off the wheels you already have.
AliceGem said:
Okay, brilliant I am feeling a little blond now LOL, so am i right in saying that if i measure the diameter of my current alloys i should know what size the new ones need to be?
No need to measure them if they've got tyres on. Look at the tyre sidewall, you will probably have something like the below, but with 12 at the end.
There's probably a stamp on the wheel somewhere, something like 4.5j x 12. The number before J refers to the width. Measuring the width isn't as simple as it sounds so easier to look for that stamp.
What you have there is 12x4.5. Most wider alloys will need wider arch extensions and some may require cutting out the front arches, this typically goes for 13". 10" requires an overhaul of the brakes.
So if you want to keep it cheap, you either stick with minilites or the pepperpots.
Here is mine of Mamba's
So if you want to keep it cheap, you either stick with minilites or the pepperpots.
Here is mine of Mamba's
AliceGem said:
Thanks guys for the brilliant info, I will do all that A friend said about revolution wheels but to be honest i don't have the budget for them and also was thinking of putting something a little differant on her, maybe mamba's? Here's a pic of her and yep she is pink 
For what it's worth, IMHO, you've already got the best wheels for a Mini. A friend said about revolution wheels but to be honest i don't have the budget for them and also was thinking of putting something a little differant on her, maybe mamba's? Here's a pic of her and yep she is pink And BTW, that's RED
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/13-x-7-MINI-LITE-ALLOYS-...
These are cool... deep dish...
£159.99 buy it now. Bargain!!
These are cool... deep dish...
£159.99 buy it now. Bargain!!
12x5 and12x6 (just about) will fit under the standard arches, and as mentioned above revolutions, or indeed revolites look fantastic in those sizes. As long as it's sold as a mini wheel it will fit fine. 13 inch wheels require arch modification and wider arches, also they make steering at low speed a lot heavier, though cornering ability is dramatically improved. The mambas you mentioned are most commonly found in the 10 inch size, which will NOT fit on your car without either retrofitting cooper/s brakes from an early car, or fitting modern alloy calipers designed to fit under tens.
Edited by Checkmate on Tuesday 17th April 19:57
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