FAQ

What are the different methods of making wheels?

In todays marketplace, steel and aluminum are the most common wheel materials. Steel wheels are made in two pieces. The inner piece, which is called the center, bolts on to the car. The outer piece is known as a barrel and receives the tire. The two pieces are welded together to form the wheel. Most original equipment wheels are made this way. Many aftermarket wheels are created this way as well, especially ones made for trucks. Steel is durable and easy to repair. For these reasons, it has remained a popular material for wheel manufacturing. The other material, aluminum, is by far the most popular type of wheel. Its light weight, superior heat dissipation, and seemingly endless design variations make it the material of choice for most buyers. Aluminum wheels can be manufactured in many ways, and each method offers advantages.

One-piece cast wheels

Pouring molten aluminum into a mold creates a cast wheel. The metal then takes the molds shape as it cools and hardens. There are three types of casting methods: low pressure/gravity, counter pressure, and high counter pressure molding (HCM). Each method has its place in todays market. A wheel manufacturer will select a particular method according to the weight, strength, and finish that they have specified for that design. Naturally, the more sophisticated and costly methods produce lighter and stronger wheels but at a higher price.

FlowForm

A FlowFormed wheel starts out the same as a cast wheel, but with a notable exception in the barrel. The barrel is spun, heated and then pressed between steel rollers that pull the rim to its final width and shape. This create a lighter and stronger rim compared to regular cast wheels, but without the expense of a forged wheel.

Forged / Billet wheels

The two words "forged" and "billet" have become synonymous. However, the manufacturing process is called forging, while the material used is a billet. Billet is the term used for a solid piece of dense aluminum. The forge, a huge machine that exerts thousands of pounds of pressure on the metal, basically presses or rolls the billet into its fundamental form. This forging is then machined to a final finish. This process allows wheels to be built with much less material. This results in lighter weight and unique designs, because the process creates a much stronger wheel than other methods.

Multi-piece wheels

The processes mentioned above can be combined to produce a wheel of a particular strength and weight at a particular price. For example, some wheels have a cast aluminum center, welded to a steel outer, or barrel. Another type of two-piece construction features a billet center welded to a rolled outer (extruded aluminum rolled into a hoop). Still other wheels feature a split outer so that widths and offsets can be made to custom specifications. This last method is the three-piece type construction. In this type of wheel, the center can be cast, billet or forged, and is usually attached to the outer assembly by special screws or rivets.

What features should I look for when buying wheels?

First and foremost, wheels are purchased for styling the vehicle. Youve got to like how they look. Second, decide on the build method and quality. The discussion of manufacturing methods above was intended to inform you of the different ways wheels are made. Choose the manufacturing method you want at the price you are happy with. Finish quality is important, so demand a nicely finished wheel. Finally, decide on the price. We realize there are many tradeoffs between the various features and price and thats why we carry a wide selection of wheels for every budget.

What are hub-centric rings. Do I need them?

Most aftermarket wheels are manufactured with a center hole that will fit a wide range of vehicles. The hub-centric ring is an installation tool used to help hold the wheel perfectly centered during installation. Use of a hub centric ring can help in reducing minor vibrations. Proper installation and torque sequence is required to correctly center a wheel with or without a hub centric ring.

I just hit something in the road. How do I find out if my wheel is ok?

Take the wheel to a dealer for inspection as soon as possible. Following an incident, immediately inspect the wheel for damage. If you see any damage do not drive on the wheel. If you drive the vehicle and notice any vibration, pulling or other sensation previously unnoticed do not drive on the wheel. You should take the wheel to a dealer for inspection whether or not you see damage or feel anything unusual. Your dealer can advise if the wheel(s) needs to be replaced.

How can I tell if my tires are directional and properly mounted/rotated?

Directional tires will have a rotation arrow branded on the tires sidewall. The arrow indicates the direction in which the tire should turn. Unless they are dismounted and remounted on their wheels to accommodate use on the other side of the vehicle, directional tires are to be used on one side of the vehicle and are intended to be rotated from the front axle to the rear axle. If different tire sizes are used on the front vs. rear axle, the tires become location-specific and prohibit tire rotation unless remounted.