Why Aftermarket Wheels Can Transform Your Vehicle’s Performance

Why Aftermarket Wheels Can Transform Your Vehicle’s Performance

If you’ve ever looked at your car or 4WD and thought, it’s missing something, there’s a good chance the answer is sitting right under your nose - or rather, under your wheel arches. Upgrading to aftermarket wheels isn’t just about making your ride look better (though, let’s be real, that’s a huge bonus). It’s about dialling in performance, improving handling, and tailoring your vehicle to your specific driving needs.

Factory wheels are designed with one thing in mind - mass production. They need to be cost-effective, appeal to a broad audience, and comply with regulations for the widest range of road conditions.That’s fine for the average driver, but if you care about how your car or 4WD performs, factory wheels will only get you so far.

Let’s break down exactly why aftermarket wheels are one of the best upgrades you can make, whether you’re chasing better handling, improved fuel efficiency, or an off-road setup that can actually handle the punishment you’re about to throw at it.

1. Shedding Weight, Gaining Performance

One of the biggest advantages of aftermarket wheels is weight reduction. If you’ve ever done any sort of performance tuning, you’ll know that every kilo saved makes a difference. Most stock wheels are made from basic cast aluminium or even steel, which is fine for durability but not great when you start pushing your car’s performance. A lighter wheel means less rotational mass, which directly improves:

• Acceleration – Less weight to move means your car gets up to speed faster.

• Braking – With less weight spinning, your brakes don’t have to work as hard, leading to better stopping power and less wear.

• Handling – Lighter wheels mean less unsprung weight, giving you sharper steering response and better grip through corners.

Many high-end aftermarket wheels use forged aluminium, which is significantly lighter and stronger than the cast materials used in most stock wheels. If you’re serious about performance, this is where you start making real gains.

2. Improved Handling & Stability

Your wheels and tyres are the only things connecting your vehicle to the road (or the dirt, or the rocks, depending on how you drive). Upgrading to aftermarket wheels lets you fine-tune your vehicle’s handling characteristics to suit your driving style.

• Wider wheels = more grip – A wider wheel allows for a wider tyre, which increases the contact patch with the road. More contact means better grip, better cornering, and better stability at speed.

• Optimised offsets – Offset refers to how far the wheel sits in or out from the hub. The right offset can improve steering response, stability, and even your vehicle’s stance.

For street performance, track days, or spirited mountain runs, aftermarket wheels help you put the power down where it belongs - on the road. And if you’re into off-roading? The right wheel size and offset make a huge difference in clearance, articulation, and overall capability.

3. Strength & Durability – Built to Handle the Tough Stuff

If you’re a 4WD owner, you know that stock wheels can only take so much abuse before they start looking worse for wear. Aftermarket wheels, particularly those designed for off-roading, are built to handle serious punishment.

Forged wheels – These are the holy grail of strength and durability. They’re significantly stronger than cast wheels while still being lighter.

Beadlock wheels – If you’re running seriously low tyre pressures for off-roading, beadlock wheels keep your tyres from de-beading when you hit rough terrain.

If you’re into rock crawling, mud running, or beach driving, upgrading to a proper set of off-road wheels means you’ll spend more time on the tracks and less time worrying about bent rims.

4. Fuel Efficiency – Does It Really Matter?

Okay, let’s be real - no one’s buying aftermarket wheels solely for better fuel economy. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a factor. Lighter wheels require less energy to rotate, meaning your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. While the difference might not be dramatic, every little bit counts - especially with today’s fuel prices. If you’re upgrading to a bigger, heavier wheel, you might see a slight dip in economy, but if performance is the goal, that’s usually a trade-off people are willing to make.

For 4WDs, the equation changes slightly. Heavier wheels and tyres can mean more fuel consumption, but if you’re getting better off-road traction and durability, it’s worth it.

5. The Look – Because Let’s Be Honest, That Matters Too Let’s not pretend aesthetics aren’t a huge part of why people upgrade their wheels. 

Whether you’re building a tough street machine, a track weapon, or a beastly 4WD, the right set of wheels can completely change the way your vehicle looks.

You’ve got endless options - matte black for that stealthy vibe, machined finishes for a bit of contrast, or full polished for a classic, high-end look. When paired with the right tyres and stance, aftermarket wheels take your ride from nice to next level.

6. Do You Need Beadlock Wheels?

Beadlock wheels are designed to keep your tyres securely in place when running low pressures off-road. They’re a must-have for serious off-roaders tackling extreme terrain, but they do come with trade-offs.

• Advantages: They allow for extreme tyre deflation without losing the bead, which is crucial for traction in sand, mud, and rock crawling.

• Disadvantages: They’re heavier, more expensive, and not always road legal in certain areas.

For most off-roaders, a strong, well-made set of standard aftermarket wheels with a good tyre choice will do the job just fine. But if you’re constantly tackling hardcore tracks, beadlocks are worth considering.

7. Choosing the Right Wheel Material

Another major factor when selecting aftermarket wheels is the material they’re made from. Most wheels come in two main types:

• Cast aluminium – More affordable and commonly found in most factory wheels, but heavier and not as strong as forged options.

• Forged aluminium – Lighter, stronger, and more durable. Perfect for high-performance applications, whether on the road or off it.

There are also steel wheels, often favoured by hardcore off-roaders for their sheer toughness, but they add weight, which can impact fuel efficiency and handling.

8. What Size Wheels Should You Upgrade To?

One of the most common questions we get is: What size wheels should I run? The answer depends on your vehicle, how you drive, and what kind of suspension setup you have.

• For street performance – Upsizing your wheels can improve grip and handling, but too large and you’ll compromise ride quality.

• For 4WDs – Going up one or two sizes is usually fine, but anything bigger can add stress to your powertrain.

Larger wheels can also be heavier, which affects fuel consumption and acceleration. That said, a bigger wheel and tyre combo will give you better ground clearance for off-roading, so there’s always a trade-off.

Aftermarket Wheels for Off-Roading: Why They’re Essential

If you’re serious about off-roading, your wheels aren’t just a cosmetic upgrade—they’re a crucial part of your vehicle’s performance and durability. Factory wheels are designed for general use, meaning they might hold up fine on highways and light trails, but once you start tackling rocky paths, deep mud, or sand dunes, stock wheels can quickly become a weak link. That’s where aftermarket off-road wheels come in.

1. Strength & Durability: Built to Handle the Rough Stuff

Off-roading is brutal on wheels. You’re dealing with jagged rocks, uneven terrain, deep ruts, and obstacles that can easily dent or crack a weaker wheel. Factory wheels, especially those made of low-grade aluminium or cast materials, are not designed for the constant punishment of hardcore 4WD adventures.

Aftermarket off-road wheels, particularly forged or heavy-duty cast aluminium options, are designed to take the hits. They offer superior strength while maintaining a reasonable weight, ensuring that your wheels won’t fail when you’re deep in the bush, far from help.

For those who want maximum toughness, steel wheels are another option. They’re heavier, but they’re incredibly strong and can often be hammered back into shape if they take a hit—something you can’t do with aluminium.

2. Beadlock Wheels: Are They Necessary for Off-Roading?

One of the biggest advantages of aftermarket off-road wheels is the option to run beadlock wheels. Beadlocks physically clamp the tyre’s bead to the rim, preventing it from popping off when running extremely low tyre pressures - something essential for traction in sand, mud, and rock crawling.

Running lower tyre pressures increases the tyre’s footprint, improving grip and allowing for better control over rough terrain. But without a beadlock system, there’s a risk of the tyre slipping off the rim, especially when you air down below 15 PSI. If you frequently air down for serious rock crawling, deep sand driving, or mud terrain, beadlocks can be a game-changer.

3. Wheel Size: Bigger Isn’t Always Better for Off-Roading

One of the most common mistakes off-roaders make when upgrading wheels is going too big. Larger wheels might look aggressive, but they can negatively impact your vehicle’s off-road performance in a few ways:

• Reduced Sidewall Flex: A taller wheel means a shorter tyre sidewall, which limits the tyre’s ability to flex over obstacles. More flex means better traction and a smoother ride off-road.

• Heavier Wheels & Tyres: Bigger wheels add weight, putting more strain on your vehicle’s suspension, drivetrain, and fuel efficiency.

• Lower Ride Comfort: Off-roading with low-profile tyres on big wheels can make for a jarring ride, as there’s less cushioning against rocks and ruts.

For off-roading, a good rule of thumb is to choose a wheel size that allows for a taller tyre sidewall. For example, if your stock wheels are 18-inch alloys, you might benefit from dropping down to 16-inch or 17-inch wheels with bigger tyres to maximise sidewall flex and durability.

4. Offset & Backspacing: Getting the Right Fit for Your 4WD

The way your wheels sit on your vehicle plays a huge role in clearance, handling, and stability. Aftermarket off-road wheels allow you to adjust the offset and backspacing to get the perfect stance for your 4WD.

• Negative offset wheels stick out further, giving a wider stance for more stability off-road and allowing for bigger tyres without rubbing on the suspension.

• Positive offset wheels tuck in closer to the vehicle and are more common on factory setups, but they can limit tyre size and clearance. If you’re planning to upgrade to larger tyres, choosing the right offset will help avoid rubbing issues while ensuring your vehicle remains stable and balanced on rough terrain.

5. The Look: Aggressive Styling for Your 4WD

Beyond performance, aftermarket off-road wheels completely transform the look of your 4WD. Whether you want a rugged, tactical appearance or a clean and modern aesthetic, the right wheels will give your vehicle an instant visual upgrade.

Popular finishes for off-road wheels include:

• Matte Black: A classic choice for a tough, aggressive look.

• Bronze: Adds a bit of flair while still looking rugged.

• Machined & Milled Accents: Gives a more detailed and high-end finish.

Some wheels such as ATI also come with customisable rings or removable accents, letting you personalise your setup even further.

Final Thoughts: Are Aftermarket Wheels Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re chasing better handling, a tougher off-road setup, or just want your car or 4WD to look the part, aftermarket wheels are one of the best upgrades you can make.

At Bud’s Tyres, we stock a huge range of performance and off-road wheels to suit all kinds of vehicles. Whether you need something lightweight for the track, tough for the trails, or just something to set your ride apart, we’ve got you covered.

Need help finding the right wheels?

Get in touch with our team, and we’ll help you find the perfect setup for your ride. We ship Australia-wide, so no matter where you are, we’ll get your new wheels to you!