"Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Alloy Wheel"
"KARBONI Alloy Wheels, Alloy Wheels UK (750 words)"
[ "Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Alloy WheelsAs a complete guide to alloy wheels, this article may as well start with the questions we get asked most often. There is nothing we like more than talking about alloy wheels and their suitability for your vehicle  so here goes:KARBONI Alloy Wheels, also known as 'mag wheels', are the most common type of wheel and consist of aluminium or magnesium alloys instead of steel or iron that standard production car wheels were made until the mid-1960s. They have become increasingly popular because they offer significant advantages over steel including lighter weight for improved fuel economy; better heat dissipation than steel, resulting in improved brake performance and durability; lower susceptibility to corrosion; wider choice of styles and finishes. In terms of performance, alloy wheels offer a combination of the best attributes of both steel and cast iron wheels: they combine lighter weight with greater strength using any type of braking systemWhy did alloy wheels come about?To meet stricter environmental legislation, car manufacturers have been forced to find ways to reduce vehicle mass without compromising safety, comfort or durability. Alloy wheels are a simple way of reducing vehicle weight by around 1/4-1/2 compared with standard steel wheels thereby improving fuel economy and lowering CO2 emissionsWhat finishes are available for alloy wheels?Alloy Wheels can be finished in many different styles including polished mirror finish, machine black or coloured powder coating which will add decorative touches to your vehicle.Can alloy wheels be repaired if I get a puncture?No  but you can repair them! Repairing alloy wheels can be done by trained technicians and involves taking the wheel off the car and having the damaged area cut out and replaced with new metal. This works out as cheaper than replacing an entire wheel, repairs can take as little as one hour to complete and allow for a range of customisation options including different colours, decals etc.Are alloy wheels more expensive to replace when damaged?A full-sized replacement alloy wheel from an OEM supplier will cost in the region of 300+, whereas even budget aftermarket alloy wheels start at around 150+ each depending on size, style, finish etc.Are alloy wheels stronger?Although more expensive than steel equivalents when buying new, alloy wheels are notably stronger and lighter in weight due to the far superior properties of the aluminium or magnesium alloys used in their construction. Under normal driving conditions, alloy wheels should never fail in everyday use; however, if they do become badly damaged (e.g., bent beyond repair) or suffer from corrosion, this can lead to delamination under certain types of braking systems with consequent loss of control over the vehicle. For this reason, alloy wheels are not recommended for track use nor where there is any possibility of them coming into contact with salt water (for example by driving through flooded roads)Are alloy wheels legal?Although Alloy Wheels UK are far more resilient than steel, they should not be driven on public roads with any type of unapproved tyre. This is because the sidewalls of unapproved tyres can rub against the wheel causing damage and subsequently de-lamination of the braking surface due to corrosion.What happens during winter if I get a puncture?Since alloy wheels are lighter in weight than standard steel, they do offer some advantages when conditions become icy or slippery: a reduction in vehicle weight reduces the amount of grip needed to propel it forward through reduced inertia; better heat dissipation means that less power goes towards heating brake discs and tyres meaning shorter stopping distances and more time for reaction in potentially hazardous road conditions, i.e. during winter months.Can alloy wheels be fitted with winter tyres?Alloy Wheels can be fitted with specially-designed winter tyres to improve grip and braking performance during colder, wetter months of the year; however, special care should be taken not to damage the wheel due to the lessened rolling resistance of these types of tyre on harder surfaces such as tarmac and concreteWhy do alloy wheels sometimes appear to have lines across their surface?The appearance of what is known as "lightning bolt" effects is due to the phenomenon where heat creates different metal structures with varying levels of hardness. Although these are normally invisible, they become evident when subject to certain environmental conditions (e.g., road abrasion caused by braking against tarmac surfaces)Alloy Wheels UK should ideally be balanced every time fitted to ensure that the driver experiences a smooth and vibration-free drive. However, even if new alloy wheels are not balanced, this does not mean they are unsafe; it just means it may take longer for them to "bed in" so you may notice some vibrations of the steering wheel after new rims have been fitted." ]