- Wheels and rims are the significant parts of any
vehicle. Wheels are circular rings on which automobile tires are fitted. The
wheel is a part around which there is a tire and the rim is outer lip of the
wheel. The rim is the periphery of the wheel and the tire is fitted upon the
wheel. The rim is actually the ring of wheel and the center of wheel is
connected to the rim. The rim and center together make up the entire wheel.
The wheels
and rims are available in various sizes, colors and styles. The most
common types of wheels available today are wire-spoke wheels, pressed steel
wheels and light-alloy casting wheels. The pressed steel wheels are light, stiff,
strong and resistant to damage. Main advantage of pressed steel wheels is that
they need a very negligible maintenance.
The
earliest automobile wheels had metal hoop on which a solid rubber tire was
fitted. Today, the wheels are available in a great variety of colors and
finishes. The sizes of wheels range from 13” to18”. The finished of wheels vary
from fully - machined, silver, hyper - titanium, hyper – silver to hard –
chrome. The most common type of wheels is steel wheel. This type of wheel
contains many sheets of steel, stamped into shape. These strong but heavy
wheels can be found on all types of vehicles ranging from sports car to big
pickup trucks. Wheels are fitted over the hub using a combination of studs or
lug bolts and lug nuts. The studs are fitted to the hub that is connected to
the hub carrier. The wheel consists of holes to match these studs. It is placed
over the studs. Then, the lug nuts are tightened to appropriate tension.
Different types of rims
are chrome rims, spinning rims, truck rims and custom rims. The rims differ in
size, design, weight, price and mounting options. If the rims are light-weight,
the overall performance of the vehicle on road is found to be improved. Many
car owners prefer to use custom designed rims. Such types of rims promote the
look of vehicle. Earlier car models consist of steel rims which were heavy. New
rims are more aerodynamic and sleek. Alloy wheels are a great option for city travel
and are quite popular in the mainstream market. They are light weight, heat
resistant and give amazing mileage. Modern rims are sleeker and aerodynamic.
Alloy wheels which can improve mileage are most commonly found in the
mainstream market.
Chrome wheel rims are
famous because of their shiny exterior. Various styles of alloy rims have been
introduced in the last decade. Custom alloy rims come as magnesium rims which
are heat tempered and x-rayed to ensure durability and good appearance. The
size of the rim may vary with the size of vehicle. Smaller vehicles may have the
rims of 13 inches in diameter. Larger vehicles possess the rims having a
diameter up to 27 inches and beyond. Both wheels and rims are integral
parts of all automobiles. They play
a significant role in the appearance and performance of a vehicle.