Alloy wheels online shop

Main characteristics of aluminium wheel rims

Alloy wheel rims are included into the standard equipment of many sports and premium-class cars. For less expensive cars they are usually offered optionally. Products of this category are represented in the assortment of many brands, including Aez, Dotz, Alutec and others.

Advantages

• Small weight. Aluminium is lighter than steel. Moreover, due to its higher strength, less material can be used for production of an alloy wheel rim, which allows to reduce the weight of the product by 15–20% on average in comparison with a steel one. This results in decrease of the vehicle’s unsprung weight, thus improving its steerability.
• Attractive design. The technology of alloy wheel rim production involves using a special matrix in which molten metal is poured. These matrices can be of various shapes, which allows to create wheel rims of an unusual design.
• Resistance to deformation. The aluminium components do not change their shape under high loads, for instance, when hitting a pothole at high speed or in case of tyre damage.
• High resistance to corrosion. It is due to the properties of the alloy: aluminium is less apt to corrosion than steel. But it can be destroyed as well when contacting thawing agents. That is why these products need special protection in winter.

Disadvantages

• Insufficient ductility. It is the downside of strength. Due to high resistance to deformation, an alloy wheel rim, when exposed to a very strong impact, won't bend, unlike a steel one, but will crack.
• High price. It is determined by high cost of production materials and complexity of manufacturing technology.
• Non-repairability. Unlike the steel ones, alloy wheel rims cannot be repaired in case of serious damage. Small defects can only be removed by sanding. Welding parts of a broken component is prohibited.

How to avoid mistakes when choosing and buying

When choosing the components, always consider your vehicle’s specifications. It is especially important that the diameter, width, offset and other rim parameters be within the limits specified by the car manufacturer. If you often drive on poor-quality roads and your car is fully loaded, buy aluminium wheel rims with high load index. Moreover, remember that the aluminium parts require special wheel bolts. They are longer than the fasteners for steel rims and have the bolt seats of a different shape. When buying fasteners made of steel it is better to opt for the components with titanium, chrome or other coating. Steel and aluminium form a galvanic couple, which causes their corrosion.

buycarparts.co.uk: vast assortment of aluminium wheel rims

A wide selection of alloy products of various designs is waiting for you at our online shop. Due to regular promotions you can always buy a part you like at a price lower than usual.