I've noticed the last few years that "custom" or alloy wheels in some circles have been called "rims". It seems like the term rims has gone from the gangsta vernacular to mainstream language most recently. In the tire stores, the car shows, and car sales ads the term "rims" has largely replaced the term custom wheels or alloy wheels. I thought everybody knew that the "rim" is the part of a wheel that secures the tire to the rest of the wheel, and hence the car. Does anyone else see this as an issue or am I just an old fogey who needs to get over it and recognize that the world has advanced out of the wire wheel era.
Why are custom wheels now being called "rims"
- Thread starter Stag
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Probably the latter, but if it makes you feel better, I still refer to them as wheels.
I agree, the vernacular is most perplexing.
I blame the west coast "awn ryms" pronunciation (Read: Matt Farah)
I blame the west coast "awn ryms" pronunciation (Read: Matt Farah)
Rims + tires = Wheels
Rims aren't really wheels because you can't drive on them alone.
Rims aren't really wheels because you can't drive on them alone.
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All languages evolve over time and English is no exception.
The correct term is "wheel" and don't feel you need to change just because others do.
Having said that, it doesn't mean you should become a stickler when you encounter a slang term (which is what "rims" is evolving to).
Since you understand what is meant, carry on but feel free to use the correct term in your own writing and conversation.
Hub + spokes + rim = wheel (spoked wheel)
Wheel Center + [inner / outer] rim = wheel (modern multipart wheel)
The correct term is "wheel" and don't feel you need to change just because others do.
Having said that, it doesn't mean you should become a stickler when you encounter a slang term (which is what "rims" is evolving to).
Since you understand what is meant, carry on but feel free to use the correct term in your own writing and conversation.
Hub + spokes + rim = wheel (spoked wheel)
Wheel Center + [inner / outer] rim = wheel (modern multipart wheel)
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I think you are supposed to hold your crotch when you say rims.
Yeah I always thought they were called rims. Tires are rubber things you put over metal rims. Tires + rims = wheels. Rims made of shiny stuff = alloy rims. Rims made of bland looking back metal = steelies.
Summit racing and I call them "wheels". I've always bought Cragar wheels. But......different times.....different language description.........of wheels.
I call them wheels unless discussing anatomy of a wheel (hub, spokes, rim, ie you mount the tire on the rim of the wheel.)
Also it could be how custom wheels are dished or have so much negative offset on how it looks so tacky on trucks and SUV's but creates chatter amongst homies on how you got new tight rims on your 'lade.
Also it could be how custom wheels are dished or have so much negative offset on how it looks so tacky on trucks and SUV's but creates chatter amongst homies on how you got new tight rims on your 'lade.
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Thanks to all for your replies. I guess since I can remember helping ( or getting in the way of) my dad when working on his MGTD or Austin Healey 3000 back when they were just British Sports Cars and not Vintage or Classic anything, that I am of "that certain age".
Is this really a big deal? I call them wheels also but I hear rims all the time.
Originally Posted By: Stag
Thanks to all for your replies. I guess since I can remember helping ( or getting in the way of) my dad when working on his MGTD or Austin Healey 3000 back when they were just British Sports Cars and not Vintage or Classic anything, that I am of "that certain age".
I'm guessing he did NOT call those wires/Minilites/whatever they had on them, "rims"? LOL
Thanks to all for your replies. I guess since I can remember helping ( or getting in the way of) my dad when working on his MGTD or Austin Healey 3000 back when they were just British Sports Cars and not Vintage or Classic anything, that I am of "that certain age".
I'm guessing he did NOT call those wires/Minilites/whatever they had on them, "rims"? LOL
Nope. Those wheels were "wires" short for wire wheels. And the Healy had Knock-off hubs. How many remember those?
I refuse to call them rims, you have wheels and tires go on wheels. I have actually had a customer go storming out of my parts department because I wouldn't call what they were looking for "rims" and when I said "wheels and rims are synonyms" I got the "now you are making up words" response.
But then I also get questioned because I was taught to call struts/shocks dampers and call knuckles uprights.
But then I also get questioned because I was taught to call struts/shocks dampers and call knuckles uprights.
Originally Posted By: mrsilv04
Whenever people stop referring to that thing under the hood that runs on gas and is connected to the transmission as a "motor".
Whereas :
...that thing under the bonnet that runs on petrol and is connected to the automatic gearbox as an "engine".
And yes, our 65 Triumph TR4A has "knock off hubs". We call them "spinners".
Different regions, different terminology.
Whenever people stop referring to that thing under the hood that runs on gas and is connected to the transmission as a "motor".
Whereas :
...that thing under the bonnet that runs on petrol and is connected to the automatic gearbox as an "engine".
And yes, our 65 Triumph TR4A has "knock off hubs". We call them "spinners".
Different regions, different terminology.
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