General FAQs

Q: How do you know a certain wheel will fit my car?

A: Detroit Wheel and Tire is a Factory OEM wheel expert. Our sales team has over 100 years of wheel knowledge. Also we have an extensive industry database that tells us what wheels will fit certain makes and models.

Note: There are thousands of wheel styles, colors and part numbers. Customer service is important to us -- any issues will be resolved to your complete satisfaction.

Q: Do you sell used wheels?

A: Yes, we primarily sell professionally refinished factory original wheels online, unless otherwise indicated in the item description.  We also carry a large selection of used wheels that are available at deep discounts. 

Q: Do you purchase wheels?

A: Yes, we are constantly buying Factory OEM wheels. click here for details on getting a quote for your wheels.

Q: Who receives my emails?

A: All emails are reviewed by our Internet Sales Team.  They will ensure your questions or concerns are addressed in a timely fashion.  Please provide as much detail as possible.

Q: I am not sure what wheel finish I have. How can I be sure?

A:  You can send us a picture or click here to see our wheel finish descriptions and pictures.

Q: What is an OEM wheel?

A: An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) wheel is one that was originally installed on the vehicle at the time of manufacture.

Q: What is a Replica wheel?

A: A replica wheel is a wheel manufactured to look and fit like the OEM wheel, however it is not necessarily made or manufactured by the same specifications of the original car manufacturer.  Quality can vary widely when buying replica wheels click here for more info.

Q: What is an Aftermarket wheel?

A: An aftermarket wheel is designed to fit the vehicle but the appearance and performance will differ from that of the original wheel.  Aftermarket wheels were not manufactured by the automobile manufacturer or were not manufactured specifically for a specific vehicle.  Quality can vary widely with aftermarket wheels.

Q: Can I pick-up my order?

A: Yes, you can pick up your order directly from our facility in Troy, MI.  Please call first to ensure your order is in stock and ready for pick up.  We are open Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Q: Can I have my wheels or tires installed at your facility?

A: We are a wholesale operation, but we have a full installation department. Please call your salesman to schedule an appointment and quote you our installation charges.

Q: If I purchase or receive new sensors, what else needs to be done before use?

A: Many vehicles require new TPMS sensors to be activated or initialized at an authorized repair facility or dealership. This process involves connecting the vehicle to a service computer (via the ODB port under your dashboard) and having the new sensor's ID codes loaded into the car's computer. Most cars will need to have this activation service performed each time wheels and tires are changed out. However, not all vehicles require this, some vehicles will automatically load in the new sensors codes. First see if your vehicle recognizes the new sensors, if not consult your owner's manual or contact your dealer for more information.

Q: How do I know the size of my wheel?

A: The size of the wheel will be stamped or cast on the inside of the wheel. You can also get the wheel size from the tire.  It will be the number to the right of the "R". Example: P245/60R18, the 18 represents the wheel size.


EXCHANGE VS OUTRIGHT PURCHASES QUESTIONS


Q: What is the difference between an “Exchange” vs. “Outright” purchase?

A: An “Exchange” purchase allows you to buy a new set of wheels economically, by sending your old wheels back to us. The exchange method provides an easy and convenient way to replace your stock wheels, for less than an outright purchase. The wheel exchange purchase option requires a "Refundable" core charge. The deposit is paid up front at the time of purchase. When we receive your old wheels back, your deposit will be refunded. You must have the same style OEM wheels on your car as the ones you are purchasing. Your factory wheel finish is painted, polished, or machined. Chrome Plated and Chrome Clad wheels are not accepted. PVD coated wheels are accepted with an additional processing fee of $30 per wheel. Your wheel must not have any structural or cosmetic damage. Cracked or bent wheels are not accepted. Any damage that requires repair or refinishing work in order to make the wheel available for resale will be deducted from your core deposit. Rates vary depending upon degree of damage.

An “Outright” purchase does not require the return of your old wheels . Please note that many of our overstock sets and prior year wheel models are only available as an outright purchase option.

ORDER PROCESSING QUESTIONS


Q: How do I place an order?

A: Find the products you would like to purchase using our proprietary wheel finder search system. Simply click on the button to add the item to our shopping cart. When you are finished click on the checkout link and follow the instructions on our one-page checkout page. You will receive a series of emails that confirms your order, notifies you when your order is shipped and a final thank-you email to ensure you are satisfied and have an opportunity to have any remaining questions answered.

Q: How quickly will I receive a wheel?

A: Many of our wheels require final refinishing work prior to completing the order.  So shipping times can vary from 2-7 business days.  Out of stock or special order wheels will take from 7-14 days to process. Please call or email us if you need a shipping time estimate.

Q: How do you ship?

A: We primarily use UPS Ground service. Expedited and overnight service is available at an additional cost, call us for quotes.

Q: Why can't I log in with my user name and password?

A: You first need to register. Click on the link on the home page (upper right hand corner) that says “Create an Account”. Then follow the instructions to establish an account. If you have already established an account, you may have forgotten to activate your account by clicking on the link that was sent with your new account welcome email. Locate that email and click on the link to activate your account. If you are still having trouble, click here to contact our Webmaster.

SHIPPING & DELIVERY QUESTIONS


Q: What should I do if my order does not arrive?

A: Please check the status of your order with the tracking number that was emailed to you. If the tracking update indicates the order was delivered and you did not receive a package, please call a member of our Internet sales team at 248-545-8862.

Q: Do you charge a handling fee?

A: No, we do not add a handling fee to your order.

Q: Do you ship to other countries?

A: No, we currently only ship to the USA..

PAYMENT, RETURN, AND WARRANTY QUESTIONS


Q: Do you guarantee your products?

A: Yes, please click here to read our product guarantees.

Q: If a wheel does not fit, can I return it?

A: Yes, please click here to read about our return policy.

Q: What kind of warranty do you provide?

A: Please click here to read about our warranty.

Q: What payment options do I have?

A: Please click here to review our payment options.

CORE DEPOSIT QUESTIONS


Q: I noticed that some transactions require a core deposit that is added together with the item price. What is a core deposit and why am I being charged for this?

A: Some wheels are priced with exchange (primarily our PVD Chrome Wheels). The price of the wheel or set of wheels is based upon you returning your old wheels back to us. In short, the “core” is your old wheel. If we require a core return it will be clearly stated on the description page and upon check out. Once we receive your old wheels back your core deposit will be refunded to you upon inspection. Detailed instructions will come with your order.

Note: The shipping charge you paid includes the cost of returning your wheels back to us.

Q: How do I return “core” wheels?

A: Returning your core wheels is easy. Follow these steps:

Step 1: When your wheels arrive, have them installed on your vehicle at your local automotive shop.

Note: SAVE ALL SHIPPING BOXES AND PACKING MATERIAL!   Click Here for instructions on how to generate returns labels from our website.

Step 2: Place your old wheels into the original box supplied by Detroit Wheel and Tire.

Step 3: Attached the prepaid shipping labels to each box.

Step 4: Drop off at any facility that accepts UPS Ground shipments.

Step 5: When the wheels arrive and have been inspected, we will refund your complete deposit within 2 business days.

Requirements for core deposit refunds:

 -You have the same style wheels on your car as the ones you are purchasing.
-Your wheel finish is painted, polished or machined. Chrome and chrome clad wheels are not accepted.
-Your wheels must not have any damage, structural or cosmetic. Cracked or bent wheels cannot be returned.
-Any damage that requires repairs or refinishing work in order to make the wheels available for resale will be deducted for your core deposit. Rates vary depending upon degree of damage.
-All wheels must be received within 30 days of invoice date.

Q: How soon will I get my core deposit refunded?

A: Refunds are processed within 48 hours of receiving the cores. You will be notified in the event of a refused or reduced credit.

SELLING OR TRADE-INS FOR WHEELS AND (OR) TIRES QUESTIONS


Q: How do I get a quote to sell or trade in my wheels and (or) tires

A: We buy or trade in select items. Pricing will vary depending upon condition, tread depth and supply & demand. The most efficient way to get a quote is to send pictures of the items you are selling to Click Here. Make sure the pictures are clear and show any flaws or damage. Tire pictures need to show the full face and a clear picture of the tread depth. Include in the email a full detailed description (make, model, year, etc.) of each item. Note any known damage for each item. Include your full contact information.

WHEEL REPAIR & REFINISHING QUESTIONS


Q: What kind of wheel damage can be repaired?

A: The most common damage is called “curb rash”, which is the scraping of the wheel against the curb while driving or parking. Bent or cracked wheels from the result of pothole contact will require wheel straightening. Many cracks can be welded back into place by skilled aluminum welders, although not all cracks can be fixed. The wheel finish can get damaged by rocks, fading of the paint and peeling of the clear coat. The majority of wheel damage can be repaired and your wheel can be brought back to a like new condition.

Q: Do you repair damaged wheels?

A: Yes, we offer full service repair & refinishing services. We can repair or refinish all aluminum alloy wheels including painted, machined, polished, and hyper color wheels. Click on this link Refinishing Services to see more details on our repair & refinishing services.

Q: How should I clean my wheels?

A: The best way is to clean your wheels is with warm soapy water. If using a commercial cleaner, please make sure it is safe for clear coats. A good wheel wax after cleaning will help protect the finish and keep brake dust from sticking to the wheels.

Q: Can I get my “Chrome Plated” wheels recoated or refinished?

A: Technically, you can repair, refinish or recoat previously chrome plated wheels. However, most of the time the end result is not acceptable. It is very difficult and time consuming to remove the original chrome plating. Often the raw wheel is left with many imperfections that show up when the wheel is repainted or re-chromed. We do not accept any chrome plated wheels for refinishing or re-chroming. We would highly encourage you to get wheels with a PVD chrome finish that is much more durable.

Q: Will a refurbished wheel match my other wheels?

A: All of our repair and refinishing services will match the OEM specifications & color codes of the auto manufacturer. However, a newly refinished wheel will be a shade or two off from your other wheels because of age and fading from the weather. This shading difference in most cases is negligible and not noticeable.

 
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