You just bought a car, but it looks like everything else on the street. What can you do to make it stand out? The most popular aftermarket upgrade you can do for your vehicle is to get new rims and wheels.

Besides the amazing number of choices, there are some things you need to know about buying new wheels and rims before you go to the shop. Your decision is more complicated than you might think. On the other hand, not only will the upgrades make your ride shine, some new wheels and rims can improve driving performance.

Wheels are an essential element in the design of cars, and offer designers a freedom of expression almost unmatched for automotive exteriors. Here are 100 galleries of photos of car rims for reference or inspiration.

Car rims are the most outer edge of a wheel. They’re where your tires are actually attached. The inner part of your car tire is attached to the rim. You’ll often hear people use “rims,” and “wheels,” interchangeably, where decorative wheels are called rims. Some people may also say “tire,” when they actually mean wheel. Knowing the actual parts of a wheel assembly can save you (and your auto mechanic) a lot of trouble.

Rim – The rim is the metal part that the rubber tire is wrapped around. Car rims are typically made from steel or aluminum. They can range in size and shape, from your standard plastic hubcap-covered rims to showy “spinners.”

What are car rim made of?
The majority of wheels today are cast aluminum alloy, meaning they’re made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. They are lightweight but strong, withstand heat well and are generally more attractive than steel wheels. They come in a very wide variety of finishes and sizes.

Steel Rims
Steel rims are the cheapest rims available. These rims are often covered with hubcaps since they are very plain looking.

Aluminum Alloy Rims
Aluminum alloy wheels are the most popular material used in car rims. This material is affordable while maintaining strength and durability. These rims also tend to be stylish.

Chrome Rims
Chrome plated rims are the most expensive option on the market. These rims are usually made with an aluminum alloy and then coated in a reflective chrome finish.

Plastic hubcaps
Hubcaps, like those commonly put on steel rims, are made out of plastic. Plastic hubcaps are cheap to manufacture yet are quite durable.

Paint and Clear Coat
Aluminum alloy wheels get paint and a clear coat before they are finished. This allows the wheel to resist rusting, and makes them look attractive.