We all make mistakes. Some just bolt them on proudly.

LOS ANGELES—In today’s world of endless gatekeeping, many car enthusiasts are being told to stop judging others for running replica wheels. Experts agree it’s a necessary step toward community growth—and a personal test of your ability to stop being so toxic.

“It’s hard,” admitted Ricardo Velasquez, who once threw up in his mouth after spotting fake TE37s at a track day. “They’ll say, ‘they’re basically the same,’ and then torque them down with an impact gun. I’m supposed to just let that slide?”

The practice of running rep wheels—affordable counterfeit forgeries of high-end forged wheels—has long divided the automotive community. While some argue it’s a financial compromise, others liken it to putting an M badge on a Honda Civic and no longer using your blinker.

Therapists say the first step toward growth is acceptance.

“You must recognize your triggers,” said Dr. Lana Nguyen, a licensed automotive conflict mediator. “Do you flinch at spiked lug nuts? Do you instinctively shit on everyone’s happiness? That’s okay. Just breathe.”

Support groups are forming across the country, where affected enthusiasts gather in circles and confess things like, “I walked past a car meet without shaming anyone’s faux carbon splitter,” and, “I only said ‘interesting choice’ once today.”

But progress is slow.

“I tried,” said Jonny James, a former wheel snob now enrolled in a local tolerance course. “I even complimented a guy’s rep Work wheels. But then he said he bought them because ‘they weigh the same and cost less.’ I blacked out after that.”

Critics of this movement argue that judgment plays a vital role in preserving standards. “Without shame, we have chaos,” said wheel purist Jordan Malik. “If people think running reps is okay, what’s next? eBay coilovers? Plasti Dip? Forgiving stance guys? How are people supposed to know I spent all this money on the real thing when these guys are diluting the market?”

Still, advocates insist it’s about compassion. “Not everyone’s budget can handle brand-name cast wheels,” said Dr. Nguyen. “Some people are just trying to look good on a budget. Let them cook.”

As for the future, change will take time—and patience. “I’m learning to accept them,” said Velasquez. “But I still pray they park far away from me at meets. Emotionally, I’m still a piece of shit.”

Until then, a simple reminder for those struggling: wheels don’t define a person’s worth—just their judgment. And possibly their likelihood of dying in a pothole-related accident.