2004 Chevy Malibu 16-Inch Wheels and Rims

16-Inch Wheels and Rims

Though less popular in the current era, due to the growing size of OEM brake systems and clearance limitations, 16-inch wheels and rims still have a place in the automotive aftermarket. 16-inch wheels were commonly used as original equipment on vintage pickups until the early to mid 2000s. As a result, 16-inch wheels are still supported by most wheel manufacturers! 

At RealTruck, we offer a wide selection of 16-inch wheels and rims, including various styles, constructions, widths, and offsets. Regardless of your application, we carry a 16-inch wheel with complementary fitment and styling!

Types of 16-Inch Wheels and Rims

Wheels and rims come in different configurations, ranging from the manufacturer’s choice of materials to the face design. Let’s cover some of the variances across our selection of 16-inch rims.

Ensure You Need 16-Inch Wheels

16-inch wheels are a bit of an oddball size. Several applications feature oversized brakes, steering knuckles, and suspension components, requiring the clearance of larger wheel sizes. In cases where 16-inch wheels aren't compatible, check out our selection of 17-inch and 20-inch wheels! For additional information, check out our comprehensive Wheel and Tire Fitment Guide on RealSource.

Style

What’s your preferred style? We offer 16-inch wheels with numerous face designs, ranging from Vintage/Retro designs to intricate Mesh.

Bolt Pattern/Center Bore

Beyond a wheel’s diameter, there are several other measurements to consider when selecting a wheel, including its bolt pattern and center bore. 

A wheel's bolt pattern refers to the number of wheel studs and the spacing between them. For example, a wheel with a 5x4.5 bolt pattern denotes five lug holes and 4.5-inch spacing between two studs directly across from one another. When ordering a new set of wheels, verify that the bolt patterns match, allowing you to bolt the wheel to the hub.  

The center bore, or hub bore, is the hole in the center of a wheel that attaches directly to your vehicle’s hub. Before ordering wheels, verify the diameter of the hub bore, as a hub bore that is too small won’t allow the wheel to sit flush against the hub. If the hub bore is too large, verify that you have the correct style and degree of lug nuts to ensure proper fitment.

Construction

What’s your preferred construction? While some prefer steel's durability and value, others prefer the lightweight nature of aluminum. Aluminum wheels also feature numerous manufacturing processes, directly impacting pricing and durability. These include:

• Cast: The process of pouring molten metal into a low-pressure mold. The resulting wheel is sturdy and inexpensive but more prone to impurities in the metallurgy.

• Flow Formed: Also referred to as rotary forged and spun forged, flow-formed wheels are constructed using a pre-cast face and extreme pressure. The lip of the face is compressed and stretched to form the barrel, which results in a strong and dense final product. 

• Forged: Forged aluminum wheels are manufactured from a single piece of billet aluminum. The wheel is precision machined from high-grade aluminum, resulting in strong and lightweight wheels.

Finish

What finish best complements your build? We carry all the top colors and coatings, including chrome, matte black, bronze, and more!

Width

Just as important as a wheel’s diameter is its width, preventing rubbing, scrubbing, and an unbalanced aesthetic. 16-inch wheels are available in sizes between 6.5–10 inches to suit a variety of builds.

Driving Preferences

Depending on your driving style, one wheel’s construction may better suit your application than others. Extreme use, such as offroading and racing, may benefit from the added strength of forged aluminum or steel, whereas cast aluminum will likely suffice for everyday street driving.

Maintaining Your Wheels

Wheels and tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. As a result, maintaining these components is critical to safe, reliable operation. Consider the following steps and tips to ensure a long, reliable service life: 

• Keep your wheels clean. Wash your wheels regularly, especially in cold climates where roads are regularly treated with corrosive road salt. Doing so helps to prevent unnecessary wear and tear to finishes, like baked-in brake dust and peeling clear coats! 

• Don’t overload your wheels. All wheels have predetermined load ratings. Especially on applications that regularly tow and haul heavy loads, ensure your wheels are rated to handle your heaviest loads! Negating this advice may result in cracks or other structural damage. 

• Regularly check lug nut torque. Especially before going on long drives, verify lug nut torque. Being too tight may cause damage to lug seats, while being too loose can wallow out lug holes, snap studs, or worse!

Our Top 16-Inch Wheel Picks