16"

16-inch wheels sit between the small wheels of classic and club cars and the large ones of current performance models. The wheels here are 7 J wide with five-stud patterns, in a satin grey finish. It is a practical size for a winter set, a comfortable road set or a smaller car.

A 16-inch rim leaves a generous sidewall that cushions potholes and frost-damaged roads and protects the rim, at the cost of some steering precision. Tyre choice in this size is wide. The smaller barrel limits brake size, though, and many recent performance cars carry discs and calipers too large for it.

The specifications to check:

• Bolt pattern: 5×100, 5×108, 5×112 or 5×115, which must match the hub exactly.
• Offset: ET 36, 45 or 48. Compare it with the original wheel, as each millimetre less moves the wheel a millimetre further out.
• Centre bore: 70, 70.2 or 82 mm, shown after “NB” in each title. A bore larger than the hub needs a centring ring.
• Load and weight: rated for 610 or 680 kg per wheel, at 8.8 to 9.3 kg each.

Before choosing, check caliper clearance with a template or a trial fit. Fit with the correct seat type and bolt length, torque in a diagonal pattern and check again after a short drive. Through winter, rinse off road salt regularly and touch up chips in the finish before corrosion starts.