Ever since the late 1960's, the
alloy wheels have been the preferred option for car owners. They are made from
an alloy of aluminium and magnesium. This unique material makes them light yet
super strong and gives them improved heat conduction. They look much better
than their traditional counterparts as well. Find out how to make the best
choice when you go shopping for such car parts.
Size is the most important
factor.
Many people are tempted to go for
alloy wheels of a different size than the original ones of their car. This can
be a costly mistake, however. The incorrect size may void the manufacturer's
warranty on the vehicle. It can cause issues with safety and performance as
well. It is best to pick the original size or one which is very close to it.
Keep in mind that the size is determined by the diameter of the rim.
It is best if you stick to the
original rim width as well. If you choose a wider rim, you will have to replace
your tyres as well. Additionally, you have to keep in mind that some issues may
arise. These include problems with the steering rod, with the suspension
components and with the fender.
You have to ensure that the pitch
circle diameter is a precise match as well. This measure indicates the distance
from the wheel bolts to the axle. It is presented with the use of the rim
diameter and the number of bolts which are evenly spaced.
Pay attention to the offset.
This is one very important
measure for the selection of alloy wheels. The offset is a measure presenting
the deviation of the centre of the wheel from the point of fitting to the hub.
It is best if you go for wheels with zero offset. Models with slight negative
offset can be a good choice as well since they help to improve the handling of
the vehicle. Still, negative offset exceeding one inch should be avoided as it
can cause too much pressure on the axle and the hub and possibly lead to their
breaking. You would not want to risk your safety and the safety of others on
the road.