Custom Wheels – Rolling with Style
Not many years ago, the choices in wheel sizes for most vehicles were very limited. Most cars had 12 or 13-inch wheels, with 14's being somewhat rare. 15 or 16-inch wheels were the upgrades of choice, with larger sizes all but unheard of. However, the story has changed today. There is an incredibly wide selection of wheel from which you can choose. Of course, certain styles of tuning demand the use of the very largest wheels available, but other styles make use of smaller wheels. Regardless, changing your wheels has numerous benefits besides getting rid of that steel wheel covered with a plastic hubcap.
New alloy wheels have the following advantages: enhance the look of your vehicle; are manufactured to precise standards to meet exact fitment and performance needs; weigh less than steel wheels and have superior strength; will allow for better brake clearance.
But alloy wheels require proper maintenance as finish damage may result in the harshest winter climates where salt and sand are routinely used.
Style and Beauty – Nothing beats a set of new wheels for sheer style and good looks. You'll find an incredible variety of custom wheel styles available, though 5-spoke wheels remain the most popular. There are also a number of different finishes available to help you make the most comprehensive makeover of your ride. Painted wheels, chrome wheels, black chrome and aluminum all offer a different look for your vehicle. Most OEM wheels are bland and boring; adding a custom set can greatly enhance the look of any ride.
Performance and Handling – Another reason to change your wheels is to attain better performance and handling. Wider wheels will allow your vehicle to grip the pavement better. A larger contact patch is obtained by using a wider and taller wheel/tire combination. Cornering, acceleration and stopping are all performed better with a larger wheel and tire. In addition, most performance tires are not designed for use on an OEM rim; they're simply too small and too narrow. Performance tires will give you even more grip during acceleration and cornering and you will need the right wheels for those tires. Reduced unsprung weight compared to steel wheels:
This is one of the most critical factors affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. Unsprung weight is that portion of a vehicle that is not supported by the suspension (i.e. wheels, tires and brakes) and therefore most susceptible to road shock and cornering forces. By reducing unsprung weight, alloy wheels provide more precise steering input and improved "turning in" characteristics. Improved acceleration and braking: by reducing the weight of the vehicle's rotational mass, alloy wheels provide more responsive acceleration and braking. Added rigidity: tThe added strength of a quality alloy wheel can significantly reduce wheel/tire deflection in cornering. This is particularly critical with an automobile equipped with high performance tires. Increased brake cooling:
The metals in alloy wheels are excellent conductors of heat - improving heat dissipation from the brakes - reducing risk of brake fade under demanding conditions. Additionally, alloy wheels can be designed to allow more cooling air to flow over the brakes.
Durability and Quality – While many automakers have attempted to outfit at least part of their fleet with alloy wheels, they are often ugly and lack the durability of aftermarket wheels. Choosing the right aftermarket wheels can give you a solution that will stand up to the test of time and abuse to which your street machine may be put. Not all aftermarket wheels offer this benefit, though; you'll need to choose a brand with a reputation for quality and durability. This may result in you paying somewhat more than if you shopped with a bargain brand, but you'll be thankful when your wheels last.
But what determines quality? Manufacturing Process, proper fit, protective finish, reputation and heritage of the manufacture rand Country of Origin are some of the properties that define wheel quality.
Here are some other technical aspects that you should think to make sure that you choose the right Wheel.
Bolt Pattern
Bolt pattern or bolt circle is the diameter of an imaginary circle formed by the centers of the wheel lugs. Bolt patterns can be 4-, 5-, 6-, or 8-lug holes. A bolt circle of 4x100 would indicate a 4-lug pattern on a circle with a diameter of 100mm.
Centerbore
Centerbore is the machined opening on the back of the wheel that centers the wheel properly on the hub of a vehicle. This hole is machined to exactly match the hub so the wheels are precisely positioned as the lug hardware is torqued down. Keeping the wheel precisely centered on the hub when it is mounted will minimize the chance of a vibration. Some wheels are designed to fit multiple vehicle models and will use a centering ring system to reduce the bore size to match the hubs of different vehicles. These rings keep the wheel precisely positioned as the lug hardware is torqued down.
Offset
The offset of a wheel is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. The offset can be one of three types (measured in millimeters).
Zero Offset: The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.
Positive:The hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. Positive offset wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.
Negative:The hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. "Deep dish" wheels are typically a negative offset.
Wheel Size
The wheel size is the diameter of the wheel in inches where the beads of the tire seat on the wheel. This measurement does not include the rim flange. Modern tires have several measurements associated with their size as specified by tire codes like 225/45R17.
Load capacity
Load capacity is the amount of weight a wheel will carry. This number will vary depending on the number of lugs, the PCD, the material used and the type of axle the wheel is used on. A wheel used on a free rolling trailer axle will carry more weight than that same wheel used on the drive or steering axle of a vehicle. All wheels will have the load capacity stamped on the back of the wheel.
The plus concept
Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the best way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. By using a larger diameter wheel with a lower profile tire it's possible to properly maintain the overall diameter of the tire, keeping odometer and speedometer changes negligible. By using a tire with a shorter sidewall, you gain quickness in steering response and better lateral stability. The visual appeal is obvious, most wheels look better than the sidewall of the tire, so the more wheel and less sidewall there is, the better it looks. Please contact our sales team for assistance in the proper sizing for your vehicle.
Here are some additional wheel designs:
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