why do the spokes(?) on car rims connect on the outer edge of the rim, instead of in the center?

[toph99]

it makes me wonder if it's just for appearance or if there's a reason to it. Doesn't it cause uneven wear because all the weight pushes on one side of the tire and not the other? this is what i'm talking about the rim connects here: __| instead of in the center like _|_

 

[erikiksaz]

Ever wonder why ricers like a "fat lip" on their cars?

 

[Zenmervolt]

The spokes connect there because of the need for proper offset. If they connected in the centre of the rim, then either cars would need narrower suspension and brakes, or the wheels would stick out from the sides. Also, because the tires are pneumatic, the pressure is distributed evenly across the surface regardless of where the pressure is applied. This is one of the more convienient properties of a fluid. The spokes connect on the outside because the brakes need room, it's as simple as that.

ZV

 

[ThisIsMatt]

What he ^^^ said. Anyways, I saw a bimmer with rims that had the spokes a lot closer to the center and they looked nice! I think they were 5 spoked...