In the article we will tell you how to choose the right alloy wheels, what parameters you should pay attention to and what nuances are there when choosing and installing. selection and installation.
The content of the article:
- Why are cast
- Options when selecting disks
- Replacement and installation of alloy wheels
First of all, when tuning a car, motorists immediately try to install new discs, replacing standard discs with alloy ones. Today there are many configurations and types of alloy wheels. Young car enthusiasts often put disks of this type on domestic cars, and it's true, they immediately change the look for the better. But the replacement procedure is not always so easy. It is necessary to select the size of the wheel arches, so that later it does not rub on the wheel arches, the parameter that is responsible for this is considered to be the diameter.
Why are cast
The material from which the discs are made is considered to be quite important. Nowadays they are made from titanium alloy (very rarely), aluminum or magnesium alloys. Aluminum alloy wheels are considered to be one of the best. Most often they can be found in expensive car dealerships. They are less susceptible to corrosion and look prettier.
Options when selecting disks
By design and color, each owner selects individually, here you can argue endlessly. You can pick up both on the market and in a specialized car dealership, they will show you how your car will look with a theme or other disks.
Disc material
Design is not the main thing when choosing, but what the element is made of has a role. By the composition of the material, they recognize:
- Cast magnesium - light, but very capricious to blows and quickly crack;
- Cast aluminum - the most optimal in terms of the combination of qualities;
- Forged aluminum - strong and lightweight;
- Forged magnesium - super strong and lightweight.
I would like to say right away that you should not take magnesium - both cast and forged do not cost little money, they are often made to order and only for sports cars. The price can start from $ 1000 per piece. Therefore, it is better to take the optimal ratio of the price of cast and the price of a car, since buying a car for $ 5000 and investing another $ 4000 in the wheels makes no sense, and the quality will not increase for the better.
Diameter (R)
Regarding the diameter of the cast ones, you should select the best option, it is often advised to take the same diameter as your own discs, because of this it will not rub the tire on the wheel arch liners, it will not tear the fenders when cornering, and it will not occur when the axle is loaded either. problems. It is customary to measure it not in centimeters, but in inches. It is allowed to take a slightly larger diameter, but then you will have to take a smaller tire diameter. But considering our roads, low-profile tires are not the best option, ruin the wheels faster. If an ordinary disk can be brewed, then cast, unfortunately, even brewing for a long time will not be enough. A couple of thousand kilometers, or until the first good hit. It will only be possible to weld with argon welding. The most that can be done is to roll the disc when deformed.
Departure (ET45)
In addition to the diameter, you should pay attention to the overhang (ET45 - standard), the so-called distance between the plane of the disc and the plane of the disc mounting itself. For each disc, this parameter is different and can be measured from millimeters to centimeters, often referred to as OFFSET. It is worth adhering to the recommendations for the selection of this parameter. Some violate this parameter and put the discs wider, this increases stability and maneuverability. But where there are pluses, there are minuses, this will lead to an increase in the load on the hub bearings, an increase in fuel consumption, as the load on the motor will increase.
PCD
Next on the list is the PCD parameter or, in another way, the diameter of the centers of the mounting holes and their number. The store will advise you on the right dimensions for your car. Sometimes car enthusiasts still buy unsuitable discs and then completely change the hub, or put special stands, this will make it possible to adjust the parameters of the car to the discs.
When installing the discs, make sure that the mounting bolts are of the correct size, they should not be too short or too long. If they are too short, they will be cut off at the hub. If too long, they can pinch and damage the brake disc or other moving parts of the wheel.
DIA
Some manufacturers indicate the DIA parameter, the diameter of the central hole of the disc (measured from the side of the mating plane, measured in mm), often they try to choose the bolts of the optimal size for this parameter. If the hub has not been changed, then the auto shop will immediately tell you which bolts are best to take.
Now an example of decoding the inscriptions (technical characteristics) of all disks. Let's take an example: J5.5 × 14, 4 × 100, ET49, DIA56.6 - this means a disc 5.5 inches wide with a radius of R14 inches, with four fastening holes on a circle with a radius of 100 mm, an overhang of 49 mm and a hole diameter for hub 56.6 mm.
Replacement and installation of alloy wheels
It is not worth replacing alloy wheels at home in a grandfather's way, as you will immediately leave marks and damage on the wheels. The first thing to do after purchase is to install and try on the alloy wheel without a tire on the hub of your car. We remove the native wheel, and install a new disk, if all the parameters are respected, then it should become like a native one the first time. After installation, wiggle it on the sides, it should not move, there should be no backlash. Now we put our own wheel again and go to the service station to change the car's shoes.
At first, you should not immediately step on the gas and test new discs, let them get used to it, and at the same time see how the car behaves with new wheels.
When buying, many are wondering how not to fall for a fake. I will say that only experienced specialists can determine the quality by eye, and no one in the store will allow a test. Usually sellers will persuade you to buy exactly the ones that they consider the best (this is not always the case), they should not be trusted, since they are not always honest and objective. It is better to buy discs in specialized salons with a guarantee, often such salons increase their reputation in price and will not slip low-quality goods. Do not hesitate to ask for discs documents and a quality certificate from the manufacturer.
Pictured LEXANI FORGED 105
Popular brands include Asanti, Lexani, Fuel, Vellano, Rucci. Prices for discs can range from $ 50 to $ 5,000-6,000. For example, such a LEXANI FORGED 105 alloy wheel, the cost of which starts from $ 1000, is often equipped with expensive sports cars with such wheels.
