We buy alloy wheels. Choice and service. Guide
Aluminum wheels are not only a tuning element. These types of discs also contribute to a better driving experience. We advise you on how to choose the right alloy wheels.
To begin with, it is necessary to clarify that the term "aluminum rims" is not entirely accurate. It's more of a colloquial name for alloy wheels. Light alloy wheels (rims) are more correct. Because it is usually an alloy of aluminum with some other metal.
The choice of aluminum wheels on the market is very large. This applies to both new and used alloy wheels. Therefore, it is not difficult to buy them, but the problem is in choosing the right one. It is not only about quality, but also about the right choice for a given car and safety.
Not only looks matter
Many drivers, installing aluminum wheels on their cars, are guided only by the desire to improve the appearance of the vehicle. Meanwhile, alloy wheels also have many other practical advantages.
First, an aluminum rim is stronger than a steel rim because its structure is stiffer. And if damage does occur, repairing alloy wheels is not a problem. There are already many workshops where such a defect can be eliminated for a reasonable price, including restoring the paintwork. It is important to note that a repaired alloy wheel retains its properties until damaged.
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In addition, aluminum discs contribute to more efficient brake cooling, for example. This is because aluminum is a good conductor of heat and removes heat from brake discs faster than steel discs.
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However, the main disadvantage of aluminum wheels is their higher price compared to steel ones. However, these are not astronomical differences. A good aluminum rim in the popular 14-inch size can already be bought for around PLN 170. The price of a steel disc of the same size is similar.
Buying alloy wheels from online auctions or online stores is becoming more and more popular. This is not surprising, because their prices are sometimes even 40 percent lower than in traditional trade. However, when ordering alloy wheels, many buyers consider only two parameters: the diameter and the distance between the mounting holes.
Important dimensions
However, other characteristics must also be taken into account. For example, width in inches, the offset is also known as ET (short for einpress tiefe) or English offset.
This is the distance of the mounting surface, expressed in millimeters, from the geometric center of the rim (axis of symmetry). As the ET value decreases, the alloy rims protrude further outward. On the other hand, the increase in ET puts the wheel deeper into the wheel arch.
The hub mounting diameter is also important, i.e. correspondence of the central hole to the diameter of the hub (for example, Ø 65 mm).
– In addition, discs have a certain load capacity and must be adapted to the power of the engine of the car with which they will work. These parameters are strictly specific to a given make and model of a car and can be found, among other things, in the catalogs of a given wheel manufacturer, explains Adam Klimek from the retail service network Motoricus.com.
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Equally important is the fastening of the rims to the car itself. It must be remembered that it is necessary to use only those bolts and nuts that are designed for a particular model of rims and are closely related to a specific car model. Incorrectly selected assembly elements can lead to their spontaneous unscrewing during operation.
Random selection of a rim that does not meet the specifications of the vehicle carries the risk of mechanical damage to both the wheel and vehicle components.
The most common consequences are tire friction on the car body or suspension. This can happen in certain situations: when the car is heavily loaded, sharp turns or bumps in the road.
– An incorrectly fitted rim can also interfere with its correct fit on the hub and therefore correct centering. As a result, the wheel will vibrate a lot, reducing driving comfort and safety,” notes Adam Klimek.
Service rules
The good quality of aluminum rims also means ease of use and the assurance that they won't lose their luster after two to three years. Currently, discs from branded manufacturers are covered with a multi-layer varnish coating, which ensures many years of operation without traces of oxidation. However, this does not mean that the rims do not need to be looked after.
– Care of aluminum rims is facilitated by their appropriate shape. The simpler the better. A five-spoke rim is easier to clean than a complex pattern, such as a multi-spoke rim, explains Radosław Mitrena, tire and rim maintenance technician from Gdynia.
Washed discs must be thoroughly dried, as water droplets act as lenses to focus the sun's rays, which can cause discolouration of the paintwork. It is also advisable to use preparations that limit the deposition of sand or abrasive particles from brake pads and discs.
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The most popular are waxes or teflon, which additionally make the surface shiny. At the same time, do not forget to strictly follow the instructions for using cleaning agents so as not to damage the paintwork and the anti-corrosion layer.
An important principle of operation is also the care for precise wheel balancing, which should be carried out every 10 kilometers.
Wojciech Frölichowski
