2019 Honda Accord: 20 Rims - Upgrade Guide

So, you're thinking about slapping some slick 20-inch rims on your 2019 Honda Accord? Awesome! You've come to the right place. Upgrading your wheels can dramatically transform the look of your ride, giving it a more aggressive and personalized style. But before you jump in and start wrenching, let's break down everything you need to know about fitting 20-inch rims on your 2019 Accord. We’ll cover everything from whether they'll fit, what to consider when choosing rims, potential issues, and how to ensure a smooth upgrade process. Trust me, doing your homework now will save you headaches (and maybe some cash) later on.

Will 20-Inch Rims Fit My 2019 Honda Accord?

Let's get straight to the big question: Will those shiny new 20-inch rims actually fit on your 2019 Honda Accord? The short answer is yes, they absolutely can, but with a few important considerations. It’s not as simple as just bolting them on and calling it a day. You need to think about tire size, offset, and potential clearance issues. If you're thinking about going with 20-inch rims, you're probably looking to enhance the appearance of your car, and that's perfectly achievable. The key is to ensure that the overall diameter of the wheel and tire combo remains as close as possible to the original factory setup. This maintains speedometer accuracy and avoids any rubbing against the wheel wells or suspension components. When selecting tires for your 20-inch rims, pay close attention to the aspect ratio. A lower aspect ratio means a shorter sidewall, which helps to maintain the overall diameter. For example, a tire size like 235/35R20 might be a good starting point, but it's crucial to verify this with tire size calculators and consult with professionals. You'll also want to consider the width of the tire and ensure it's appropriate for the width of the rim. Too wide, and you risk a bulging sidewall; too narrow, and you might not get adequate protection for the rim. The offset of the wheel is another critical factor. Offset refers to the distance between the wheel's mounting surface and its centerline. The correct offset ensures that the wheel sits properly within the wheel well, avoiding contact with suspension parts or the fender. A wrong offset can lead to rubbing issues, compromised handling, and even damage to your car. Before making a purchase, take precise measurements of your car's wheel well and suspension components. Many online resources and forums provide detailed specifications and recommendations for wheel and tire fitments on the 2019 Honda Accord. Consulting these resources can give you a clearer picture of what will work best for your specific vehicle.

Key Considerations When Choosing 20-Inch Rims

Choosing the right 20-inch rims for your 2019 Honda Accord involves more than just picking out a design you like. Several factors come into play, including wheel material, offset, wheel width, and tire size. Let's break each of these down to ensure you make the best choice for your ride.

Wheel Material

Rims come in various materials, each with its own set of pros and cons. The most common options are alloy, steel, and carbon fiber. Alloy wheels are a popular choice because they offer a good balance of weight, strength, and cost. They're typically lighter than steel wheels, which can improve handling and fuel efficiency. Alloy wheels also come in a wide range of designs and finishes, allowing you to customize the look of your Accord to your liking. Steel wheels, on the other hand, are more durable and affordable. They're a good option if you prioritize strength and cost over appearance and weight. However, steel wheels are generally heavier than alloy wheels, which can negatively impact performance. Carbon fiber wheels are the premium option, offering the ultimate in weight savings and performance. They're incredibly strong and lightweight, which can significantly improve handling and acceleration. However, carbon fiber wheels are also the most expensive option, making them a less practical choice for many drivers.

Offset

The offset of a wheel is the distance between its mounting surface and the centerline. It's a critical factor in ensuring proper fitment and avoiding rubbing issues. The correct offset will position the wheel properly within the wheel well, preventing it from hitting the suspension components or the fender. A positive offset means the mounting surface is closer to the outside of the wheel, while a negative offset means it's closer to the inside. For the 2019 Honda Accord, it's essential to choose rims with an offset that matches the factory specifications or is very close to it. Deviating too far from the recommended offset can lead to handling problems and potential damage to your vehicle. Before purchasing rims, consult with a professional or use an online offset calculator to determine the correct offset for your Accord.

Wheel Width

Wheel width refers to the distance between the inner and outer edges of the rim. It's important to choose a wheel width that is appropriate for the tire size you plan to use. Using a wheel that is too wide or too narrow for the tire can compromise handling and safety. Generally, tire manufacturers provide a range of recommended wheel widths for each tire size. For example, a 235/35R20 tire might be suitable for a wheel width of 8 to 9 inches. Refer to the tire manufacturer's specifications to ensure you choose the correct wheel width.

Tire Size

Selecting the right tire size is crucial for maintaining speedometer accuracy and avoiding rubbing issues. When upgrading to 20-inch rims, you'll need to choose a tire size that maintains the overall diameter of the factory wheels. This means selecting a tire with a shorter sidewall to compensate for the larger rim size. A tire size calculator can help you determine the appropriate tire size for your 20-inch rims. Input the factory tire size and the new rim size, and the calculator will provide a list of recommended tire sizes. It's also a good idea to consult with a tire professional to ensure you choose the correct tire size for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.

Potential Issues and How to Avoid Them

Alright, let's talk about potential headaches. Slapping on 20-inch rims can look fantastic, but it's not without its risks. Knowing these potential issues beforehand can save you a lot of trouble. The most common problems include rubbing, ride quality, speedometer inaccuracy, and brake clearance. Let's dive into each one and how to avoid them.

Rubbing

Rubbing occurs when the tire comes into contact with the fender, suspension components, or other parts of the vehicle. This is a common issue when installing larger rims and tires, especially if the offset or tire size is incorrect. Rubbing can damage the tire and the vehicle, and it can also be noisy and annoying. To avoid rubbing, it's crucial to choose the correct offset and tire size. As mentioned earlier, consult with a professional or use an online calculator to determine the appropriate specifications for your vehicle. It's also a good idea to test fit the wheels and tires before fully installing them. This will allow you to identify any potential rubbing issues and make adjustments as needed. If you do experience rubbing, you may need to roll the fenders or install wheel spacers to create more clearance.

Ride Quality

Upgrading to larger rims and tires can affect the ride quality of your vehicle. Larger rims typically require tires with shorter sidewalls, which can result in a harsher ride. Shorter sidewalls provide less cushioning and can transmit more road imperfections to the cabin. To mitigate this issue, consider choosing tires with a softer compound or installing aftermarket suspension components that are designed to improve ride quality. You can also experiment with different tire pressures to find a balance between ride comfort and handling performance.

Speedometer Inaccuracy

Changing the overall diameter of your wheels and tires can affect the accuracy of your speedometer. If the new wheels and tires are larger than the factory setup, your speedometer will read slower than your actual speed. Conversely, if the new wheels and tires are smaller, your speedometer will read faster. To correct speedometer inaccuracy, you may need to recalibrate the speedometer using a programmer or have it done by a professional. Some aftermarket tuners offer speedometer calibration as a feature.

Brake Clearance

Ensure that the 20-inch rims you choose have enough clearance for your car's brake calipers. Sometimes, larger rims can interfere with the brake calipers, preventing them from functioning properly. Before purchasing rims, check the brake clearance specifications to ensure compatibility. You may need to use wheel spacers to create more clearance if necessary. However, be cautious when using wheel spacers, as they can affect handling and put additional stress on the wheel bearings.

Ensuring a Smooth Upgrade Process

Okay, so you've done your research, picked out the perfect rims, and you're ready to roll. To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s a step-by-step guide to the installation process:

1. Gather Your Tools: You'll need a lug wrench, jack, jack stands, and possibly a torque wrench. Having the right tools makes the job way easier.
2. Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the car, loosen the lug nuts on the wheels you're replacing. Don't remove them completely, just break them free.
3. Jack Up the Car: Use the jack to lift the car and place jack stands underneath for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
4. Remove the Old Wheels: Now, fully unscrew the lug nuts and remove the old wheels.
5. Install the New Wheels: Carefully mount the new wheels onto the hub. Make sure they sit flush against the mounting surface.
6. Tighten the Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Then, use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
7. Lower the Car: Remove the jack stands and lower the car.
8. Final Torque Check: After driving a short distance, re-torque the lug nuts to ensure they're still properly tightened.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading to 20-inch rims on your 2019 Honda Accord can be a fantastic way to enhance its appearance and personalize your ride. Just remember to do your homework, consider all the potential issues, and follow the proper installation procedures. With the right rims and tires, you'll be cruising in style in no time! And don't forget, when in doubt, consult with a professional. They can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your upgrade is done safely and correctly. Happy modding, guys!