Why are custom wheels now being called "rims"

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I refer to them as "wheels" simply because:

1. I graduated from College
2. I have an exceptionally high IQ
3. I'm good looking
4. I'm not from Kentucky

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Originally Posted By: Doog
I refer to them as "wheels" simply because:

1. I graduated from College
2. I have an exceptionally high IQ
3. I'm good looking
4. I'm not from Kentucky

06.gif


29.gif
crackmeup2.gif
 
I think people in the tire industry typically use the word rim because that is what the tire goes on. The fact that the rim is usually part of the wheel is incidental.
 
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
I think people in the tire industry typically use the word rim because that is what the tire goes on. The fact that the rim is usually part of the wheel is incidental.

That probably has a lot to do with it. The wheel on a car refers to the entire round metal object. Technically, the rim is just the outside part of the wheel that the tire touches. The term rim has probably been thrown around incorrectly for 30 years or more so many now just accept is as a proper term for the wheel.
 
The tire is mounted on the rim, but the rim is part of a wheel.

Another one that drives me crazy is people who say "I can't drive a stick." or "it's got a stick.", etc

For some reason it seems OK if a woman says it, but I hate to see a real man, or someone who should be one by now, use that phrase.

It's a manual transmission, sometimes referred to as a "stick shift" but only if it's floor mounted.

But, I take my own advice, so when I hear it, I say nothing.
 
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Originally Posted By: Bamaro
Originally Posted By: CapriRacer
I think people in the tire industry typically use the word rim because that is what the tire goes on. The fact that the rim is usually part of the wheel is incidental.

That probably has a lot to do with it. The wheel on a car refers to the entire round metal object. Technically, the rim is just the outside part of the wheel that the tire touches. The term rim has probably been thrown around incorrectly for 30 years or more so many now just accept is as a proper term for the wheel.


Accepted as a colloquial term yes, but wouldn't go as far as a "proper term".

What is my test for a "proper term"? The test is simple. Try to find it in any published manual or tech/service document or instruction manual (that hasn't been poorly translated from another language).

These are the documents that are "industry standard" to fulfill the purpose of communicating information without confusion.

-nowhere in any modern document will they refer to an engine as a "motor".

-nowhere in any modern document will they refer to a wheel as a "rim", unless they are referring to the "rim" of the wheel.


On the other hand the purpose of language is to convey a message and it's flexible.

If you understand what someone else is talking about, especially if it's just a person not into cars, you don't have to be an a-hole about it to correct them all the time if you got the message 100%.
 
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Originally Posted By: threeputtpar
Aren't they all called "dubs" now, even the ones that are smaller than 20"? Rims is so last millennium!


Dubs is more of a 2008 thing, I have not heard that term used in awhile.

20's used to be a big deal, now they are not anymore.
 
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I have been hearing the term "rims" for about as long as I can remember, but I have always considered "wheel" to be the correct terminology, and wheel is the term I use.

I don't really care what term someone else uses, but I will continue to use wheel. Sometimes though I will get a customer who only knows the slang term and gets confused by the term "wheel" (NO NO NO, I DON WANT NO STURRIN' WHEEL, I WANT A RIM FOR MY HIGH-YOON-DIA CILANTRO).

Originally Posted By: Brad_C


And yes, our 65 Triumph TR4A has "knock off hubs". We call them "spinners".

Different regions, different terminology.
 
I think that "wheel" and "rim" have been used interchangeably for years. I know "rim" was used when I was in high school in the late 70s. I think it might also be situational...if I'm buying a wheel for a spare tire then it's generally a steel wheel and not a steel "rim". If I'm spending $300-$400 each for custom wheels, then you have people describing or wanting new "rims" ( read: desirable term ) for their vehicle. No dig on the OP, but asking why custom wheels are now being called "rims" is like asking why all the kids now say things like "groovy" and "far out".
 
Originally Posted By: hattaresguy
Originally Posted By: threeputtpar
Aren't they all called "dubs" now, even the ones that are smaller than 20"? Rims is so last millennium!


Dubs is more of a 2008 thing, I have not heard that term used in awhile.

20's used to be a big deal, now they are not anymore.


Very true

Grandma's Caddy has bigger wheels then "Rims" of 10 years ago

20" is no longer AWN RIYUMS in the west coast lexicon

What happened to Donks? They fall out of popularity to be replaced by stancing?
 
Originally Posted By: michaelluscher

What happened to Donks? They fall out of popularity to be replaced by stancing?


Donks are still around in "da souf." Maybe less popular with pro athletes and nationally famous rappers, but definitely still around.

There is a chain called Rimtyme in many Southern states where you can get riyums in donk sizes.

The fullsize cars are still common, but 1/2 ton pickups and SUVs are replacing them to an extent. There are lots of early 2000s and later ragged out pickups with a lot of miles and big wheels. Ragged out Tahoes, Expeditions, Escalades, Yukons, Armadas, and Suburbans too. You can get an early 2000s Suburban 1500 2WD for probably $3K around here in rough, but drivable (for now) condition, then go put some riyums on at Rimtyme.
 
There are places local to me that will rent 2 own "rims". I'd imagine well before the time they're paid off it'll be time to replace those 35 series 26" tires.
 
Originally Posted By: CoconutTelegraph
There are places local to me that will rent 2 own "rims". I'd imagine well before the time they're paid off it'll be time to replace those 35 series 26" tires.


Nothing like renting wheels on a leased vehicle in an apartment lot with clothes bought with a credit card in a state running a deficit in a country in trillions of dollars of debt.
 
Originally Posted By: CoconutTelegraph
There are places local to me that will rent 2 own "rims". I'd imagine well before the time they're paid off it'll be time to replace those 35 series 26" tires.


This is a bit of snootiness.

Just about every single tire and wheel store offers either a store credit card or financing to allow you to make your purchase via payments, which is the same thing after you get to the nitty gritty of the actual financing contract, so it's not just stores "local to you".

Type in any tire chain of and "financing" and they ALL offer it.

Actually, every single dept store (car related or not) offers financing and a card.
So perhaps time to take a look around and your horse is the same height as everyone elses.
 
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Originally Posted By: raytseng
Originally Posted By: CoconutTelegraph
There are places local to me that will rent 2 own "rims". I'd imagine well before the time they're paid off it'll be time to replace those 35 series 26" tires.


This is a bit of snootiness.

Just about every single tire and wheel store offers either a store credit card or financing to allow you to make your purchase via payments, which is the same thing after you get to the nitty gritty of the actual financing contract.

Actually, every single dept store (car related or not) offers financing and a card.
So perhaps time to take a look around and your horse is the same height as everyone elses.


Renting huge chrome wheels is as discretionary and irresponsible as spending can get. Not quite in line with purchasing *necessary* tires or clothes.
 
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