Rims For A 2012 Nissan Altima

Alright, let's talk rims for your 2012 Nissan Altima. You're looking to upgrade, maybe for aesthetics, performance, or both. This guide will break down the technical aspects, ensuring you choose the right set of wheels and avoid any headaches down the road. We'll cover everything from bolt patterns to offset, making sure you understand the "why" behind each specification.

Understanding the Basics: Bolt Pattern, Size, and Offset

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s nail down some fundamental concepts. These three parameters are critical for ensuring a proper fit. Getting any of them wrong can lead to vibrations, rubbing, or even safety issues.

Bolt Pattern (aka PCD - Pitch Circle Diameter)

The bolt pattern, sometimes referred to as the PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter), describes the arrangement of the lug nuts on your wheel. It's expressed as two numbers: the number of lugs and the diameter of the circle they form. For the 2012 Nissan Altima, the bolt pattern is 5x114.3 mm. Let's break that down:

• 5: This indicates that the wheel has five lug nuts.
• 114.3 mm: This refers to the diameter, in millimeters, of the imaginary circle that passes through the center of each lug hole. It's equivalent to 4.5 inches.

Using a wheel with the wrong bolt pattern is dangerous. You might be able to force the lugs on, but the load won't be distributed evenly, leading to potential wheel failure. Always double-check the bolt pattern before purchasing.

You'll often see wheels advertised using both metric (114.3mm) and imperial (4.5 inches) measurements for the PCD. Both are correct and refer to the same specification.

Wheel Diameter and Width

Wheel diameter is simply the overall diameter of the wheel, measured in inches. The 2012 Altima came with several factory wheel options, typically ranging from 16 to 17 inches. However, you can often go slightly larger or smaller, depending on your preferences and tire choice. Keep in mind that changing the wheel diameter will affect your speedometer reading if you don't also adjust the tire size accordingly.

Wheel width, also measured in inches, determines the width of the tire you can safely mount on the wheel. The factory wheel widths for the 2012 Altima were usually between 6.5 and 7 inches, depending on the trim level and wheel style. Going wider can improve handling, but can also introduce rubbing issues, especially if combined with an incorrect offset. The proper tire size must be matched to the rim width.

When considering different wheel sizes, it's crucial to maintain the overall rolling diameter of the tire/wheel combination as close to the original specification as possible. This helps to prevent speedometer errors and ensures that your ABS and other electronic systems function correctly. You can use online tire size calculators to determine the appropriate tire size for a new wheel diameter.

Offset

Offset is the distance, in millimeters, between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. It plays a crucial role in how the wheel sits within the wheel well. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, pulling the wheel further inward. A negative offset pushes the wheel outward. Zero offset means the mounting surface is perfectly centered.

The 2012 Altima typically has an offset range of +40mm to +50mm. Sticking within this range is generally recommended, but you can sometimes deviate slightly, especially if you're upgrading to a wider wheel. However, going too far outside this range can cause:

• Rubbing: The tire may rub against the fender, suspension components, or brake calipers, especially during turns or when the suspension is compressed.
• Suspension Issues: Incorrect offset can put undue stress on your wheel bearings and suspension components, leading to premature wear.
• Steering Issues: It can affect the steering geometry, leading to altered handling characteristics or even instability.

When considering offset, think about what you’re trying to achieve. Do you want a more aggressive stance with the wheels pushed further out? A lower offset achieves this, but be mindful of potential rubbing. Do you want to ensure everything clears the brakes and suspension without any issues? Sticking closer to the original offset is the safer route.

Using wheel spacers to adjust offset is an option, but it's generally not recommended unless you know what you're doing. They can introduce additional stress points and require longer wheel studs for safe installation.

Materials and Construction

Wheels are generally made from either steel or aluminum alloy. Each material has its own pros and cons:

• Steel Wheels: These are typically the standard wheels found on base model Altimas. They're durable and affordable, but also heavy and less aesthetically pleasing. Steel wheels are more resistant to bending under impact but are prone to rust.
• Aluminum Alloy Wheels: Alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, which can improve fuel economy and handling. They also offer a wider range of designs and finishes. However, they are generally more expensive and can be more susceptible to damage from impacts. Alloy wheels often come in different manufacturing methods:
  • Cast Wheels: Most common, molten aluminum poured into a mold. Can be gravity cast (cheapest, weakest) or low-pressure cast (stronger, more expensive).
  • Flow-Formed/Rotary Forged Wheels: Starts as a casting, then the barrel is spun at high speed while pressure is applied, making the aluminum stronger and lighter. A good balance of cost and performance.
  • Forged Wheels: The strongest and lightest type. A solid billet of aluminum is pressed into shape under immense pressure. These are the most expensive option but offer the best performance and durability.

If performance is a priority, lighter alloy wheels are the way to go. Reducing unsprung weight (weight not supported by the suspension) can improve acceleration, braking, and handling. However, if you're primarily concerned about durability and cost, steel wheels might be a better choice.

Tire Considerations

Choosing the right tires is just as important as choosing the right wheels. The tire size must be compatible with the wheel width, and the overall rolling diameter should be close to the original specification.

The original tire sizes for the 2012 Altima ranged from 215/60R16 to 215/55R17, depending on the trim level. When changing wheel sizes, use a tire size calculator to determine the appropriate tire size to maintain the correct rolling diameter.

Consider the load rating and speed rating of the tires. These ratings indicate the maximum weight and speed the tires can safely handle. Make sure the tires you choose meet or exceed the specifications recommended by Nissan.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing new wheels is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to follow proper procedures to ensure safety:

1. Loosen the lug nuts: Before lifting the vehicle, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you're removing.
2. Jack up the vehicle: Use a jack to lift the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
3. Remove the old wheel: Remove the lug nuts completely and take off the old wheel.
4. Install the new wheel: Mount the new wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
5. Lower the vehicle: Lower the vehicle back to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications using a torque wrench. Consult your owner's manual or a reliable source for the correct torque value. Over-tightening can damage the wheel studs, while under-tightening can lead to the wheel coming loose.
6. Re-torque: After driving a short distance (around 50-100 miles), re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they are still properly tightened.

Regularly inspect your wheels for any signs of damage, such as cracks, bends, or dents. Clean them regularly to remove brake dust and road grime. Use a mild soap and water solution and a soft brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the finish.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rims for your 2012 Nissan Altima can be a rewarding experience, enhancing both the aesthetics and performance of your vehicle. By understanding the key technical specifications, such as bolt pattern, size, offset, and materials, you can make an informed decision and ensure a proper fit. Remember to prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you have any doubts or concerns. Happy driving!