Hey car enthusiasts! Ever thought about spicing up your ride and making it stand out from the crowd? Well, if you own a 2017 Honda Accord, one of the coolest and easiest ways to do this is by upgrading to 20-inch rims. Yeah, you heard it right! Swapping out those factory wheels for some larger, more stylish ones can completely transform the look of your Accord. It's like giving your car a fresh new wardrobe, and trust me, the results can be stunning. But before you jump in, let's dive into everything you need to know about putting 20-inch rims on your 2017 Honda Accord.

First off, why even bother with bigger rims? Well, the most obvious reason is aesthetics. 20-inch rims can seriously elevate your car's appearance. They give your Accord a more aggressive, sporty stance, making it look bolder and more modern. Imagine cruising down the street with those shiny new rims catching the sunlight – heads will turn, guaranteed! Beyond looks, larger rims can also impact handling and performance. When paired with the right tires, they can provide improved grip and responsiveness, especially during cornering. Of course, the impact on handling will vary depending on the specific rim and tire combination you choose, but the potential is definitely there.

But before you get too excited, there are a few things to consider. Larger rims usually mean a lower profile tire. While this can enhance the look and handling, it also means a harsher ride. You'll feel more bumps and imperfections in the road. Additionally, larger rims and tires can sometimes affect your fuel economy. They are often heavier than the stock setup, which means your engine has to work a bit harder to get things moving. And let's not forget about the cost. Quality 20-inch rims and tires can be a significant investment, so you'll want to budget accordingly. So, while the visual appeal is a major draw, think about your priorities – style, performance, or a balance of both – before making the leap. Let's delve deeper into the nitty-gritty of selecting the perfect 20-inch rims for your 2017 Honda Accord.

Choosing the Right 20-Inch Rims for Your 2017 Honda Accord

Alright, so you're sold on the idea of 20-inch rims! Now comes the fun part: choosing the perfect set. With so many styles, finishes, and brands available, it can be overwhelming. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the process. When picking out rims, you'll need to consider a few key factors. First, think about the bolt pattern. This is the arrangement of the bolt holes on your rims that match up with the studs on your car's hub. For the 2017 Honda Accord, the bolt pattern is typically 5x114.3mm (also known as 5x4.5 inches). This means your rims need to have five bolt holes, spaced 114.3 millimeters apart. Double-check your specific model, but this is the most common.

Next up is offset. Offset refers to the distance between the hub mounting surface of the rim and the centerline of the rim. It determines how far the wheel sits in or out from the wheel well. Getting the right offset is crucial for proper fitment. If the offset is incorrect, your wheels could rub against the suspension components or the fenders. A general rule of thumb is to stick with an offset similar to the factory wheels. You can usually find the factory offset stamped on the inside of your existing rims. For the 2017 Honda Accord, a typical offset range is between +35mm and +50mm. However, the ideal offset depends on the rim width you choose. Speaking of which, rim width is another important factor. Wider rims generally allow for wider tires, which can improve grip and handling. But wider rims also mean a greater chance of rubbing. The sweet spot for the 2017 Honda Accord with 20-inch rims is often 8.5 to 9 inches wide. But again, this will depend on the offset and tire size. Always research and consult with a wheel and tire specialist to make sure everything fits properly. Finally, consider the style and finish of the rims. Do you want a sleek, modern look with a black finish, or something more classic with a polished silver finish? There are endless options, from simple five-spoke designs to intricate multi-spoke patterns. Think about what complements your car's color and overall aesthetic.

Don't forget about the material. Rims are typically made from aluminum alloy. This material offers a good balance of strength, weight, and cost. Some high-performance rims are made from forged aluminum, which is lighter and stronger but also more expensive. Steel rims are also available but are generally heavier and less stylish. Once you've considered these factors, it's time to start shopping! Browse online retailers, visit local wheel shops, and compare different brands and styles. Read reviews to get an idea of the quality and durability of the rims. And don't hesitate to ask for advice from the experts. They can provide valuable insights and help you make the right choice. Remember, the goal is to find rims that not only look great but also fit your car properly and perform well.

Tire Selection for Your 20-Inch Rims: A Crucial Step

Okay, you've chosen your awesome new 20-inch rims. Now it's time to select the right tires. This is a critical step because the tires play a massive role in ride quality, handling, and overall performance. The first thing you need to determine is the correct tire size. This depends on the rim width and the desired aspect ratio (the ratio of the tire's sidewall height to its width). You'll want to maintain a similar overall tire diameter to the factory tires to avoid throwing off your speedometer and causing other issues. A common tire size for 20-inch rims on a 2017 Honda Accord is 245/35R20. Let's break that down: 245 is the tire width in millimeters, 35 is the aspect ratio, and 20 is the rim diameter in inches.

When choosing tires, consider the type of driving you do. If you prioritize performance and handling, you might opt for summer performance tires, which offer excellent grip in dry and wet conditions. However, these tires aren't suitable for cold weather. All-season tires offer a good balance of performance and versatility, making them suitable for year-round driving in many climates. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to consider winter tires, which are specifically designed to provide superior grip on snow and ice. Beyond the type of tire, pay attention to the speed rating. This indicates the maximum speed the tire is designed to handle. Make sure the speed rating of your tires is appropriate for your driving habits. Load index is another important factor. This indicates the maximum weight each tire can support. Make sure the load index of your tires is sufficient for your car's weight. Don't forget to check the tire pressure. Proper tire pressure is essential for optimal performance, fuel efficiency, and tire longevity. Always inflate your tires to the pressure recommended by your car manufacturer, which can be found on a sticker on your driver's side doorjamb or in your owner's manual. Finally, don't skimp on quality. Tires are the only thing connecting your car to the road, so it's worth investing in a reputable brand that offers good performance, safety, and durability. Brands like Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, and Continental are well-regarded for their quality and performance.

Installation and Maintenance of Your 20-Inch Rims

So, you've got your brand-new 20-inch rims and tires ready to go! Now it's time for the installation process. Unless you're a seasoned DIYer, it's generally best to leave the installation to the professionals. They have the expertise, equipment, and tools needed to do the job right. The first step is to remove your existing wheels. This involves loosening the lug nuts, jacking up the car, and removing the wheels. Make sure to use jack stands for safety! Once the wheels are off, the installer will mount the new tires on the rims. This requires a tire mounting machine and balancing equipment to ensure the tires are properly seated and balanced. Proper balancing is crucial to prevent vibrations while driving. Next, the installer will install the new wheels on your car, tightening the lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification. Over-tightening or under-tightening the lug nuts can be dangerous, so it's important to get it right. Before you hit the road, the installer will likely perform a test drive to ensure everything is working properly. They'll check for any rubbing or clearance issues and make any necessary adjustments.

After the installation, there are a few things you need to do to maintain your 20-inch rims and tires. First, regularly check the tire pressure and inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. Proper tire pressure not only improves performance and fuel efficiency but also helps extend the life of your tires. Inspect your rims and tires regularly for any signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, or bulges. If you notice any damage, have it inspected by a professional. Clean your rims regularly to remove dirt, brake dust, and other debris. Use a mild soap and water solution and avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the finish. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even wear. Tire rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improves handling. And finally, have your wheels professionally balanced periodically, especially if you notice any vibrations while driving. By following these maintenance tips, you can keep your 20-inch rims and tires looking and performing their best for years to come. Remember, upgrading to 20-inch rims is a great way to enhance the look and potentially the performance of your 2017 Honda Accord. Just make sure you do your research, choose the right rims and tires, and have them installed and maintained properly. Happy driving! I hope this helps you guys decide what you want to do with your ride!