White Wheels On White Car. Some Style Rules You Should Know

Although everyone is quick to agree that almost all styles of wheels pair well with white pain, many have reservations about a white-on-white combo. Should we have white wheels on a white car? In order to properly answer this question, we will be preparing a detailed styling guide.

Wheels mods highlights

  • Commonreasons:pursuit of better design
  • Average prices:$400 - $2,000
  • Average waiting time:3 - 10 days
  • Common problems:baddesign, unwanted results, poor painting quality
  • DIY mods:possible but very complicated
  • Level of satisfaction:medium

 

White wheels on white car

Choosing the best color of wheels for a white car

According to a lot of surveys, white painted cars remain the most common car color here in the US, closely followed by black. We love white cars for their sharp, sophisticated look. They are also cooler as they do not retain heat. 

As a neutral color, white cars are non-binary and give you tremendous room to customize. And what better way can we make our vehicle stand out than by adding a bit of vibe to the rims. Your rim color choice should complement your car paint job. That is why we have compiled a brief listing of the best color rims for a white car. 

Top 5 Wheel Color Choices For A White Car

  • White

Add a bit of value to the worth of your white car with a white wheel color. Painting the wheel rims of your car white can make your car look expensive. But, if done incorrectly and used on the wrong type of vehicle, it can also make your car look drab and boring. 

White paint also has a few handicaps. For one, it dirties easily. As such, white cars must be kept clean at all times to avoid resembling a mobile trashcan. You should also be particular about the shade of white rim paint as it can make or mar your car. The best white shades are off-white, beige, and cream.

  • Black

The contrasting effect of two neutral colors is visible on white cars with black rims. This color blend is an excellent alternative to putting white wheels on a white car. Black paint is ideal if you are opting for a DIY paint job and are a novice. Why? Because it hides painting errors and other markings of inexperience. It is, therefore, no surprise that black is the second most popular car color in the US. 

  • Chrome

Chrome wheels exude elegance in a very subtle manner. They give your white car a smart look without coming off as bold or bright. This is the reason why chrome is often touted as an alternative to white. Bold and smart without being bright, chrome wheels are a popular alternative to white. 

  • Silver

Regardless of the tone of white on your car, there is a very high likelihood that silver will match it. Furthermore, silver wheels are also readily available as an OEM part, unlike other wheel choices. So if you are unsure of what white wheel alternative befits your white car, try silver.

  • Gunmetal

Besides being an excellent choice for a two-tone wheel, gunmetal is a great standalone color option for white cars. Gunmetal is also an intense and elegant color. Its rugged look is perfect for a vehicle that does everyday runs, and it will hide its stains. This wheel color is not also a common find among vehicles, and your car will, depending on the paint, have a standout look as a result. 

Style rules for white wheels on a white car

  • Jeep: No. Sedan: Yes/ Maybe.

Staying fresh, white on white, seems like a cool idea. But unless you are desperate to reignite the '70s rockstar in you, do not put white wheels on your white jeep! This becomes more important if your car is an offroader-your car is prone to dirtying often and will look awful.

  • Keep it clean. 

Note that once you drop white wheels on a sedan, it transforms the look of your car immensely. Also, remember that you need to keep your car spotlessly clean to maintain that sophisticated glossy look. 

  • Match your car color.

A common mistake people make when choosing the right wheel color for their white car is poor pairing. There are different shades of white, including off-white, cream, and beige. Your choice of wheel color should pair perfectly with your car paint. It is therefore advisable to seek professional help if you are unsure about the color of your car wheels. 

  • Two-tone for style.

White is a no-fuss color and gives your car a coordinating look. However, you can add a bit of sparkle to your sedan by opting for a two-tone wheel rim color. You can choose to have the inside of your wheel have a different color while the top face stays white. Alternatively, you can line the edges of your rim with a compatible paint.

 

How to paint car rims white by yourself

Unless you have a firm understanding of mechanics, painting your car rims by yourself is risky. A botched job can ruin your wheels. However, if you are comfortable proceeding, always remember to get the right gear. To paint your wheels white, you will need the following: 

  • Bucket
  • Tire tool
  • Degreasing agent
  • White Car Wheel Paint
  • Paint Sealer
  • Mild Dish Soap
  • Sponge
  • Jack Stand & Lift
  • Cloth
  • Large Plastic Sheet
  • Gloves
  • Overalls
  • Glasses
  • Respirator Mask
  • Jack Stand
  • Sandpaper
  • Steel Wool
  • Lug wrench
  • Masking Tape
  • Old newspapers
  • Car Wheel Paint Primer
  • Remove Wheels

Use the jack stand and lift to remove your wheels. Most people find it difficult to resist the temptation to paint with the wheels still in the car. Don't. It will make the finished work unprofessional as you will have limited room to maneuver the wheel.

Start by ensuring that your car is on a flat surface to ease the removal process. Then, remove the wheel by loosening the nuts that bolt each wheel to the hub with your lug wrench. 

Next, jack your car by a few inches with the jack stand and lift. Jack points will differ depending on the vehicle, so find out where they are on your car. After raising the car, remove the bolts with a lug wrench and pull your wheel towards you to remove it. 

  • Clean Your Wheels

Remove your wheels, lay them down on a large plastic sheet and start getting them clean. In order to achieve this, you need a soft sponge, warm water, and mild soap. Unless you have detached your tire from your wheel, you can also give your tire a good scrub. After cleaning the in and out of your wheels, rinse with clean, non-soapy water to get rid of the soap. 

The next step is to apply a degreaser. This stage is essential; degreasers are perfect for removing buildups of dust and dirt. Apply it on both sides and leave it to dry. 

  • Prep For Painting

Use a wire tool to rid your wheels of rust and old paint. Then, with the aid of a dry cloth, wipe the tire clean. 

After doing this, create abrasions to ensure that the paint adheres. With the help of 1000-grit sandpaper, sand the surface of your wheels to create tiny, barely visible abrasions. Rinse your wheels again before using mineral spirits to wash off any residue. Allow the wheels to dry again.

The second stage of prepping for painting involves the application of masking tape, plastic, or newspaper, to cover the entirety of your tire. On the other hand, opting to paint the wheel without the tire will require specialist tools you may not have. Mask every surface area except the places you will be painting: the rims and the back of your car wheel.

  • Paint

Once you have prepped, adorn protective wear and start painting. Protective clothing includes a respirator mask, glasses, overall, and gloves. The first three coats often consist of a wheel paint primer to prevent rust and ensure the coat adheres evenly. Always read the instructions on the special primer as each primer is different with specific times in between each application. 

After letting the primer dry, you can begin painting. You must add car wheel paints in the same way primer is applied in multiple coats. Also, the application should be light, even coats applied from a distance. Finally, some wheels require sealing after the paint is dry. Apply the sealing in the same way, in multiple coats. 

Allow the paint to dry for 24 hours before removing the masking tape and remounting the tires. 

White Wheels On White Car. How To Take Care Of Them?

White wheels are beautiful but need a bit more effort than darker-colored rims to stay clean. Here are a few tips on keeping them looking sharp and stylish at all times. 

  • Use ceramic brakes.

Most of the dirt that gathers around the wheel is from the brakes. Therefore opt for the less dusty ceramic brake pads to ensure that the inner lining of your car wheel does not have brake debris on them. 

  • Know your terrain

White rims do not do well in places with lots of rain. Keep your wheels away from muddy surfaces as your wheels will frequently require a wash. 

  • Wax

Waxing does wonders in keeping your white wheels clean. Regularly waxing the painted wheels and using the right brake pads limits the debris that gathers. The caveat, however, is that you do not tear around off-road so much as preventing external dirt from getting in will be impossible. Regardless, a waxed white wheel - depending on the paint - will clean easily.

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CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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