Posted by Custom wheels are one of the most common ways car buffs can turn their once-ordinary vehicles into something completely unique and identifiable. It can also help improve the vehicles performance by controlling the weight and friction that the tires are exposed to.
Switching from manufacturer-grade wheels to custom ones from streetwheelsandtyres.com.au is especially common amongst racers for the sole purpose of weight control. In rally car driving, custom wheels are donned for improved strength. In drag racing, it is important for the wheels to have a greater amount of width as this ensures that the tires provide the driver with more traction for stopping an excessively speeding car.
Autocross calls for a combination of width and weight customizations ensuring less tire flex enabling drivers to maneuver sharp corners with ease. When it comes to street driving, custom wheel fabrication serves more of a visual purpose. Especially when these cars are used in auto shows, drivers really want to stand out from the crowd. This may mean bicycle-like spokes on car tires or the use of aeronautics-grade carbon fiber for the wheels.
The trend of custom wheel fabrication continues to increase in popularity year after year with nearly 30 percent of new car buyers customizing their purchases with a distinct set, or sets, of wheels. One of the most popular types of wheels are the spinners which continue to spin even after the vehicle reaches a full stop. These were first used with lowriders that are known for their show-offish looks and performance.
Aside from differing wheel styles and base materials, custom wheel fabrication also involves the creation of specialized wheels that carry an assortment of diameters from 18 inches to an impressive 30-inch variety. When it comes to the latter, it gives the illusion of an almost paper-thin rubber tire.
When wheels are customized, it can also involve applying different finishes per set. These days, chromed wheels are extremely popular and commonly used for larger vehicles like SUVs. Aside from chrome-plating, there is a new process being used called PVD or physical vapor deposition where the wheels get sealed with a clear coat offering better protection against wear and tear.
Polished and painted wheels are normally used for sedans and low-height vehicles for an improved aesthetic quality with polished wheels being made from aluminum which is quite easy to get an attractive shine on but require regular maintenance to keep its sheen.