Alloy Wheels News & Articles

Alloys Wheels Articles

Alloy Wheels - Should you know the drill by now? Ref: Performance and Styling Retailer August 2007

Autopart invite P&S to their HQ to talk about custom drilling of alloy wheels and how you can benefit.

How often have you or a customer had problems getting alloy wheels to fit a car? Wrong offsets, wrong PCD, lack of brake caliper clearance or simply not being able to find an alloy wheel to fit in any way, shape or form. The likelihood is you've all experienced it. So it's interesting to find out exactly what mass alloy wheel distributors Autopart can do to help you out.

Take a look at their catalogue of Lenso, Axe, Devil and Zinik wheels and Tony Stacey can tick off around 30 designs ready to be custom drilled to fit just about any car. They're one of the few companies who use precision CNC (Computer Numerical Controlled) machines to do this. Any alloy wheel with a centre cap covering the bolt pattern appears to be fair game in the Lenso range meaning you really have no excuse to be getting alloys on any customer's car who asks for them.

With the CNC machines, Autopart can also fabricate spigot rings and spacers. Spacers can also be transformed into hub adaptors making it possible to get most alloy wheels on most cars. Obviously it's not always 100 percent possible, but between the Autopart staff they're more than able to figure out what can and can't be done when people up with enquiries. Recent requests have included getting AMG alloy wheels onto a Mercedes Sprinter van and 22in alloy wheels on the back of a 1970's VW camper! But if you fancied putting BMW alloy wheels on your Skyline, or Jap alloy wheels on your Escort then that can be done too as long as you're happy having a minimum of a 30mm spacer.

While P&S was at their Wickford offices it's clear the staff live and breathe alloy wheels. PCD numbers and offsets for most vehicles spill readily off their tongues and Tony took plenty of time to explain what can be done with their CNC machines. They won't drill to any requirement, as they know what the tolerances of the alloy wheels are, but this mini-guide will give you an idea of how they can help.

Will drill from blank any PCD as long as the hub of the alloy wheel is not too small
Can adjust the offset before they drill
Open out the back bore of the wheel
Make wheel spacers to any size or design
Make centring rings in any size
Fabricate custom hub adaptors

Basically, if you need alloy wheels on a car and you're not sure how to make it happen then Autopart can help. And if they say it can't be done then the likelihood is, well, it can't be done. Autopart believe they're the only company in the Uk which owns a high tech CNC machine and they know how the service not only benefits themselves, but also their retailers and their retailers' customers. If you want to find out more, then call Autopart on 01268 560126 or email sales@autopartuk.com.

Alloy Wheels - Getting Technical Ref: 250a

Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD)
Firstly, you need to know the alloy wheel PCD dictates how the alloy wheel bolt holes line up so it is important that this is correct. An alloy wheel PCD of 4x100 meaning 4 bolt holes drilled through the centre of a 100mm circle. Another common alloy wheel PCD is 5x114.3 meaning 5 bolt holes drilled through the centre of a 114.3mm circle. If this is different on your chosen alloy wheels you won't be able to bolt them on! However, we supply many models blank. This means that for a small extra charge your chosen alloy wheels can be drilled to fit your car.

Most European cars with 4 studs have a alloy wheel PCD of 100mm (Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Honda & early BMW), Fords & Peugeots have a PCD of 108mm. Also consider whether your car has metric or imperial hubs. Real Minis & MGs have a PCD of 4" which is pretty close to 100mm but not exact so you couldn't swap one with the other. Check the hole in the centre! Many aftermarket alloy wheels have a plastic ring in the centre to take up the gap. Measure the hole in the centre of your vehicles own alloy wheel and compare it to your chosen alloy wheels.

Offset
Offset (or often referred to as ET) is the distance between the centre of the alloy wheel and the edge of the rim. This has to be pretty much the same on your new alloy wheels as your own as it will effect the way your car handles.

Positive offset is when the hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the alloy wheel. Positive offset alloy wheels are generally found on front wheel drive cars and newer rear drive cars.

Negative offset is when the hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the alloy wheels centerline. "Deep dish" alloy wheels typically have a negative offset. Another reason to be aware of the offset is if the alloy wheel is offset too far one way or another it may contact the wheel arch or suspension.

Offsets can be corrected by machining the alloy wheels or using an appropriate spacer. Please contact us for more details and pricing.

Wheel Size
Finally, consider the overall diameter. As a rule, if you can achieve the same rolling diameter your original alloy wheels, everything should be fine. Fitting low profile tyres will allow for an increase in alloy wheel diameter. All our prices include low budget tyres. Obviously, speaking to other owners who have fitted larger alloy wheels will help you decide how much of an increase your car can take. Remember a different rolling diameter will affect the reading on your speedo.
Use our tyre calculator to show you what the percentage change in your speedo reading will be.

Autopartuk.com is a website dedicated to alloy wheels and tyre packages. If you're looking for a quality alloy wheels, black, white or chrome, for your vehicle check out one of our dealers online shops. Working closely with our key dealers, Autopartuk.com offers a huge range of products. With over 50 years experience between our staff in the alloy wheels industry, rest assured you'll be getting high quality alloy wheel products, speedy and spot-on delivery. To order or to find out more, contact one of our dealers or telephone: 01268 560126, alternatively you can email your us at: sales@autopartuk.com

Alloy Wheels - Wheel Technology: Ref 275b

A major factor in ensuring vehicle safety and refinement is wheel technology and aftermarket alloy wheel suppliers like Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd to go great pains to ensure that their cast aluminum alloy wheels are produced to the highest possible standards.

The Lenso alloy wheel brand was a pioneer of light-alloy wheels, way back in the days when most sporty cars used spoked wheels, albeit, very attractive ones. According to one statistics, the world market for aftermarket alloy wheels is something like 110-million and many of these are snapped up by luxury car owners.

The largest Autopart is offering is 22-inches in diameter—not an uncommon size these days. Alloy wheels have been getting larger year by year for over fifteen years now and that’s often why buyers look to aftermarket suppliers like Autopart, even though their new vehicle may have a pretty good set of alloy wheels in the first place. It’s usually a good bet to buy after market alloy wheels from a dealer such as Autopart as there can often be technical considerations dictating specific choices and fittings.

While looks and design are important factors when designing an alloy wheel, safety and performance must never be compromised. Autopart’s wheel designers work closely with the car industry chassis, body and suspension departments to ensure that everything functions in unison to the alloy wheels to give the best car dynamics.

Alloy wheels quality control is a key and any flaws in concentricity would be evident at most speeds. Any balance problems would quickly become apparent at high speeds and the safety of the vehicle could be at risk.

Before releasing any alloy wheels to the market, Autopart puts them through rigorous safety and balance checks. Critical dimensions must be “spot on” and that includes bolt holes, hub diameters and mating surface. Of course, all wheels must be balanced after the tyre is fitted. Many tyres are made on computerized equipment these days, but they are still not as accurate as alloy wheels. Other tests deal with surface perfection, corrosion, paint (where paints are used) and scratch-resistance.

Materials are tested for strength and durability and X-ray examination makes sure there are no casting defects. Other alloy wheel tests include impact testing (such as hitting kerbs or running over obstacles.

Autopart also do tests on their alloy wheels to discover what pressures are placed on the wheel by a vehicle during fast cornering. Wheels are tested to destruction, this reportedly being the only way to really find out just how safe and durable they are.

Alloy wheels have been around for many years and most people probably believe they’re just for show but this is just the start. Alloy wheels reduce what automotive engineers call “unsprung weight” and their use has a beneficial effect on the cars dynamics. You may opt for alloy wheels when you buy a car to enhance styling, but they play a functional role too.

Autopart believes that its whole range is at the peak of alloy wheel technology and there’s no doubt that the range is impressive both in looks and performance. Other manufactures can talk about their alloy wheels but many have not reached Autopart’s levels of technological achievement.

Seen a set of our alloy wheels in a magazine? Know our model or design number? The “Search Wheels” box (above & below) allows you to specify exactly which alloy wheels you’re looking for by typing in design or model number directly e.g. “AP1”. Click “GO” to display the result.

Alloy Wheels - Care and Cleaning: Ref 280a

After a few months new alloy wheels do lose their sparkle. Grime, minor scratches and tar spots will be too stubborn for a wet sponge. Wash the alloy wheels first with your usual shampoo and a sponge. Use a good quality car wax and a soft cloth to lightly polish the surface. This will remove spots of tar and minor surface scratches and help to throw off water. Never try to polish a dirty wheel; the cloth will pick up pieces of dirt and grit and could score the surface.

Wash the face of the alloy wheels first, then round the inside of the spokes using plenty of water. This stops a run-off of dirt from the back of the alloy wheel collecting in the corners of the spokes and starting to corrode the aluminum.

Don’t forget those tyres too. To protect them tyre manufacturers actually recommend a light coating of wax, rather than one of the many tyre cleaners which you can buy. The cheapest solution is ordinary shoe polish applied with a shoe brush. Buff lightly and the polish will bring the tyre to a nice black shine which does full justice to your alloy wheels. It also helps to keep the rubber clean by throwing off water and protecting it from road salt and UV from the sun.

Care must be taken when driving over humps. Many alloy wheels have a deep dish which means the inner rim can be unsupported. The soft aluminum alloy is easily flattened if you hit a speed hump too fast. The outer rim is usually well supported by the spokes. It is also advisable not to run up kerbs when parking etc. Much damage can be caused at a very low speed. A flattened front alloy wheel rim may have a slight wobble on the steering at low speeds, whereas a flattened rear alloy wheel will cause a drone at high speed. If you have a CD player which is prone to skipping and jumping, the cause could be a flattened alloy wheel.

For the real enthusiast, getting your alloy wheels clean is really important. For the very best clean it is worth removing your alloy wheels. The reflection from the bright alloy behind the spokes and around the inside of the wheel rim dramatically improves the appearance of your alloy wheels.

Alloy Wheels - Our own brand alloy wheels: Ref 285b

Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd is as committed as ever to providing only high-quality alloy wheels and by manufacturing their own brands, Axe and Devil they are able to do this. From conceptual design to final rim construction, Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd has no equals.

Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd has gone from strength to strength and has now become an internationally-recognised manufacturer of high-quality alloy wheels.

Autopart's high-quality alloy wheels are manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility located in the Far East. Autopart produces a wide range of first rate alloy wheel products designed to serve the exacting demands of both local and international customers. The fact that the alloy wheels are supplied to discerning customers in the world's most competitive markets reflects the company's uncompromising commitment to providing products and services of the highest quality.

Autopart's alloy wheel manufacturing line

Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd has learned that distinguished design and up-to-date technology enable it to offer its customers superior quality alloy wheel products in a wider array of designs and models than its competitors. To achieve this, the company has acquired the most advanced machinery and technology from Italy and Japan and incorporated it into its everyday operation. State-of-the-art Computer Aided Design [CAD] software, meanwhile, ensure that all alloy wheel products are manufactured exactly to the specification and unique design.

To ensure that every alloy wheel is in top condition it has to go through our quality control process. The company rigorously adheres to strict quality control procedures and these are applied at all stages. All incoming materials are carefully inspected and tested for mechanical and technical suitability based on international standards requirements. To ensure smooth workflow, each work station is connected via a modern conveyor system while the painting and finishing processes are computerised to ensure exceptional levels of efficiency and accuracy. At the same time, all finished products are examined randomly by highly-skilled staff to ensure that their quality is uncompromised and their functionality is of the highest order.

To ensure the continued support and loyalty of its customers, Autopart (Wheel & Tyre) Ltd backs up all its alloy wheels products with highly effective after-sales services. The company's highly qualified but friendly after-sales service team is always on hand to provide customers with comprehensive information on alloy wheels products and services.