The main reason why most car owners change the wheels is purely aesthetic, aiming for a personalization of the car. The changes to the technical aspect that come along with the changing of the type of wheels are left in the background. Although the design of rims is constantly changing, a few classic models still remain top choices. Variants with 4 or 5 spokes or cross-spoke wheels are derived from the rims for racing cars. The conclusion is that, besides form, functionality also matters. Moreover, wheels have to function well. So car owners have to make sure they give the proper attention to choosing the right alloy wheel refurbishment Southampton or alloy wheel refurbishment Portsmouth.
Shape results from calculation in order to provide durability, low weight and hardness. On the one hand, there are "fashionable rims" that are changed from one season to another. For these wheels, the one to decide the importance of the technical characteristics is the designer and not the engineer. Because this type of rims has a fairly short life, the focus is on cheap and fast manufacturing methods. So they are produced in relatively small quantities. Unfortunately, in order to fulfil the above conditions, it is impossible to use the latest technology in the field. Few car owners are aware of the influence the low weight alloy wheels have on the car's overall behaviour.
On the other hand, car manufacturers tend to include alloy wheels in the standard equipment. Ever since their invention in the 50s, alloy wheels have been used to improve the performance of the cars. In terms of the material they are made of, alloy wheels may be made of magnesium alloy (the initial solution which has been produced) or aluminium alloy. The magnesium alloy wheels are much too fragile to be used on the streets. They are difficult to maintain and they are also limited in terms of resistance to harmful environmental factors. For example, because of the tendency of magnesium to oxidize, they should be oiled frequently. Currently this type of wheels are used on cars that participate in races such as Formula 1, races held in Indianapolis etc., which are continuously monitored by team members. Following periodic tests, they are declared fit or not to be used in the next race. For use on normal cars, aluminium alloy wheels were designed, which have a much higher resistance to common shocks on a normal road. They are made in multiple designs, all with a lighter weight than the steel version.
The wheel weight is often specified in the user manual. The wheels themselves can be of several types, depending on the materials or components. Most wheels are moulded monoblock, meaning they are cast into moulds, in one piece. There are also forged wheels made of two or more pieces. Some wheels are made of several pieces in order to allow changing of spokes or of the interior "flower", leaving only the tire contact area. The wheel finish is also of several kinds - glossy, matte, in different colours, polished aluminium, chrome, gold, alloy colour. Recently, there are transparent wheels that have the "flower" the bolts are going through made of Plexiglas, or with a hologram effect with different images. Their purpose is purely aesthetic.
Regardless of their type or aspect, all wheels require special care and maintenance. Some people prefer to change them periodically; others would rather refurbish and reuse them. In case you belong to the second category, pay attention to the garage you choose for your alloy wheel refurbishment Southampton or alloy wheel refurbishment Portsmouth based. They have to do a good job so that you could feel safe on the road.
Specialists providing services of alloy wheel refurbishment Southampton http://www.jmhwheelmasters.co.uk and alloy wheel refurbishment Portsmouth http://www.jmhwheelmasters.co.uk will make your wheels as good as new.