The Keys To Getting the Best Between You and the Road
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Changing wheels and tires is not just a matter of necessity. You do not have to wait for them to be worn out before getting a replacement. Getting customized wheel and tire packages can add a lot to the visual appeal of your ride. There are a lot of options to choose from to improve your car’s style. When shopping for new wheels, here are some choices to make.
Wheel Material
The wheel material is a primary consideration when buying a new set. Most car wheels available in the market are made either from steel or alloy. Chrome is then added to its surface to create a shinier coating.
Between the two, rims made with aluminium alloy offer more customizability as it is the easiest material to cast. Meanwhile, those made with magnesium alloy or a mix of magnesium and aluminium alloys offer swifter performance and better acceleration. Additionally, they can also fare better when it comes to heat conduction.
On the other hand, one advantage of steel materials over alloy is that they are more durable. They are better equipped to withstand weather conditions, such as snow. Furthermore, they are less prone to cosmetic damages caused by acidic cleaners and saltwater.
If aesthetics are your primary concern, the alloy wheels are a perfect choice. However, if you are after durability, then get steel wheels.
Wheel and Tire Size
The second consideration when looking for wheel and tire packages is size. The most common original equipment tire size for cars is a diameter of 17 to 20 inches. Replacement tires range primarily from 15 to 17 inches. With of these tires range from 8.5 to 11 inches on the OEM tires and 7 to 9 inches on the replacements. On the sidewall that’s often expressed at 195/65 to 275/65 with the first number being the tire width in millimeters and the second representing the aspect ratio between the width and the height of the sidewall above the rim. To know which size fits best for your ride, check the digits embedded on the tires you are currently using.
You can also look at the information panel on your doorsill to know the allowable dimensions for your wheels and tires. Other specifications that are etched on that section include sidewall section to width, radial construction, load index, rim diameter and speed symbol. Following these specifications should ensure that everything will run smoothly.
As a general rule, it is safe to upsize or downsize your wheel and tire’s specification by an inch. Typically, people who want to redesign their cars opt for larger wheel and tire size. Meanwhile, those who often switch to smaller tires do so to get better mileage.
Should you decide to change the original specifications of your wheels, its handling characteristics and speed might suffer unless your mechanic makes some balancing adjustments. Improper installation could also affect your odometer and speedometer’s performance since they rely on the original circumference. For instance, if you increase your tire’s diameter, then you will most likely have a lowered reading on the speedometer. As a result, you might break the speed limit without intending to.
Another area that might get affected should you decide to increase your tires and wheelset is your suspension. The heavier your tires are, the less smooth-sailing your ride will be due to the added pressure.
Wheel offset
Wheel offset is the measure between the tire’s mounting hub and the centreline. It indicates where your wheel is positioned in relation to the undercarriage of the car. When done right, it would make your car stand out. However, the positioning of your car’s wheel has a huge impact on your suspension and steering response.
The higher the insertion depth of your wheel, the closer it will sit ahead of your centreline. Meanwhile, if it bears a negative number, then your wheels are positioned behind the centreline, and your mounting hub is located on the inside of the barrel. If you are thinking of customising a muscle car, it is advised that you adjust your offset so that half of your wheels will sit outside their axle, thus, creating a daunting look.
Changing your vehicle’s wheels and tires is a great way to level up its look. When buying a new set, your wheel and tires’ material, size, and offset positioning are some considerations you have to factor in. As much as possible, it is ideal if you stick with its original specifications. However, should you decide to deviate from it, bear in mind that it might have effects on your car’s performance. Nonetheless, this can easily be mitigated with a simple act of balancing to ensure that your vehicle runs without hiccups. When making such crucial adjustments to your vehicle, especially when changing the wheel offset, it’s wise to employ top-tier wheel balancing tools like those offered by John Bean to ensure a smooth and safe ride.
