A video of a car with massive spiked rims on all four wheels driving on a Texas highway is going viral on social media.
TikTok user “lisamariesanders” recorded the unforgettable car on I-45 South in Houston on Nov. 23.
“Would someone please explain this to me????” text on the video reads, as “Low Rider” by WAR plays in the background.
“Would someone pleade [sic] explain thus [sic] to me?” Lisa wrote in the post’s caption. “I seriously don’t understand. This should be illegal.”
Most users commenting on the video were just as baffled, questioning the purpose and logic of such installments.
“It’s stupid can’t wait to see one get ripped off,” one user wrote.
“They will ticket you if your tire is outside the fender. And not for this???” another user commented.
“I want to hear what he says to the judge,” one comment says.
Some users viewing the video expressed concern about the potential dangers of the spiked rims, which risks damage to other vehicles. The footage also showed the car weaving through traffic without turn signals, adding to viewers’ apprehension.
Others pointed out the strangeness of such accessories on what they judged to be a much cheaper car, with some speculating the spiked rims cost more than the vehicle itself. Another group identified the rims as “swangas,” sometimes called “swingaz,” a term used to describe the large spiked rims inspired by early 1980s Cadillacs.
What are ‘swangaz’? A peek into Houston’s car culture
As referenced by classic Houston rap, the giant car rims actually originated in Houston’s unique car culture. But before we discuss “swangaz,” we must first understand “slab” culture.
“Slab” stands for “slow, low and bangin'” and is used to describe the look of cars that become popular in Houston back in the 1980s. ABC Houston reports local rappers like Bun B, Chamillionaire, Z-Ro, Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall were critical in the trend of cars featuring high-sitting bodies and bright, glossy paint. Many also have a chrome grill, fifth wheel and pop trunk in the back with a flying goddess ornament on the front hood.
Slabs are different from low riders, with the former sitting higher above the tire while the latter has more traditional features like smaller rims and white walls, sources explained to ABC Houston.
Slabs are also separate from donks, a term used for cars with oversized tires. Chron also defines “poke,” which refers to how far a car’s swangas stick out, and “swangin’,” a verb describing how a car might showily cruise, “slowly zig-zagging across all lanes of a road.”
Are spiked car rims legal?
Despite appearing obtrusive for no reason, these swangas are perfectly legal in the Lone Star state. Section 621.201 of the Texas Transportation Code states that “the total width of a passenger vehicle and its load may not be greater than eight feet.” As long as the combined width of the vehicle and its rims do not exceed that limit, spiked rims are entirely lawful.
Hawaii is currently the only U.S. state with restrictions on spiked rims, according to Rideout Law Group.
The vehicle in the viral video did technically break the law, but not with its spiked rims. Section 545.106 of the Texas Transportation Code requires the use of a turn signal to indicate turns, lane changes and moving from a park position.
What is the purpose of spiked rims on cars?
Spiked rims mostly serve as decoration, especially those attached to private vehicles like the one recorded in Houston and others around the bayou area. However, they also have some practical purposes.
For one, the spiked rims protect the lug nuts on tires from wear-and-tear and weather conditions, as rain will cause rusting. Spikes on commercial vehicles, like 18-wheelers, also serve to warn other drivers of their proximity, especially in the trucks’ blind spots.
— Chron contributed to this report.
