All About Car Rims

Alloy wheels are becoming more and more common on today’s vehicles, for a number of reasons. But why use them? They offer several distinct advantages over standard steel wheels, and suffer from fewer of the drawbacks. Different alloys are specialized to perform different tasks, and choosing the right type of alloy for your vehicle is important. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits of alloys when it comes to choosing wheels, as well as how you can take advantage of their versatility for your vehicle.

The major benefits that alloy wheels offer over standard ones are that they have a greater weight to strength ratio. Alloys that are the same weight as standard wheels are stronger, and those that are the same strength are lighter. This makes them handle better than standard wheels because they reduce what is called “unsprung mass,” essentially easing the load on your car’s suspension. This allows your car to get a better grip because the tire can follow the terrain better. The lighter weight also aids in reducing the amount of fuel necessary, making cars more efficient than their steel wheeled counterparts.

Alloy wheels are better conductors of heat, which keep your tires from getting too hot and can help remove heat from the brakes. This not only improves the performance of your brakes, but will keep them from wearing down as quickly. It reduces the chances of your brakes failing from overheating as well. Alloys also have a nicer appearance and are easier to maintain, making your car more aesthetically appealing. They are resistant to corrosion, allowing them to retain their bare metal appearance, if the owner wants, without the need of paint or coatings. Their natural strength also allows them to have more intricate aesthetic designs. In contrast, steel wheels have to be welded together and painted or covered with hubcaps.

Alloy wheels are a great alternative to standard steel ones. While they cost slightly more, they will likely pay for themselves because of their durability and the fact that they are easier to repair than normal wheels. Most alloys are cast, although some are forged. The forged variety is typically lighter and stronger but also more expensive than the cast ones. They are not generally included in a standard vehicle package, but can be added on as either an extra item or as part of an additional package purchase.

Chrome and polished aluminum wheels look great, but require just a little extra effort to protect that factory finish and shine. Painted and clear coated custom wheels are more forgiving, but should still be handled with care to protect your investment. For all wheels, a simple hand washing with a mild dish soap and water will clean them up nicely. Dry thoroughly and finish with a soft nonabrasive cream wax to protect the wheel. Keep in mind that you should never wash a wheel when it is hot. Spraying cold water on your wheels when they are very hot can cause rapid contraction resulting in slight warping as well as stresses between different materials like chrome and underlying steel or aluminum. Over time, these shocks to the wheel can cause the chrome to begin flaking. Also avoid abrasive materials like bristle brushes and steel wool that can permanently scratch your wheels. Plus, always keep harsh cleaners including tire cleaners from coming into to contact with your wheels and damaging the finish.

Rules of Thumb
Washing your custom wheels once a week will keep road grime and brake dust from being ground on. When brake dust and other road dirt accumulate they will trap salts and moisture in the air that can react with chrome and aluminum finishes causing oxidation and pitting.

Avoid frequently using commercial car washes whose equipment could scratch your wheels and whose detergents are often very harsh. Also carefully check the label before using any wheel brake dust cleaner — many are too acidic to use on chromed wheels.

Winter weather and snow should be avoided at all cost. Corrosive salt and abrasive sand will wreak havoc on any finish. Put your factory wheels on for winter driving and save your custom wheels for the prime cruising weather.

When in doubt as to how to clean and protect your custom wheels, the products you use to clean and protect the body of your car can usually be used safely. But as always, take a minute to read the labels for any warnings.

Handling Minor Scrapes
Damage from curbs and other objects are unsightly, but usually not a real safety concern. On painted wheels a touch-up may be possible with matching paint ordered from the manufacturer. Scratches on aluminum may be buffed out if not too deep. But there is no real fix for scratched chrome. If you curb your chrome wheels, immediately apply a clear lacquer, like clear nail polish to reseal the chrome. After that has dried, also apply a light coat of non-abrasive cream wax. This should keep any moisture from getting underneath the chrome and causing it bubble up or peel away from the underlying wheel.

Ask a Pro
These days, most of us live not far from a large local tire retailer who stocks a big selection of custom wheels. Get to know them. They can steer you toward the right products for your particular type of wheel. They also talk to hundreds of car customizers every month, so often they can even recommend a local car wash that you can trust not to scratch your wheels or use harsh detergents.

Custom wheels are an investment in the look and character of your vehicle. And like all investments, they need to be protected.