Between those tips offered by Pimp My Ride, Overhaulin', Monster Garage, and a slew of other similar programs, there's a lot of car customization information out there. From an entertainment perspective, this is a good thing. But for the guy or gal who's serious about beefing up his or her own ride, this glut of often contradictory resources can be a bit bewildering. So where does one go for straight, solid advice on modifying their ride? We know exactly who to turn to:  Alex Palanjian, founder of MINT Wheels.

Here is Part One of MINT'S Guide to Customizing your vehicle.

1- Employ contrast

You don't need multiple exterior colors to make your ride stand out. In fact, multiple colors often make a car look tacky. Instead, go for the simplicity of a two-tone contrasting. Two contrasting colors can look elegant and make the entire car pop at the same time.

2- Create unique wheels

Wheels are usually the first investment that a beginning customizer will make. The result is that everyone and his brother has a set of shiny wheels -- so if you are looking for an original look, you have come to the right place.  At MINT, we can customize your wheels with your own monogram or company logo.  The options are endless!

3- Don't shy away from color

Simplicity is always good, but if you have a favorite color, there's no reason to shy away from it. Remember that your car is first and foremost your car. Make your wishes a top priority as you approach your custom work.  We can customize your wheels with a varitey of color and finish options.  Here is a list of some of the options we offer:  MINT Finishes

4- Customize for your lifestyle

Your car is an integral part of your life; accordingly, it should suit your lifestyle. This might mean not sacrificing the practicality that comes with lots of trunk space (by filling it with a sound system, for example), or easing off on the power if you'll be sharing it with a younger driver.

You claim to be manly, but driving a pink mini-car or a soccer-mom van tells another story.  Actions speak louder than words, and what you drive says more about you than apparel ever could. What’s more, certain types of rides frequently appeal to certain demographics -- to the extent that you could classify the drivers and their rides of choice after giving either the once over.

At MINT Wheels we want to make sure that what your car is saying about you is the case.  Give us a call to discuss how we can help you project the image you'd like (888) 379-6468 (MINT).

MINT Wheels are works of art custom tailored to your luxury vehicle and your personal style- all without compromising your vehicle’s performance. We showcase a variety of one, two and three-piece wheels with an endless array of color and finish options. Our master craftsmen are dedicated to both the technical and aesthetic details for a caliber of style, excellence, and performance that will always impress. From personalized monograms and corporate logos to custom caps, our exclusive line of wheels and accessories can be made to order for any application.

When choosing a wheel, make sure it fits your car's bolt pattern. That pattern is expressed as an equation of two numbers: the number of wheel lugs or bolts on the hub times the diameter of an imaginary circle drawn through the center of those lugs. So a 4x100mm bolt pattern means you have four lugs that span a distance of 100 mm.

Offset describes the relationship of the wheel's centerline to the location of the mount pad, which is where the wheel bolts to the hub. This is typically expressed in millimeters. Front-wheel-drive (and newer rear-wheel-drive) cars generally have wheels with positive offset, which means the mount pad is towards the outside of the wheel. A wheel with negative offset means the mount pad is positioned inboard from the centerline.

At Mint Wheels we understand that proper offset is critical when fitting a new set of wheels, as it affects everything from your vehicle's handling to wheel and tire clearance of fenders, brake calipers, and chassis components.  We specialize in handcrafting and custom fitting our wheels to perfectly fit your vehicle- no hassles, no spacers, just the perfect combination of function and form.  Our exclusive line of wheels can be made to order for any application.

Putting new wheels on your car has become one of the largest ways that people today are sprucing up their vehicles. Wheels your car a style and a look that standard or stock rims simply can't offer. They allow you to portray the type of person you are, through your car and will many times turn heads as you roll down the street.

At MINT Wheels, we’re committed to artistry and style without compromising performance or functionality. We stay at the forefront of the industry, not only mastering the trends, but also shaping the designs that you see in the marketplace. Our high-end product line is handcrafted from only the finest materials available today.

Cutting edge as always, we got our hands on one of the first Porsche Panameras in the marketplace.  
We just completed a test fitment to make sure our wheels are spot on
Here's a look at the side profile...a perfect fit.

Stay tuned for the finished product on the blog and out on the streets.