Automobile Association of Malaysia

WHEEL UPGRADING: THE THINGS TO CONSIDER

The biggest giveaway that the new wheel and tyre size doesn’t match your car will be when it rubs against the inner wheel arches during a full-lock turn. This also radically changes the suspension characteristics resulting in excessive tyre wear, premature wheel bearing failure, heavier steering and poor turn-in.
Increasing the width of the wheel should also be done by proportionately splitting between the inner and outer mount face dimensions keeping the offset in approximately the same position relative to the wheels overall width. Doing otherwise will change the “track” or distance between the wheels which is optimised by the designer for best performance.
Ideally and also considered the most sensible, the upgraded wheels and tyres should deliver the same rolling circumference as the original wheel tyre combination. That means that a correct wheel and tyre upgrade will not change the tyre to mudguard gap on stock standard suspension. If you’re going for a lowered look however, this obviously no longer applies.
In selecting the right wheel to match the car, ideally your chosen set of alloys should also be lighter than the steel wheels. The lesser the weight to move, the quicker your car will accelerate and the shorter distance it will require to brake.
Lighter alloys also reduce the unsprung weight of the car providing a more quick and precise reaction of your suspension to sharp and emergency movements. This results in your car’s handling and cornering abilities improving tremendously.
Most alloys are also generally designed to allow better air flow to the brakes. Alloy wheels are also better heat conductors compared to steel wheels and combined, these two characteristics will help cool your brakes faster, thereby reducing your chances of warped rotors and unreliable brakes.
As far as material is concerned alloy metals are found in many rims in the market today. Its lightweight and strength makes it a top choice for many rim manufacturers. Magnesium on the other hand, is highly accepted as the best but it’s expensive and generally almost found only in racing rims meant for the track. Its brittle and highly flammable qualities however, make it unsuited as a road rim.
Be prepared to accept the harder ride. Depending on how big you settle for, the ride can be anything from slightly uncomfortable to down right unbearable.
Watching out for pot holes, uneven roads, bumps and even obstacles on the road will never be more important. The bigger the wheel, the slimmer the tyre profile, the worst the damage these obstacles on the road can inflict.
Cheap and chirpy wheels are most welcomed, but remember, you pay what you get for. It might have an exciting design but the materials may not have been made to last and some products break, dent or get out of shape quicker than others. The price you pay should be dependant on quality and not brand name or hear say.