Wheels vs. Rims

Wheel and tire information and upgrade discussions
Post Reply
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Wheels vs. Rims

Post by Geo »

This has always been one of my biggest pet peeves when talking about cars:Wheels vs. RimsIt just always bugged me that people call wheels "rims." It's just ... not right!!Now, if you should have 3 peice wheels, and are just buying the outer circle part, then I can see you using the word "rim" properly, but any other saying of this word just seems utterly wrong!You have the hub, spokes and the rim all part of the wheel itself (sorta like in a bicycle, or motorcycle WHEEL)So, what do you say? Is there any way you can defend your use of the word "rim?" Or, have you seen the error of your ways and will start saying "wheel" properly, and encourage others to do the same? *shudder* everytime I hear the word "rim" I just think of some 17 year old talking about his 19 inch rimz with the bling bling on his honda ... DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU! X_x;
BADGER PRIDE
esjones
Posts: 575
Joined: Sun Sep 22, 2002 2:17 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by esjones »

I agree with you 100% Geo, but you will sooner change a person's politics and religion before you will make them give up their individual word usages or pronunciations. Instead, brace yourself for the barrage of insults, personal attacks and other invective that is sure to come your way, each in defense of that person's choice of "rim" over "wheel."Doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists and other professionals have very specific terminology they use to communicate very specific meanings and nuances. The great unwashed masses, however, fall back on, "Hey, you knew what I meant, didn't you?" to justify all manner of trampling on the language. (And don't even get me started on spelling errors.......)
- Earl Earl Jones, Sales and MarketingHorizon Systems LLChttp://www.horizonsystems.com/ Skype ID: esjonesMy Vibe: '03 Base, 5-speed, ABS, Alum. Wheels, Power Pkg, DVD Nav., Security, Neptune/Graphite
meathead333
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 4:23 pm

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by meathead333 »

i see your point, but i dont see what the big deal is.
My myspace.com profile My 73' Bronco Cardomain page
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims

Post by Geo »

esjones: Actually, sometimes people can surprise ya! I used to pronounce Porsche "porsh" and once I realized how you should do it, that being "porsh-a," I never went back to pronouncing it wrong again. To help combat the barrage of personal attacks that I always seem to draw in certain threads, (usually with my anti-religion threads that I have been in) I have this handy flame-proof suit that I tend to wear while surfing the forums, it comes in VERY handy, especially in those religious flamewar threads that I mentioned. ;Dmeathead: That's what's wonderful about calling it a pet peeve, it doesn't have to make sense, or have a real point. It's just something that makes me cringe everytime I see it. ^_^
BADGER PRIDE
meathead333
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 4:23 pm

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by meathead333 »

ahh, i see. good point, i am the same way. i hate having different hangers in my closet. they got to be all white plastic with the same design. yeah, i am ageek, i know.
My myspace.com profile My 73' Bronco Cardomain page
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (meathead333)

Post by Geo »

Same colored hangers, *and* all shirts MUST be facing the same way, and sorted out between winter/fall and spring/summer sections ...and I'm only 20. help me. ;D
BADGER PRIDE
User avatar
joatmon
Posts: 10176
Joined: Fri Mar 21, 2003 5:19 am
Location: Room 101

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by joatmon »

It matters to me not enough to even know which term I use. Perhaps the term "rims" is used because the term wheel could also be used to refer to the entire wheel assembly, including the tires. If your wheel falls off at highway speed, you'd probably say "my *)&#$$!!! wheel fell off!" and not say "My, what an inconvenience, my wheel and the tire mounted on it fell off" As long as you know what is meant when you hear the term "rims", then communication is happening.By the way, what are "hangers" used for?
Image
meathead333
Posts: 1257
Joined: Fri Mar 14, 2003 4:23 pm

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (joatmon)

Post by meathead333 »

do i sense sarcasim?
My myspace.com profile My 73' Bronco Cardomain page
Vibe Rater
Posts: 1100
Joined: Mon Sep 23, 2002 1:37 pm

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by Vibe Rater »

There are some very effective drugs available for people like you.
ngilbert
Posts: 101
Joined: Wed May 29, 2002 8:21 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by ngilbert »

I hear what you are saying. I also agree with saying that people were brought up that way calling cetain things in a certain way, and that's the way they'll always say it, even if it's wrong or changed. For example, I hate it when people call manual tranmissions "a standard". Standard to me means "wasn't optional", or always equipped in this manner. It's called a "manual transmission" OK?
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by yank dini »

I say both actually but "Rims" is definately a more popular in the black community. I guess it came from when we all use to ride bikes as kids because we called those wheels " rims" too growning up
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (ngilbert)

Post by yank dini »

quote:I hear what you are saying. I also agree with saying that people were brought up that way calling cetain things in a certain way, and that's the way they'll always say it, even if it's wrong or changed. For example, I hate it when people call manual tranmissions "a standard". Standard to me means "wasn't optional", or always equipped in this manner. It's called a "manual transmission" OK? Co-sign on That!
scherry2
Posts: 4073
Joined: Wed Mar 26, 2003 8:02 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (yank dini)

Post by scherry2 »

And my wife calls me (removed) retentive
mwebb
Posts: 327
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:34 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (scherry2)

Post by mwebb »

To me calling them rims or wheels does not bother me but i also have some other pet peevs, so i know where you are coming from. I just always refered to the rim and tire together as a wheel and what you call the wheel a rim when it is alone without the tire. But now that I think of it I use the two terms all the time refering to the same thing.
18in Kaizer PHX II wheels / Toyo Tires / Tint2 way pager system alarm/remote starter2 Eclipse 12's / Eclipse HURemoved cross bars / Custom SBReflective red badge overlays / Red Vent Covers Pics Soon Billet Grill /LED underbodysFront tint / Windshield vinyl My Vibe - http://www.cardomain.com/id/webbsvibe
good vibes
Posts: 91
Joined: Tue Mar 18, 2003 8:26 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (mwebb)

Post by good vibes »

OK I call those things that my tires are wraped around: wheels but aside from that call them what you will.
My Car: 2003 Vibe AWD Shadow/Graphite My Options: Vibe Rubber Floor Mats, Vibe Back Seat Pouches w/ First Aid Kit My Extras: Anti-Fatigue Mat Cut To Fit, PIAA H4 Headlights, grafixwerks stuff, yakima bike blocks, roof rack with land shark for my kayak, and loadwarrior, hella tripple tone air horns (wanna hear a loud horn? get these!) Rockford Fosgate fanatic 6 1/2".
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by ragingfish »

But they are rims in a way...it's similar to a bicycle rim...A rim is defined as:quote:A circular metal structure around which a wheel tire is fitted.So realistically, you can use either term.
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by ragingfish »

Was that a question? LOL!
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
ragingfish
Posts: 11022
Joined: Tue Oct 15, 2002 8:23 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by ragingfish »

Ok, cause I'm not understanding what you're asking me! ROFL!
YES!I still visit GenVibe periodically. I have not forgotten about my "original" family over here!

2009 PONTIAC G8
3.6L V6 (256 HP @ 6300 rpm, 248 ft-lbs. @ 2100 rpm)
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by Geo »

quote:How about if you go into a tire shop and they come out and say you have a bent rim... Ah, but in that case, perhaps you really did bend the rim of the wheel Kinda like I tweaked my front wheel last year in a bike race: spokes, rim and hub needed adjustment ;DThen there's denting a rim (specific part) vs. denting the wheel (more general) Bending an entire wheel ... wow, that would be some impact ;D
BADGER PRIDE
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by Geo »

OMGOMGI did use the word "rim" but I did in fact mean the "rim" of the "wheel" (specific part)OMGOMG (removed) (removed) I R 0WNED J00! HAHAHAHAHALOLROORLOLOLOL!!!@@@
BADGER PRIDE
Triton
Posts: 2198
Joined: Wed Aug 14, 2002 1:24 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (ragingfish)

Post by Triton »

I agree. Wheels are wheels. A lot of people do call them rims though. Just grin and bear it I guess. LOL!
***SOLD***2003 Vibe GT Monotone Neptune - Inaugural October 2004 Vibe of the Month***SOLD***

Now the proud owner of Titanium Silver 2012 Kia Optima SX
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Triton GT)

Post by Geo »

"Smile and nod, just smile and nod." Tis what my old Chem/Advanced Chem teacher told me in highschool, I guess it works well in situations like this. (Although he originally told us to do this when we didn't understand what he was talking about ...it works well in this situation.) ;-)"Dude yo! I like my blingin' rimz yo!"Uh huh. *smiles* That's right, of course you do! *nods*See? Working well already!
BADGER PRIDE
Stang2Vibe
Posts: 2689
Joined: Thu Oct 31, 2002 3:37 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims

Post by Stang2Vibe »

Wow. Looks like some people in here were getting slap-happy. Anyway, I think you guys are on to the idea here. A "rim" is the surface to which the tire attaches. It is primarily the "lip" or edge of the wheel. The rim referrs to an edge. The wheel is the hub, spokes, and rim all together. Therefore, unless I am specifically referring to the edge of the wheel, I use the word "wheel". If you are in a tire shop and are told that you bent a rim, then the edge is bent and will not seal the tire to the wheel. If you bent the wheel, then you probably didn't survive the impact because it would take tremendous force to bend the entire wheel.The transmission reference that was mentioned earlier bothers me as well. It's a manual transmission, not a standard. I agree with the definition and understanding of the word "standard" that was posted earlier.In any case, I try not to worry too much about it.
Former owner of a 2003 Vibe GT---Great car that gave me 8 years and 83,000 miles of trouble-free service.Current owner of a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited AWD.
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by yank dini »

has anyone heard the term "SHOES" being used in place of wheels?
mwebb
Posts: 327
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:34 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (yank dini)

Post by mwebb »

HAHAHA I live in a ghetto Apartment complex in Ypsilanti..as if there are non ghetto apartments here..and the day I got my new rims-wheels-things between my tires- my nieghbor yelled out to me " hey Webb I feel your new shoes" It was really funny.
18in Kaizer PHX II wheels / Toyo Tires / Tint2 way pager system alarm/remote starter2 Eclipse 12's / Eclipse HURemoved cross bars / Custom SBReflective red badge overlays / Red Vent Covers Pics Soon Billet Grill /LED underbodysFront tint / Windshield vinyl My Vibe - http://www.cardomain.com/id/webbsvibe
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (mwebb)

Post by Geo »

*smiles and nods*;-)
BADGER PRIDE
yank dini
Posts: 956
Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2002 1:36 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (mwebb)

Post by yank dini »

quote:HAHAHA I live in a ghetto Apartment complex in Ypsilanti..as if there are non ghetto apartments here..and the day I got my new rims-wheels-things between my tires- my nieghbor yelled out to me " hey Webb I feel your new shoes" It was really funny.Nothing like a pair of new shoes for you and your Vibe I have been out there before. Not bad at all.....
mwebb
Posts: 327
Joined: Mon Nov 25, 2002 2:34 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (yank dini)

Post by mwebb »

It depends on the time of day and where you are at Yank- Its not too bad- But it is Ghetto
18in Kaizer PHX II wheels / Toyo Tires / Tint2 way pager system alarm/remote starter2 Eclipse 12's / Eclipse HURemoved cross bars / Custom SBReflective red badge overlays / Red Vent Covers Pics Soon Billet Grill /LED underbodysFront tint / Windshield vinyl My Vibe - http://www.cardomain.com/id/webbsvibe
Geo
Posts: 732
Joined: Thu Mar 13, 2003 9:05 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by Geo »

Aye ... Wasn't it James who said "Gonna get a new pair to match the color of your Vibe?"I think that was the funniest moment of the entire day - I still chuckle.Shoes ... hey, whatever works I guess. Always learning something new :D
BADGER PRIDE
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by MadBill »

Of course if you drive a big truck, it may have separate rims attached to wheel hubs which are bolted to the brake drums...
MadBill
Posts: 1513
Joined: Thu Nov 14, 2002 9:39 am

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (silverawd26)

Post by MadBill »

I was thinking of the wheel construction of the typical 18 wheeler.
DavidPIL
Posts: 769
Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2003 2:38 pm

Re: Wheels vs. Rims (Geo)

Post by DavidPIL »

Ok, I'm sure someone is gonna hate me for my logic here, and I seriously hope no one has said this already (Didn't have time to read through all the posts). Ok, they are "Wheels" and all wheels have a rim, like a cup or a canyon. So, it should be ok to either say, "my wheels have a 17" rim" or just for short, "my rims are 17"" (or whatever you have). I think it's less appropriate to say "my wheels are 17"" cuz I really feel the wheel measurement should be the width and the rim (of the wheel) would be the diameter. A bit of symantics but either way still makes sense...btw, I use "wheel" instead of "rim" but I think the other way makes sense as well.Dave
Post Reply