Factors to Consider When Getting Your Wheels

Important Things You Should Be Taking Note Of When Shopping For Wheels

You might have replaced your wheels recently but you are not happy at all. There was something which went wrong somewhere and that bugs you out. You are either facing difficulty while driving or the wheels simply don’t fit at all.

The thing you are worrying about is that wheel replacement never stops. This is actually a continuous activity that you have to keep doing from time to time. Thankfully, you don’t need to worry anymore as the answer is right in front of you.

Before replacing your wheels, there are three important things that you need to consider. There are certain aspects to be considered before you think about giving your car that perfect look. You must ensure that your wheels fit exactly in the way you want them to.

Checking the aspect ratio of your wheels

The ratio between the height of the metal alloy wheels' side walls and the width of the tire is known as the aspect ratio of your wheels. When a wheel is rated 300/70/20, it means that the width is 300mm, it has a 70% aspect ratio and furthermore, 20 refers to the size of the wheel to which it is fitted. When purchasing the wheels, you need to keep a look on the aspect ratio so that they are same in size to the one you replaced.

The readings are present on the wheels and this makes it much easier. At Autocraze, various measures are taken to ensure that the wheels have the right fitting with your car. In case you make the mistake of buying wheels which have lower or higher aspect ratio compared to the ones you replaced, they will start wearing out quickly and at the same time, the quality of your rides will further deteriorate.

When wheel energy is lost, the speed reduction of your car is clearly noted. You don’t want your car to lag behind others in case you are in a race. The racing wheels installed in your car should be able to speed it up whenever you put your foot down. At AutoCraze, providing you the right set of racing wheels is always top priority.

Checking the offset

Meanwhile, the distance between the centre line of the wheel and the plane of the hub-mounting surface of the metal wheel in a vehicle is known as the Wheel Offset. When the wheel’s mounting surface is in the front of the vehicle, the offset reading is zero.

When positioning the tire, wheel offset becomes very necessary. With wrong wheel offset, the steering gets stiff and you have to keep struggling in order to maintain it in a proper position. In case you wish to buy new wheels or replace them, the previous or the original wheel offset needs to be maintained in order to avoid any kind of technical glitches.

Now, the distance of the tire from its inner sidewall to its outer side wall at the widest point is the width of the wheel.  All such factors are considered at Autocraze wheels in order to bring you the utmost satisfaction on wheel purchase. 

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Pull out those deep dish rims

As an avid car driver, you might like your cars modified. Whether you’re willing to spend the big bucks or not, here are five ways you can keep your deep dish rims that are the “Alma matter” of your vehicle’s wheels running and looking like they’re brand new… Paint them into two vibrant colours

The best way to make your rims look brand new and unlike any other car is by painting them into different colours and even whacky patterns if that's what interests you. All you need to do is duct tape the entire inside rim of your car so that you don't leave paint on your wheels.

What you’ll need: Paint, brush, duct tape and a creative mind

Some drivers like their cars modified others like them sleek and classy. The best way to personalize the rims of your wheel is to paint them a bronze, black matte or bright maroon.

Duct tape to clean them out

Many drivers manage to keep their cars sparkling clean. They wipe them spotless and scrub out every bit of dust. As a stickler for super clean cars yourself, you probably manage to get that little speck of dust off your wind shield, back door and bonnet. However, wiping out your wheels is a whole new ballgame of tasks extraordinaire. Here’s how you can get rid of all the road salt, brake dust and dirt...

What you’ll need: Cleaning brushes, duct tape, butter paper, wheel scrubbing material, metal shiners and a strong arm 

Like all other procedures dealing with deep dish rims, first you need to duct tap the area where the bolts connect to the wheel. Once you’ve accomplished that, place the butter paper on the wheel and tape it to the wheel as well. Now, you'll be able to clean out the rims right up to the tips without leaving any corners unclaimed. And it’s quicker too! 

Chroming out the rust

You might have tried leaving your car in the garage over night with rust removal on or at the mechanics where you paid extra for stain-removing chemicals. Well! That definitely did not do as good a job as you expected and you’re almost certainly wondering what you could do now. Layers and several coats of polish is the solution. Well, here’s what you should do...

What you’ll need: Fire hole nuzzle, brush, cloth, metal polish, bolt and nut brush, tire gel, lots of patience

Like mentioned in all the processes above, you first need to duct tape the edges to avoid dirt spreading to more places. Getting rust off your wheel, requires you to first clean the wheel completely and wipe out all the dust. Then, using a wheel cloth and metal polish you need to rub out every spec of rust from the wheel. When you're finished, you'll be glad you did it yourself, however, rust is a common phenomena and the best way to avoid is by repeating this procedure every month.

Truck them or bike them

Deep dish rims come in all sizes. They can be fixed into your bike or your truck to give it a contemporary, custom-made feel. So go ahead and explore the possibilities of using deep dish rims for a brand new ride. 

Treating your alloys and rims well is not a matter of purchasing expensive products and side-goods. It’s just a matter of hard work and using the right techniques in the right places!

Plus-size your car with 4wd alloy wheels

The visual appeal of larger-than-life wheels, full-size dish rims and mega-sized tires is undeniable. However, a lot can be said about the benefits and direct effects to driving about the four wheel drive or 4wd alloy wheels.

From a general perspective, larger wheels have the following characteristics:

• Larger wheels are heavier
• Additional weight hinders performance
• Installing larger wheels and tires takes a longer duration of time
• Larger wheels result is lesser fuel and acceleration efficiency

However, even though the above four pointers may seem like it is probably not a good idea to plus-size your car, the profits of the huge wheels, may change your mind.

A principal difference between steel rims and allow wheels in a 4wd is that when you happen to crash into a pole or worse and your frame faces a dent, bump or crack all you need is a big hammer and a tough arm. Steel wheel rims can easily be fixed with a hammer to even out the dent. However, if an alloy wheel is cracked, there’s no escape.

The key reason for 4wd alloy wheels are to modernise the appearance and feel of the car or truck, the secondary reason you could go in for an plus-size upgrade would be for more controlled and safe steering while racing or out on an adventure. 

Improved handling:

Bigger cars allow smoother driving with lesser bumps. Even braking and parking are more efficient. Plus-sizing definitely improves the handling of the car. The bigger tires help with better, faster and smoother driving responses.

Look good and feel good:

The large wheels coupled with the alloy finishing look chic, modern and incomparable. 

Rough terrain vehicle:

The 4wd alloy wheels can handle all kinds of topography and weather conditions. Mountains, deserts, winding hill roads can be easily trudged across during monsoons, winters and summer without any cracking or fracturing effects to the wheels.

Better mechanics:

When executed properly, even the accuracy, speed and odometer to the car is retained to increase working efficiency.

Why you should opt for 4wd over 2wd?

Four wheel drives are constantly meant to provide supremacy and motor capacity to all four wheels of your vehicle. Optional systems available in different types of cars will enable you to switch from 4wd to 2wd and back. 4wd wheels on the other hand are designed to look and function at a higher power and functionality.

Even though the cost of installing or purchasing a 4wd system with alloy wheels would be more expensive the advantages of an SUV over a hatchback are safety, aesthetic appeal and power for all terrains and seasons.

When most 4wd alloy wheels are reviewed, the best attributes repeatedly mentioned are the grip and traction of the wheels during rain and snow. Chances of skidding, leading to major accidents are immediately minimized due to the high glue mechanism of these wheels onto the road. With a 2wd, you could drive onto a field and get stuck.

You could be stuck in a ditch or caught on a dirt path... But with a 4wd you can be assured that you can move around easily without ever being “stuck in life”!

Mag wheels get trendy

The alloys that once made the BMWs and Toyotas of the world look like nothing ever seen before are back to being in vogue...

For starters, like all things technology related, Mag wheels or Magnesium wheels are technically extinct. They’re back in terms of being ‘trendy’ and ‘cool’ but have been out of the sports car sector for quite a few years now.

Magnesium controls have been always known as an accessory that adds a certain ‘oomph and wow’ factor to any means of transport. That said and done, the looks, style and fashion element of the wheels are not its only advantages.

The magnesium wheels also have the following key advantages:

1. Five spokes which makes them easier to replace, fix, attach and upgrade.
2. Lighter than steel and aluminium wheels.
3. Give the driver better mileage and driving efficiency
4. Less prone to bending
5. Extremely durable: When Mag wheels bend, they can easily be hammered out and fixed  
6. Lesser overheating: As aluminium and steel wheels heat up easily, Mag wheels are less likely to increase in temperature that directly affects the smooth working of the brake pads and other automobile mechanics attached to the braking system.
7. The aftermarket advantages are great. Resale value doubles with Mag alloy wheels.
8. The looks are sleek, niche, unique and desirable.

Every alloy has its limits and not paying repeated attention could lead to damage and loss of function.

However, with pros come the cons and here are the downsides to spending that extra buck while switching to Mag wheels:

1. They’re expensive!
2. Easily flammable resulting in the banning of the wheel in certain sports.
3. The Mag wheels are not very corrosion resistant and may not be smooth functioning on all kinds of terrains.

The increase in the purchase of Mag wheels has out sprung from a direct expansion and popularity of the wheels to other global automobile markets. The automobile marketing in China, India, Africa and other countries in the South Asian markets have doubled their consumption of alloy wheels. Racing, which is not as popular or viewed in these markets, as compared to the American and European markets have now started to spring on the culture of ‘Mag wheels’ as a trendsetter.

Countries also known to ape the West, in general, have now found a fascination in the purchase of these wheels. The fresh colours, removable and replicable bolds, hub caps and rims, available in variant sizes, shapes, colours and metals have fascinated drivers, racers and everyday vehicle owners.

Many still complain over the cost and its value-return after investment. With vehicular technology growing, the marketing of aesthetic appeal and need-based modifications are subjective and to each his own, but will always remain questionable.

Lastly, the aesthetic appeal of a vintage product never goes out of trend. Like the Vespa using the vintage two-wheeler look in modern times or the Harley maintaining its curve to hold on to its vintage and classy image, the Mag wheels have a style statement that dates back up to three decades. Thus, lending it a look and feel that could translate to the ‘First racers of time’!

Made-to-order custom mag wheels

With an increased demand for personalization, hoards of drivers and buyers are opting to purchase their custom mag wheels online, over vertical and horizontal e-commerce automobile markets. Numerous buyers are making convention purchases overseas and distributors are widening their deliverable reach to include more geographical regions.

However, it is very easy to get confused over what you want, how you would like it and where you could get hold of what you really want? With companies now offering optimal personalization for magnesium-based alloy wheels, life is now filled with multiple choices and here are the main guidelines to keep in mind before you click the ‘Pay’ button.

Customization and modernization of a vehicle’s wheels are based on the three primary components of the wheel. These three parts include:

1. Centre piece 
2. Semi-interior piece 
3. Exterior rim piece 

The advantages of routine made wheels are that each part of the wheel can be replaced, upgraded, changed and modified without having to replace or pay for the entire wheel. Owning to the changing trends and colour schemes, wheel spinners can also be made available in matte and glossy finishes ranging from gold to black and mauve to blue!

State-of-the-art facilities now enable the width of the wheels to be available in different sizes too. This directly impacts the strength of the wheel. The different technological advancements have enabled custom made performance wheels across the world to maintain internationally-recognized standards while keeping in mind wheel sizes and automobile demands.

If you’re looking at custom made alloy or non-alloy wheels, these will be the characteristics you’ll need to look into first while you make your selection:

1. Muscular, sleek, modern finishing with deference to dye, shade and finishing. 
2. Sizes of your deep dish rims which range from 18 to 21 inches in diameter. 
3. Is the core of your wheel, which is the one piece mono-block made up of aluminium, steel or magnesium. Do you wish to change the metal? 
4. Is your selection lightweight? 
5. Selection of the wheel’s crux should be lightweight and deeply machined with spokes. 
6. Interestingly, custom mag wheels are also available with I-beam, night vision and fluorescent appeals. 
7. Maintaining track steady performance with the custom mag wheels by upgrading to a performance related series. 
8. Made-to-order wheels: Are they finally what you’ve always dreamed of? 

Several, custom wheel makers are also allowing buyers to test fit the wheels before the wielding begins.

Test fitting is available for people purchasing:

1. Custom made wheels for back spacing
2. Made-to-order racing wheels
3. Made-to-order trailer wheels

Unlike old wheel changers, now new upgrades leave no compress marks, tinge stains and old tire marks over your precious rims. Instead, one-stop-shops for wheel-related customization now also offer welding, bending, power coating and metallic finishing in order to revamp the wheel or rims discoloration, peeling or scratching.

Lastly, practice made mag wheels will make you feel trendy, while simultaneously powering up the look and feel of your car. Enhanced custom-made mag wheels are a sure shot way to enhance artistic appeal for yourself and for the resale value of your car. Intelligent and well-researched spending for your vehicle never goes waste, now, does it?

Drive up performance using Alloy wheels

Maybe it’s time you replaced the reins that power your car up one notch

What began as a means to enhance the speed and sensual appeal of a racing car has gradually become an asset to increase the look, feel and classy repertoire of any established brand in the car-business. Now-a-days it is not uncommon to spot an everyday car with enhanced alloy wheels. The many advantages of these wheels include:

The lighter, the better

Alloy wheels weigh significantly lesser than their steel-plated competitors. At the same time, these light-weight wheels are also extremely tough and sturdy. Many drivers that prefer durability have now come to believe that adding a new set of alloy wheels to their car will increase the overall speed and drive value of the car.





Directly related to the model, make and general characteristics of any given car, these alloy wheels can be permanently nailed into your machine.

Enhanced drive

Drivers have also come to believe, that these alloy wheels also result in long term increase in productivity, more gas mileage and better presentation and routine of the car. The wheels are a clear-cut result of velvety handling as well.

Sleek and smooth

All you’ll need to do is ‘Google’ a few images to notice how much better, smarter, classier and sleeker the alloy wheels look in direct comparison to their corresponding items made in steel. Many customers buy their standard of transport on the basis of its aesthetics alone and replacing your wheels with modern alloy-based ones, with new bolt patterns, only add to the appeal of your car.

Personalized options

Alloy wheels are no longer a hard to find. It is also true that for vehicles with well-liked patterns and common body types, it is easy to find alloy wheels. For a car belonging to the ‘Honda’ or the ‘Volkswagen’ family, wheels can be custom made to allow for unique colours, polishing and painting. Chrome wheels are also regarded as upmarket and trendy!

Pressing the right pedals

The chrome metal of aluminium is the primary key material that makes these kinds of wheels light, unstrung and unhinged by the car’s suspension. These set of motors also directly impact the steer manoeuvring in an automobile. Some consumers often chose alloy wheels for the reason that the brake efficiency almost doubles up. With a higher brake clearance, the pressure the driver has to place on the brake pedal reduces, increasing competence.

Studies lend proof

Every buyer investing in high-performance wheels, whether cheap, moderate or expensive in terms of cost, invests a decent or certain duration of time, money and effort in the exploration of the product before the purchase is made. Well! The hunt ends here because research proves that alloy wheels disband heat better. Thus, diminishing the cracking and bending of wheels. Furthermore, many such wheels have spokes, which have been premeditated for the sole purpose of letting air flow freely around the rest of the tire. This also helps the brakes to take a breather.

Sustainable business practice

Finally, fixing an old or a new car with a fresh set of alloy wheels is a considerable upgrade for any consumer or distributor. One feature’s guaranteed, this reasonable promotion definitely triples the resale value of the car, keeps it easily sellable and maintains it value on the automobile market as per industry standards.