Rating of the best car wheels for Toyota Rav 4

Modifications

The first car was released back in 1994. Over 16 years on the market, the RAV 4 version has gone through 5 generations of production:

1. For the first generation, only 16-inch wheel options are required.
2. Since 2001, the second generation has been released, which requires the installation of 17-inch models. Also in 2005, new variations with 18-inch wheel units were added.
3. For 3rd and 4th generation the maximum diameter is 18 inches.
4. In 2021, the company released the fifth generation, which only requires wheels with a 19-inch radius.

For all generations, the following types of disks are used:

1. Stamped - the most popular version, which is installed in the original version of the crossover. They are easy to restore after deformation and practically do not crack. This formation is made from high-strength steel. There is also a drawback - the high weight of the structure. The appearance is also not impressive, but they are additionally equipped with caps.
2. Cast - made from an alloy of light metals by casting. Lighter than stamped versions. Cannot be restored after deformation or splitting. They look more attractive in appearance due to the production technology, which allows us to produce any shape to order. Thanks to thermally conductive materials, system cooling is increased. The cost is higher than the first type.
3. Forged - lightweight and durable. Made of light alloy metals. If it hits a hole, it will not crack, but the energy from the impact will transfer to the car’s suspension. Unfortunately, the choice of configuration is limited by production technology.

The standard version of the RAV 4 is equipped with stamped wheels of increased strength. However, depending on the driver’s goals, the discs are changed to other options.

What is the difference between alloy and steel

In addition to the size, you need to look at the material from which the wheels are made. Typically, steel or an aluminum alloy with admixtures of other metals is used, which give strength and the ability to withstand the weight of a Toyota Rav 4 car without and with a load.

Cast or alloy wheels are standard on all vehicles produced by vehicle wheel companies. They are visually beautiful and effective.

Wheel manufacturing companies have begun adding nickel to aluminum, which makes it lighter in weight. Wheels made of aluminum and steel differ in weight for the worse. They make the car unmaneuverable on the road; the vehicle cannot pick up speed in those seconds indicated by the manufacturer in the owner's manual.

The lighter the weight of tires and brake pads, the better the vehicle’s grip on the ground or asphalt. Although in winter, weight can be an advantage. It presses the car harder against the asphalt, which means it won’t skid on a slippery road.

Therefore, it is advisable for the car owner to change not only the tires when “re-shoeing” his car, but also the wheels. In winter they should be installed in steel, and in summer - made of light alloy material.

Attention! Steel wheels are no larger than 16 inches in diameter. Because due to their weight, the braking system may not be able to cope with braking the vehicle. Therefore, 17 and 18 inch ones are rarely made of steel. Light alloy material is used here.

Standard wheel and tire sizes

The table below offers all available options for changing wheels and tires.

To determine the disk article, use:

1. Parameter 6J or 7.5J indicates the width of the rim, indicated in inches.
2. The numbers after X from 16 to 19 are the diameter, inch.
3. The last letters ET35 or ET45 are the offset characteristic, mm.

Tire parameters indicate:

1. 215-235 tire width in mm.
2. After “/” there is a parameter for the profile height in relation to the width (55-70), the number is given as a percentage.
3. R – radius type.

All RAV 4 crossovers have the same bolt pattern (PCD), its dimensions are 5x114.3 mm. Thus, there are 5 holes with a diameter of 114.3 mm. Central hole (DIA) with a diameter of 60.1 mm.

Important! When choosing disks, you should ensure that the central hole is identical to the factory one from the manufacturer.

Replacement instructions

Steps for changing a wheel.

1. Drive onto a flat area.
2. Loosen the four bolts that hold the vehicle's wheel in place.
3. Raise the side where you want to change the disc using a jack.
4. Unscrew the bolts completely.
5. Remove the wheel and install a new one on the Toyota Rav 4.
6. Tighten the bolts.
7. Remove the car from the jack.
8. Tighten the bolts again.
9. Drive the car for two kilometers and tighten the four bolts if they are loose.

Now the car owner knows which wheels to install on a Toyota Rav 4 vehicle and how to correctly perform the wheel replacement procedure.

When to change tires and wheels

There is no exact answer to this question; you just need to carefully monitor their condition.

Tires are designed for smooth contact of the car with the road surface. With their help, earth or water is expelled from under the wheels upon contact. The tread helps improve vehicle control. Its relief pattern is responsible for resistance to friction and mechanical damage from contact. Thus, the tread acts as a protector for the tire.

Helpful information! The difference between winter tires and summer tires is the size of the tread and the contour of its pattern.

Winter tires use rougher, deeper contours. Spikes are also added for driving on as many sections of the track as possible. In addition, changing tires depending on the season is a necessity. This is evidenced by the clause in the traffic rules.

What is the tire pressure

Another important point is tire pressure. It is necessary to check its value before each trip. Otherwise, some management difficulties may arise. The nominal pressure varies depending on the type of wheels installed:

• diameter 17 inches - 220 kPa for front and rear;
• diameter 18 inches - 220 kPa for front and rear.

A slightly higher value is required for the spare wheel - 420 kPa. It should be noted that some drivers often deliberately underestimate the pressure in the front wheels of their cars. This is done to reduce the load on the front axle and chassis of the vehicle. On a dirt road, the car begins to move much smoother.

However, a decrease in pressure even by 5-15% of the nominal leads to the following unpleasant consequences:

• increased fuel consumption;
• quick grinding of the side parts of the wheel tread;
• increasing load on the engine.

Pressure exceeding the nominal value negatively affects the operation of the vehicle. The central part of the wheel tread quickly begins to wear off, and the suspension becomes stiffer. As a result of reducing the contact patch between the rubber and the road surface, the braking distance increases. It is necessary to constantly monitor tire pressure. The latest modifications of the RAV 4 are equipped with pressure sensors - they are installed inside the wheels. In the absence of such sensors, pressure can be measured using a pressure gauge.

Standard nuts

When installing wheels in the basic version of Toyota RAV 4, studs with nuts are used. Universal fastener with M12x1.25 thread.

When replacing a rim, it is important to check that the parameters of both versions are the same. Replacing a die disk with a cast one requires checking the length of the fastener because cast products are often thicker than steel.

Important! If during installation the pressing surface does not coincide, the seat will be destroyed and the disk will not be suitable for use.

Locks will help you avoid wheel theft. A bolt with a unique type of head, or simply a non-standard type of nut, is mounted in one mount.

For the RAV 4 model, components from the Farad 20156SL or McGard 21156 series are suitable. You should check the thread sizes, they should be standard - 12x1.5 mm.

What non-standard sizes can be supplied?

For a number of reasons, many owners want to install 4 wheels on their Toyota RAV car, the size of which differs significantly from the recommended parameters. Typically, wheels of larger diameter and width are chosen. These wheels allow you to:

• increase the contact patch between the tire and the road surface;
• improve handling;
• make the car more passable.

However, larger wheels may cause problems. For example, if the diameter and width are too large, the protector may begin to “cling” to the inner surface of the plastic fender liner. As a result, the protector will wear out much faster. In this case, there is a high probability of breakage of the plastic fender liner and mudguard.

Typically, wheels even 1-2 inches larger than the standard diameter will weigh 10-20% more. Which leads to accelerated failure of the wheel bearing, ball joints, and shock absorber struts. The maximum wheel diameter allowed by the design is 19 inches. The use of rubber of a larger diameter is allowed only after the body has been modified using a special roller. It allows you to expand the wheel arch.

Acceptable tire sizes:

• profile width, mm – 235;
• profile height, mm – 75 mm.

If you purchase a tire with a larger diameter and install it without additional modifications to the body, it will definitely wear down on the plastic fender liner. Which will lead to its breakdown and the need for replacement. A tread “eaten” by plastic will not be able to provide normal traction between the wheel and the road. Which often becomes the cause of an accident.

Non-standard sizes of Toyota RAV4 wheels

Changing disks to non-standard ones affects:

1. Response of the steering part of the car.
2. The quality of interaction between tires and road.
3. Tire wear indicator.
4. Noise properties.
5. Fuel consumption.

The use of lightweight wheels made of aluminum or titanium alloy will improve vehicle control and fuel consumption. The dimensions of the tire and wheel are proportionally related. Wide tires are suitable for dry asphalt, but on wet roads the car will drift sideways.

Aluminum models are softer than steel ones; after a short period of time after installation, the fasteners will become noticeably weaker. It is recommended to tighten the settings with a wrench. It is important not to overdo it so as not to tear off the studs.

Cast and forged

In turn, light alloys are divided by type of manufacture:

• cast;
• forged.

The former consist of fine-grained metal. This structure, when driving on dirt and rocky roads, produces microcracks throughout the disc. They may not show themselves outwardly for the time being. And after the next hit against a stone or speed bump, it will split into two parts. In the city and at high speed, the car will immediately create an emergency situation.

A forged disc consists of a plastic fibrous metal structure. Such wheels will easily crush the suspension during a strong impact, but will not crack. They are several times more expensive than cast ones.