Rims For A 2014 Nissan Altima

The 2014 Nissan Altima, a staple of the mid-size sedan market, offers a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and comfort. While often overlooked, the wheels, and particularly the rims, play a crucial role in the vehicle's overall performance, handling, and aesthetics. Choosing the right rims involves understanding a variety of technical specifications and considerations. This guide provides an in-depth look at rims compatible with the 2014 Nissan Altima, exploring the key factors to consider when upgrading or replacing them.

Understanding Rim Specifications

Before diving into aftermarket options, it's essential to understand the factory specifications of the 2014 Altima's rims. This provides a baseline for comparison and ensures compatibility. The primary specifications to consider are:

Bolt Pattern

The bolt pattern, sometimes referred to as the *PCD (Pitch Circle Diameter)*, dictates how the wheel attaches to the vehicle's hub. It's expressed as the number of bolts and the diameter of the circle they form. The 2014 Nissan Altima uses a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern. This means there are five lug nuts, and they are arranged on a circle with a diameter of 114.3 millimeters (or 4.5 inches). Using rims with the wrong bolt pattern is incredibly dangerous and could lead to wheel detachment.

It is critical to always confirm that any aftermarket wheel is made to match this specific bolt pattern of 5x114.3mm.

Center Bore

The center bore is the diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel. It centers the wheel on the vehicle's hub. Ideally, the center bore of the rim should match the hub diameter of the Altima (which is approximately 66.1mm). A hub-centric wheel means that the wheel is centered directly on the hub, which is crucial for minimizing vibration and ensuring proper load distribution. If the center bore of the rim is larger than the hub, hub-centric rings can be used to fill the gap and ensure proper centering. Using rims with a center bore smaller than the hub diameter is not possible, as the wheel will not fit.

Wheel Diameter and Width

The diameter and width of the rim affect the tire size you can use and, consequently, the ride quality and handling of the vehicle. The 2014 Altima typically came with factory rim sizes ranging from 16 to 18 inches in diameter.

16-inch rims: Generally paired with tires that have a higher sidewall. Provide a more comfortable ride due to greater tire flexibility. These sizes typically are 6.5 or 7 inches wide.
17-inch rims: Offer a balance between ride comfort and handling responsiveness. These sizes typically are 7 or 7.5 inches wide.
18-inch rims: Provide a sportier appearance and improved handling, but the ride may be slightly firmer due to the lower profile tires required. These sizes typically are 7.5 or 8 inches wide.

When selecting a different wheel diameter, consider the overall tire diameter. Changing the overall tire diameter significantly can affect the speedometer reading and the performance of the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) systems. Use an online tire size calculator to compare the original tire size with potential replacements and ensure the difference in overall diameter is minimal (ideally within +/- 3%).

Wheel Offset

Wheel offset is the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. It is measured in millimeters and can be positive, negative, or zero. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, while a negative offset means it's closer to the inside. The offset affects how the wheel sits within the wheel well and can influence steering feel and suspension geometry. The 2014 Altima typically uses rims with an offset in the range of 40mm to 50mm. Sticking to this range ensures the tires won't rub against the suspension components or the fenders.

Deviating too far from the original offset can negatively impact bearing wear and handling. A larger positive offset will tuck the wheel further inside the wheel well, potentially causing clearance issues with suspension components. A smaller positive offset (or a negative offset) will push the wheel outwards, which could lead to fender rubbing, especially when turning or going over bumps. Carefully consider the pros and cons of any offset change.

Rim Materials and Construction

Rims are typically made from either steel or aluminum alloy. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages:

Steel Rims

Steel rims are the most common choice for original equipment (OE) wheels, particularly on base models. They are:

Durable: Resistant to bending and cracking, making them suitable for harsh driving conditions.
Affordable: Less expensive to manufacture than alloy rims.
Heavier: Increased weight can negatively impact fuel economy and handling.
Aesthetically less appealing: Usually covered with hubcaps.

Aluminum Alloy Rims

Alloy rims are popular for their aesthetics and performance benefits. They are:

Lighter: Reduced weight improves acceleration, braking, and fuel economy.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Available in a wide range of designs and finishes.
Better Heat Dissipation: Help dissipate heat from the brakes, improving brake performance and reducing brake fade.
More Expensive: Cost more than steel rims.
More Prone to Damage: Can be more susceptible to bending or cracking from impacts, although high-quality alloys are more resilient.

Alloy rims can be further categorized based on their manufacturing process:

Cast Alloy Rims: The most common and affordable type of alloy rim. Molten aluminum is poured into a mold.
Flow-Formed Alloy Rims: A casting process where the rim is spun and pressed after casting to increase strength and reduce weight.
Forged Alloy Rims: The strongest and lightest type of alloy rim. A solid block of aluminum is pressed into shape under high pressure. These rims are significantly more expensive than cast or flow-formed rims.

Choosing the Right Rims

When choosing rims for your 2014 Nissan Altima, consider the following factors:

Budget: Steel rims are the most affordable, while forged alloy rims are the most expensive.
Driving Style: If you prioritize comfort and durability, steel rims or cast alloy rims may be suitable. If you prioritize performance and aesthetics, flow-formed or forged alloy rims are a better choice.
Appearance: Consider the overall style of your vehicle and choose rims that complement it. There are many finishes to choose from, including painted, polished, chrome, and machined.
Tire Size: Ensure the rims you choose are compatible with the tire size you intend to use. Check the rim width specifications of your chosen tire to make sure it falls into the safe zone.

Example Scenario:

Let's say you own a 2014 Nissan Altima and want to upgrade from the factory 16-inch steel rims to aftermarket alloy rims. You're looking for improved aesthetics and slightly better handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort. You also have a limited budget.

In this scenario, 17-inch cast alloy rims would be a suitable choice. They offer a good balance of performance, aesthetics, and affordability. You would need to ensure the rims have a 5x114.3mm bolt pattern, a center bore of 66.1mm (or use hub-centric rings if necessary), a width of 7 or 7.5 inches, and an offset in the range of 40mm to 50mm. You would then select tires with a corresponding size, such as 215/55R17, to maintain a similar overall tire diameter to the original 16-inch tires.

Important Considerations

Load Rating: Ensure the rims have a load rating that meets or exceeds the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). This information can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb.
Professional Installation: It's always recommended to have rims installed by a qualified professional. They can ensure proper mounting, balancing, and torqueing of the lug nuts.
Lug Nuts: Use the correct type of lug nuts for your rims. Alloy rims typically require conical seat lug nuts, while steel rims may use acorn seat lug nuts.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): If your Altima is equipped with TPMS, ensure that the TPMS sensors are properly installed on the new rims.

Conclusion

Choosing the right rims for your 2014 Nissan Altima requires careful consideration of various technical specifications and factors. By understanding the bolt pattern, center bore, wheel diameter and width, offset, material, and construction of different rim types, you can make an informed decision that enhances your vehicle's performance, handling, and aesthetics. Remember to prioritize safety and ensure compatibility with your vehicle's specifications. Always consult with a qualified professional if you have any questions or concerns. Upgrading your Altima's rims can be a rewarding experience, but it's crucial to approach it with a thorough understanding of the technical aspects involved.