Jul 22, 2008 02:23 PM
7702 Views
(Updated May 10, 2010 09:30 AM)
We always have confusion regarding choosing a proper alloy wheel for cars. Whenever we change a car wheel it will affect the car's optimal performance tuned by the company. But we can change the tyre & change the rim to alloy without affecting the performnace much. I feel any modification should not compromise the handling and safety of the car. Milage change to 0.5 to 1 km per liter may not matter much.
If you plan to put alloy wheels for your car do vist this website https://torquecars.com/tuning/alloy-wheels.php which will help you to choose a proper alloy rim & tyre, without impacting car performance. This site has a software which will calculate and compare your present tyre & rim size with new tyres & rims. It will say whether the modification is acceptable or not.
Mag(magnesium alloy) wheels are different than regular alloy wheels. Mag wheels are used for high performance like racing.
Alloy wheels make wheels lighter and ventilates brake pads well. Hence better handling & braking aparat from better looks.
All alloy wheels are manufactured mostly in Taiwan or China. There are few reputed companies maufacturing good alloy wheels like HR, League, BSA etc. AURA is an Indian maker which comes with warranty. But its designs are bland. MOMO, an Italian company manufactures world class Mag wheels, which is available in India.
Ordinary alloy wheels costs about 13, 500 to 14, 000 Rs., good alloys like HR, league costs 16, 000 -17, 000Rs for four. MOMO costs Rs, 35, 000 onwards. Price varies with design also. There is no need to buy stepny alloy wheel as we use tubeless tyres mostly and they are puncture resistant to some level. If ther is a puncture there will be slight decrease in air pressure(not flat), which can be set right by filling air again. Puncture can be fixed later & it is 100 times easier & much faster than fixing a puncture for tube tyres. Even without fixing the puncture we can run for weeks.
Chrome alloy wheels look good but the shine fades off afetr 1-2 years. Chrome wheels should never be washed with soap solution. Should be washed only with plain water.
As soon as you change the wheel do a wheel balancing(for front tyres) for new or old cars. Wheel alignment is not required for new cars, but a must for old cars. Every 5, 000km do wheel rotation & balancing. Wheel alignment done every 10, 000kms.
MRF & JK tyres are good, but they come with hard rubber, hence driving comfort is not so good. Goodyear GT3 tyres is very suitable for Indian road conditions, with good driving comfort. Its used also as original tyre for Toyota Innova. Imported tyres like Pirelli & Michillein are very good for performance. But their rubber is soft hence wear out soon in Indian roads.
THE BEST WAY TO MAINTAIN A TYRE IS TO REMOVE SMALL STONES STUCK IN THE GROOVES REGULARLY AND CHECK TYRE PRESSURE EVERY 15 DAYS. CHECK ALIGNMENT EVERY 5, 000 KMS OR EARLIER IF ROADS ARE BAD. DO TYRE ROTATION AND BALANCING EVERY 5, 000 KMS.
