Upgrading to Alloy Wheels

Ok so youve decided you want a set of alloy wheels but there are still a few questions or queries?

We have listed some more details for you below to help you on your way

Why Alloy wheels?

The main reason car enthusiasts fit alloy wheels to their vehicle is to improve a car's overall appearance, but fitting alloy wheels can also:

Help to reduce 'un-sprung' weight which results in quicker suspension response.
Reduce the overall weight of the car, consequently improving acceleration and braking capabilities as well as reducing fuel consumption.
Help to dissipate the heat away from the brakes quicker and more effectively.
Allow you to fit wider tyres with more road contact. (As most aftermarket wheels are wider than stock wheels).
If you run lower profile tyres with your alloy wheels you also gain improved steering response and better lateral stability.

And the bad points?

You need to wash your wheels regularly to protect the finish. Chrome wheels are even harder to maintain and should be washed every 3 or 4 days during the winter months.
You have to be careful which wheel cleaning products you use. Some commercially-available wheel cleaner's can actually damage your wheels. So be careful which car wash you use.
Nobody likes to curb their wheels as it often also void's any manufacturer warranty on your wheel. So you might often find your a little more cautious than normal when parking.
If you run lower profile tyre's on your wheels you will encounter harder ride comfort.

Ok, so how big can I go?

Many people decide to "Rim Up" or "Inch Up" (choose larger wheels), but then run lower profile tyres to keep a car's overall wheel and tyre radius (Rolling Radius) the same size as the original stock wheels.

It is important when fitting aftermarket alloy wheels to your car that you keep the "Rolling Radius" within around +/-5% of the original stock wheels.

The Rolling Radius is the distance between the centre of the wheel and the tarmac (pictured above). If this changes because you've mismatched your new wheels and tyres, then your speedometer will lose accuracy, alter your car's geometry and fuel consumption levels will increase.

Many people are also limited by how large they can go simply by the size of the car's wheel arches (there being enough space). Some cars such as the Citroen Saxo can have it's wheel "arches rolled" to allow it to cater for bigger wheels.

HINT!

In addition, the tyre sidewall shape can also prove to be a factor. For example if you have a Vauxhall Corsa C and want to run 17" wheels, you can run 205/40/17 Falken ZE512 tyres, but you may notice some arch rubbing if you choose another 205/40/17 tyre brand with a straight tyre sidewall.