2013 Nissan Maxima With Rims

The 2013 Nissan Maxima, often lauded as a "four-door sports car," offers a blend of comfort and performance that appeals to a wide range of drivers. One popular modification for Maxima owners is upgrading the wheels and tires, commonly referred to as "adding rims." While seemingly straightforward, selecting and installing aftermarket rims involves understanding several technical aspects to ensure optimal performance, safety, and aesthetics.

Understanding Rim Specifications

Before diving into the world of aftermarket rims, it's crucial to understand the factory specifications of the 2013 Maxima's wheels. This provides a baseline for comparison and helps avoid compatibility issues. Key specifications include:

Diameter: The diameter of the wheel, typically measured in inches. The 2013 Maxima generally came with 18-inch or 19-inch wheels depending on the trim level. Think of it like the size of a pizza – 18-inch is smaller than a 19-inch.
Width: The width of the wheel, also measured in inches. This determines the acceptable tire width. A wider wheel can generally accommodate a wider tire, improving grip but potentially affecting fuel economy.
Bolt Pattern: The number and spacing of the wheel studs. The 2013 Maxima typically uses a 5x114.3mm (or 5x4.5 inch) bolt pattern. This means there are five studs, and the circle they form has a diameter of 114.3mm. Using the wrong bolt pattern is a major safety hazard, as the wheel won't properly attach to the hub.
Offset: The distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. Offset is measured in millimeters. Positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, while negative offset means it's closer to the inside. Offset dramatically affects how the wheel sits in the wheel well and can impact suspension geometry.
Center Bore: The diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that centers it on the hub. If the center bore of the aftermarket wheel is larger than the hub, you'll need hub-centric rings to ensure proper centering and prevent vibration.

Ignoring these specifications can lead to problems ranging from rubbing against the fenders to catastrophic wheel failure. For example, if you choose a rim with the wrong bolt pattern, it simply won't fit – imagine trying to put a square peg in a round hole. And an incorrect offset can put undue stress on wheel bearings and suspension components, leading to premature wear. You can typically find the OEM wheel specifications in your owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side doorjamb.

The Impact of Rim Size and Offset

Changing the rim size and offset can dramatically alter the appearance and handling of your Maxima. Increasing the rim diameter, often referred to as "upsizing," can improve the vehicle's aesthetics. However, it usually requires using tires with a lower profile (shorter sidewall) to maintain the overall rolling diameter. This can lead to a harsher ride, as there is less tire sidewall to absorb bumps. Think of it like this: a taller tire sidewall acts like a cushion. A shorter sidewall provides less cushioning. For example, if you were to go from the factory 18-inch wheels to 20-inch wheels, you'd need to select tires with a correspondingly shorter sidewall to keep the overall diameter roughly the same.

Offset, as mentioned earlier, is crucial for proper wheel fitment. A lower offset pushes the wheel further outward, giving the car a wider stance. This can improve handling by increasing the track width, but can also lead to rubbing against the fenders, especially when turning. Conversely, a higher offset pulls the wheel further inward, potentially causing it to rub against the suspension components. Finding the right balance is key.

Example: Consider a Honda Civic. Many owners opt for aftermarket wheels with a slightly lower offset to give the car a more aggressive look. However, if the offset is too low, the tires might rub against the fenders, especially when the suspension is compressed. To combat this, they might need to roll the fenders (a process of slightly bending the fender lip outward) or install stiffer springs to reduce suspension travel.

Choosing the Right Rims: Materials and Construction

Rims are typically made from either steel or aluminum alloy. Steel wheels are generally more affordable and durable, making them suitable for winter tires or rough road conditions. However, they are heavier than alloy wheels, which can negatively impact fuel economy and handling. Alloy wheels, on the other hand, are lighter, allowing for quicker acceleration and better braking performance. They also dissipate heat more effectively, which can be beneficial for performance driving.

Alloy wheels come in various types, including:

Cast Wheels: The most common type, made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. They are relatively affordable but can be more prone to cracking under extreme stress.
Flow-Formed Wheels: A hybrid process where the wheel is initially cast, then spun and pressed to increase its strength and reduce its weight. These wheels offer a good balance of performance and cost.
Forged Wheels: The strongest and lightest type of wheel, made by compressing a solid billet of aluminum under high pressure. They are significantly more expensive than cast or flow-formed wheels but offer superior durability and performance.

For the 2013 Maxima, which prioritizes both style and performance, alloy wheels are the most popular choice. Flow-formed wheels are often a sweet spot, providing a noticeable upgrade in performance and aesthetics without breaking the bank. Consider brands like Enkei, Konig, and TSW, which offer a variety of stylish and well-engineered wheels for the Maxima.

Tire Considerations

Choosing the right tires is just as important as choosing the right rims. The tire size must be compatible with the rim width, and the load rating and speed rating must be appropriate for the vehicle. Increasing the rim size often necessitates using lower-profile tires. For example, if you upgrade from 18-inch wheels to 19-inch wheels, you might go from a 245/45R18 tire to a 245/40R19 tire. The "245" refers to the tire width in millimeters, "45" and "40" are the aspect ratios (the ratio of the sidewall height to the tire width), and "R18" and "R19" indicate the rim diameter. Keeping the overall tire diameter consistent is crucial for maintaining accurate speedometer readings and avoiding issues with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).

Consult a tire professional to determine the appropriate tire size for your chosen rims and driving style. They can help you select tires with the correct load rating, speed rating, and tread pattern to ensure optimal performance and safety.

Installation and Safety

Installing new rims and tires requires careful attention to detail. First, ensure you have the correct tools, including a lug wrench, a torque wrench, and a jack. Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle, then fully remove them once the wheel is off the ground. When installing the new wheels, ensure the mounting surface is clean and free of debris. Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Lower the vehicle and then use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque. Proper torque is critical for preventing wheel loosening and potential accidents.

After driving approximately 50-100 miles, re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they haven't loosened. It’s also a good idea to have your alignment checked after installing new wheels and tires, as changing the wheel size or offset can affect the alignment.

Example: Imagine you are installing new wheels on a Subaru WRX. If you over-tighten the lug nuts, you could potentially strip the threads on the wheel studs, leading to a dangerous situation where the wheel could come loose. Conversely, if you under-tighten them, the wheel could also come loose. Using a torque wrench and adhering to the manufacturer's specified torque is essential for safe wheel installation.

Practical Takeaways for Maxima Owners

Know Your Specs: Before buying any rims, research the factory specifications for your 2013 Nissan Maxima's wheels and tires.
Offset Matters: Carefully consider the offset of the new rims and how it will affect the wheel's position in the wheel well. Avoid offsets that are too aggressive, as they can lead to rubbing.
Tire Compatibility: Choose tires that are compatible with the rim width and maintain the overall rolling diameter to avoid speedometer inaccuracies and ABS/ESC issues.
Material Choice: Alloy wheels offer a good balance of performance and aesthetics. Flow-formed wheels are a great option for Maxima owners seeking an upgrade.
Proper Installation: Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque, and re-torque them after 50-100 miles. Consider having your alignment checked.
Professional Advice: Don't hesitate to consult with a tire or wheel professional for guidance on selecting the right rims and tires for your needs and budget.

By understanding these technical details and following these practical takeaways, you can confidently upgrade the wheels on your 2013 Nissan Maxima, enhancing its appearance, performance, and overall driving experience.