jk.bushwacker

: the outer edge of a usually round object
: the part of a wheel that the tire is put on

GJeep

Funny -- I checked a dictionary in my language for the word we use for the metal part of a cars' wheel, it said - "Rim of a wheel"...
It's odd that there's no specific word in English, and "rim" has different meanings.

D_engel

The rim and tire go together to make up the wheel. Simple as that.

I think the term rim got watered down into wheel because you feel like a douchebag saying "hey, nice rims." Typically there is a "bro" mixed into that statement somewhere.

You will never hear me compliment someone's rims because of: a) the above statement, and b) the fact that I will only compliment someone that has a concept of proper wheel and tire fitment. I come from a German car driving family who happens to love touring cars, so I can appreciate when someone knows about running a balanced offset with a tire that has just the right amount of sidewall to be functional foremost, but still look good while going around a corner.

stagedtrip

I sent a letter to "dear Abby" so watch your newspaper for the awnser to this question, I'm sure once the truth is known it will rock the very foundations of humanity itself.

ronjenx

I'm afraid before we get the answer the thread will fall off the rim, only to circle the bowl in a downward spiral.

stagedtrip

The wheels on the bus go round and round, but what about the wagon rims?

jk_sea

As seen by searching on Google images:

scratchkenny

Back in the day we called them rims, In the new age people call them wheels.

stagedtrip

Anything anyone does to or with a Hummer should immediately be discounted as tom foolery

ronjenx

Back in the day, to change the tire on my first pickup truck, I would remove six clamps and remove the tire and rim from the wheel. The wheel remained on the axle.