2017 Honda Civic Black Rims – The Ultimate Guide To Style

Ever look at your 2017 Honda Civic and think it needs a bolder, more aggressive statement? You’re not alone. Many enthusiasts agree that a set of striking black rims can completely transform the look and feel of your ride, taking it from factory fresh to custom cool.

Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a weekend DIYer looking to add some serious curb appeal, diving into the world of 2017 Honda Civic black rims can seem daunting. What kind should you get? How do you install them safely? How do you keep them looking sharp?

At FatBoysOffroad, we’re here to cut through the noise. This comprehensive guide promises to equip you with all the knowledge, practical tips, and expert insights you need. We’ll cover everything from choosing the perfect set of black rims to flawless installation, meticulous care, and even addressing common problems. Get ready to give your Civic the upgrade it deserves, confidently and correctly.

Why Go Dark? The Allure of 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims

The appeal of black rims for your 2017 Honda Civic isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a timeless statement of style and attitude. They offer a unique aesthetic that can dramatically alter your vehicle’s presence on the road.

Let’s explore the key benefits of 2017 Honda Civic black rims:

Aggressive Aesthetics: Black rims inherently give your Civic a more aggressive, sporty, and sophisticated look. They create a strong contrast with lighter body colors and blend seamlessly with darker ones.
Versatility: Black is a neutral color, meaning it pairs well with almost any paint job. Whether your Civic is white, red, blue, or even black, dark rims will complement it.
Perceived Size: Believe it or not, black rims can make your wheels appear larger, enhancing the overall stance of your vehicle.
Hides Brake Dust: This is a practical benefit many enthusiasts appreciate. Black rims are far more forgiving when it comes to showing brake dust and road grime compared to lighter, polished finishes.
Resale Value: While highly subjective, a well-chosen set of aftermarket black rims, especially from reputable brands, can add a touch of custom appeal that might attract buyers looking for a personalized vehicle.

Ultimately, the decision to go with 2017 Honda Civic black rims is about personal expression and enhancing your car’s character.

Choosing Your Shade: Types of Black Rims for Your 2017 Honda Civic

Not all black rims are created equal. When it comes to selecting the perfect set for your 2017 Honda Civic, you’ll encounter a variety of finishes and materials, each with its own look and maintenance requirements. This section serves as your essential 2017 Honda Civic black rims guide.

Rim Finishes: Gloss, Matte, Satin, and More

The finish is crucial for the overall aesthetic:

Gloss Black: This is a classic, high-shine finish that reflects light, giving a deep, wet look. It’s sleek and luxurious but shows scratches and swirl marks more easily.
Matte Black: A non-reflective, flat finish that offers a rugged, stealthy, and modern appearance. Matte finishes are popular for their aggressive look but can be harder to clean without streaking.
Satin Black: A fantastic middle ground, satin offers a subtle sheen—less reflective than gloss, but not as flat as matte. It’s often easier to maintain and hides minor imperfections better than gloss.
Textured/Wrinkle Black: Less common for Civics but seen in some off-road or performance applications, this finish has a slightly rough, tactile surface that is incredibly durable and hides dirt well.

Materials: Alloy, Steel, and Forged

The material impacts weight, durability, and cost:

Cast Alloy: The most common type of aftermarket wheel. Made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. They are lighter than steel, which can improve handling and fuel economy, and come in countless designs.
Forged Alloy: Made from a solid billet of aluminum that is heated and pressed into shape. This process creates a much stronger, lighter, and denser wheel. Forged wheels are premium options, offering superior performance but at a higher price point.
Steel: While durable and affordable, steel wheels are significantly heavier and typically reserved for winter setups or utilitarian purposes. They are less common for aesthetic upgrades like black rims on a Civic.

When making your choice, consider your budget, desired look, and how much effort you’re willing to put into maintenance. For a daily driver Civic, a good quality cast alloy wheel with a satin or matte black finish often strikes the perfect balance.

The DIYer’s Guide: How to Install 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims Safely

Installing new rims yourself is a rewarding DIY project, but safety and precision are paramount. If you’re wondering how to 2017 Honda Civic black rims installation works, follow these steps carefully.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need:

Floor jack
Jack stands (never work under a car supported only by a jack!)
Lug wrench or breaker bar with appropriate socket for your lug nuts
Torque wrench
Wheel chocks
Wire brush (for cleaning hub surfaces)
Anti-seize lubricant (optional, for hub)
New valve stems (if not already installed on new rims)
Tire pressure gauge
Gloves and safety glasses

Step-by-Step Installation Process:

Prepare Your Workspace: Park your Civic on a flat, level, and solid surface. Engage the parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind the wheels that will remain on the ground (e.g., if working on the front, chock the rear wheels).
Loosen Lug Nuts: Using your lug wrench or breaker bar, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’re removing. Do this while the wheel is still on the ground; this prevents the wheel from spinning.
Jack Up the Vehicle: Place the floor jack under the designated jacking point for your Civic (refer to your owner’s manual). Jack the vehicle up until the tire is completely off the ground.
Secure with Jack Stands: Position two jack stands under the vehicle’s frame at the recommended support points. Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands. Remove the floor jack once the car is stable on the stands.
Remove Old Wheel: Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and carefully pull the old wheel off the hub. Set it aside.
Clean the Hub: Use a wire brush to clean any rust, dirt, or debris from the wheel hub surface. A clean mounting surface ensures the new wheel sits flush. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize to the hub surface if desired, avoiding lug studs.
Mount New Black Rim: Carefully lift your new 2017 Honda Civic black rim and align it with the wheel studs. Slide it onto the hub, ensuring it sits flat against the mating surface.
Hand-Tighten Lug Nuts: Thread the lug nuts onto the studs by hand. Ensure they are not cross-threaded. Tighten them finger-tight in a star or crisscross pattern.
Lower Vehicle & Torque Lug Nuts: Jack the vehicle up slightly to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle until the tire just barely touches the ground (enough to prevent it from spinning freely). Using your torque wrench set to your Civic’s specified lug nut torque (check your owner’s manual, typically around 80-90 ft-lbs), tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Once fully torqued, lower the vehicle completely.
Repeat for All Wheels: Follow the same process for the remaining three wheels.
Final Check: Double-check all lug nuts with the torque wrench. Inspect tire pressure on all new wheels and adjust to recommended PSI.

Pro Tip: After driving about 50-100 miles, re-check the torque on all lug nuts. Wheels can sometimes settle, and a re-torque ensures everything remains secure. If you’re unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to consult a professional mechanic.

Keeping Them Pristine: 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims Care Guide

Black rims look incredible when clean, but they can show dirt and water spots more than other finishes. A proper 2017 Honda Civic black rims care guide is essential to maintain their sleek appearance and longevity.

Routine Cleaning Best Practices:

Frequent Washing: Wash your black rims regularly, ideally every week or two, to prevent brake dust and road grime from building up and etching the finish.
Use pH-Neutral Wheel Cleaner: Avoid harsh, acidic wheel cleaners. They can damage the finish, especially on matte or satin wheels. Opt for a pH-neutral, non-acidic wheel cleaner specifically designed for painted or clear-coated wheels.
Dedicated Wheel Brushes: Use soft-bristle wheel brushes or wash mitts dedicated solely to your wheels. This prevents transferring grit from your bodywork to your rims and vice-versa.
Two-Bucket Method: Use one bucket for soapy water and another for rinsing your brush. This minimizes scratching.
Rinse Thoroughly: After applying cleaner and scrubbing, rinse the rims completely to remove all product residue.
Dry Immediately: Don’t let your rims air dry, as this can lead to water spots. Use a clean, soft microfiber towel or a dedicated wheel drying towel to dry them immediately after rinsing.

Protection and Long-Term Maintenance:

Wheel Sealant or Ceramic Coating: Applying a good quality wheel sealant or a ceramic coating can provide a protective barrier. This makes future cleaning easier, repels brake dust, and offers UV protection. Reapply sealants every few months.
Avoid Automatic Car Washes: The harsh brushes and chemicals in automatic car washes can scratch and dull black finishes. Hand washing is always the safest bet.
Tire Dressing: While not directly for the rim, a non-sling, water-based tire dressing can complete the look and prevent tire browning without splattering onto your clean black rims.

Consistent care is the secret weapon to keeping your 2017 Honda Civic black rims looking factory fresh for years.

Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Problems with 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims and Solutions

While black rims are stylish, they come with their own set of challenges. Understanding common problems with 2017 Honda Civic black rims and how to address them can save you headaches and repair costs.

Curb Rash and Scratches:

Black rims, especially gloss finishes, can highlight curb rash and scratches. Even matte finishes show significant damage.

Prevention: Practice careful parking, use curb feelers if necessary, and be mindful of potholes.
Solution: For minor scratches, touch-up paint kits designed for black wheels can work. For severe curb rash, professional wheel repair services can often restore the rim to near-original condition.

Fading and Dullness:

Exposure to harsh UV rays, aggressive cleaners, and lack of protection can cause black rims to fade or lose their luster.

Prevention: Use UV-protective wheel sealants or ceramic coatings. Avoid harsh, acidic cleaners.
Solution: For dullness, a gentle polish (specifically for wheels) followed by a sealant can sometimes restore shine. For significant fading, repainting or powder coating by a professional is usually required.

Water Spots and Streaking:

Black finishes, especially matte, are prone to showing water spots and streaks if not dried properly.

Prevention: Always dry your rims immediately and thoroughly with a clean microfiber towel after washing. Use deionized water if available.
Solution: For existing water spots, a dedicated water spot remover safe for painted wheels can help. Follow up with a good rinse and thorough drying.

Corrosion and Clear Coat Failure:

If the clear coat is compromised, moisture and road salt can lead to corrosion, especially in colder climates.

Prevention: Maintain the clear coat with regular cleaning and protection. Address chips or scratches promptly.
Solution: This usually requires professional intervention, such as stripping, repairing, and re-coating the wheel.

Being proactive with your 2017 Honda Civic black rims maintenance will go a long way in preventing these common issues.

Beyond Aesthetics: Performance and Sustainable 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims

While the visual impact of black rims is undeniable, there’s more to consider than just looks. The choice of rims can subtly influence your Civic’s performance, and for the environmentally conscious, there are even sustainable 2017 Honda Civic black rims options.

Performance Considerations:

Weight: Lighter wheels (typically forged alloy) reduce unsprung weight. This can lead to improved handling, better acceleration, and more efficient braking. For a daily driver, the difference might be subtle, but for performance enthusiasts, it’s significant.
Size and Offset: Changing wheel size or offset without proper research can affect suspension geometry, tire clearance, and even wheel bearing longevity. Always ensure your chosen rims are compatible with your 2017 Civic’s specifications.
Aerodynamics: While less of a concern for most street applications, some wheel designs are more aerodynamic than others, potentially impacting fuel efficiency at higher speeds.

Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Options:

The automotive industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, and wheels are no exception.

Recycled Materials: Some manufacturers are beginning to incorporate recycled aluminum into their alloy wheel production, reducing the demand for virgin materials and lowering the carbon footprint.
Refurbishment over Replacement: Instead of buying new, consider refurbishing your existing rims if they are structurally sound. Powder coating them black is an excellent way to get the desired look while reducing waste. This is a highly eco-friendly 2017 Honda Civic black rims approach.
Durability: Investing in high-quality, durable rims that last longer reduces the frequency of replacement, which is inherently more sustainable.

When selecting your 2017 Honda Civic black rims, balancing aesthetics with performance and environmental considerations can lead to a more satisfying and responsible upgrade.

Pro Tips for Your 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims

Beyond the basics, a few expert insights can elevate your experience with 2017 Honda Civic black rims. These 2017 Honda Civic black rims best practices come straight from the FatBoysOffroad garage.

Invest in Quality Lug Nuts: Don’t overlook lug nuts. Black rims often look best with black lug nuts for a cohesive look. Ensure they are high-quality, properly seated, and torqued correctly. Cheap lug nuts can strip or corrode quickly.
Consider Ceramic Brake Pads: If brake dust is a major concern, switching to ceramic brake pads can significantly reduce the amount of dust produced, keeping your black rims cleaner for longer.
Learn Proper Tire Mounting: If you’re buying rims and tires separately, ensure the tire shop uses proper mounting techniques, especially with delicate finishes. Ask them to use plastic-protected tools to avoid scratching your new rims.
Road Hazard Protection: Given the investment, consider road hazard protection plans for your new rims and tires. Potholes are everywhere, and repairs can be costly.
Seasonal Wheel Swaps: If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires. This protects your nice black rims from road salt and extreme conditions.

These 2017 Honda Civic black rims tips are designed to help you maximize your investment and enjoyment.

Frequently Asked Questions About 2017 Honda Civic Black Rims

Q: Are black rims harder to clean than other colors?

A: Not necessarily harder, but they do tend to show dirt, brake dust, and water spots more prominently than lighter-colored or polished rims. Regular cleaning and a good protective sealant are key to keeping them looking their best.

Q: What size black rims will fit my 2017 Honda Civic?

A: The 2017 Honda Civic typically comes with 16-inch, 17-inch, or 18-inch wheels from the factory. You can generally go up or down one size (e.g., 17-inch to 18-inch or even 19-inch with careful tire selection) without major issues. Always consult your owner’s manual or a reputable wheel/tire specialist to ensure proper fitment, offset, and tire size to avoid rubbing or clearance problems.

Q: Do black rims fade in the sun?

A: Over extended periods, especially with cheaper finishes or lack of UV protection, black rims can fade or dull due to sun exposure. High-quality finishes, proper cleaning, and the use of UV-protective sealants or ceramic coatings can significantly mitigate this.

Q: Should I get my rims powder-coated or painted black?

A: Powder coating is generally considered more durable and chip-resistant than traditional paint. It involves applying a dry powder that is then cured under heat, creating a tough finish. Painting can offer more intricate designs but might be less resistant to impacts. For a solid black finish and maximum durability, powder coating is often the preferred choice.

Q: Will black rims affect my car insurance?

A: Potentially. Aftermarket modifications, especially those that add significant value or change performance, should be reported to your insurance provider. They might increase your premium or require specific coverage for the added value. Always check with your insurance company to understand their policy on modifications.

Conclusion: Drive with Confidence and Style

Upgrading your 2017 Honda Civic with black rims is a fantastic way to personalize your vehicle and make a bold statement. From understanding the different types and finishes to mastering safe installation and diligent maintenance, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to tackle this project like a pro.

Remember, safety always comes first, especially when working on your vehicle’s wheels. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you’re unsure about any step. With proper care and attention, your new black rims will not only enhance your Civic’s aesthetics but also bring you years of driving pleasure.

So, go ahead, embrace the dark side, and hit the road with confidence and undeniable style. Stay safe and stay comfortable!

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Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.