WANT BETTER HANDLING? WHEEL WEIGHT MATTERS!
The role that wheel weight plays in determining the vehicle's overall ride, performance and feel is why so many new vehicles have replaced the less expensive wheels that are rolled, stamped and welded steel with cast aluminum alloy wheels.
Since the development of magnesium alloy to reduce wheel weight on old mid-century race cars, lightweight wheels have been used to enhance vehicle performance in most forms of auto racing. Today, most magnesium alloy wheels are too fragile for daily street use and are very limited in their finish options allowing only painting or polishing (and to avoid oxidation, frequent polishing of magnesium wheels is required).
The Formula 1 races were this past weekend in Austin, Texas and undoubtedly, magnesium alloy wheels were used due to their superior strength and durability and to reduce the weight while retaining the ability to handle the shifting loads. Fortunately for the rest of us, the wheel manufacturers have also developed lightweight aluminum alloy wheels that provide the appropriate street durability and numerous finish options while keeping weight to a minimum.
Since the development of magnesium alloy to reduce wheel weight on old mid-century race cars, lightweight wheels have been used to enhance vehicle performance in most forms of auto racing. Today, most magnesium alloy wheels are too fragile for daily street use and are very limited in their finish options allowing only painting or polishing (and to avoid oxidation, frequent polishing of magnesium wheels is required).
The Formula 1 races were this past weekend in Austin, Texas and undoubtedly, magnesium alloy wheels were used due to their superior strength and durability and to reduce the weight while retaining the ability to handle the shifting loads. Fortunately for the rest of us, the wheel manufacturers have also developed lightweight aluminum alloy wheels that provide the appropriate street durability and numerous finish options while keeping weight to a minimum.
Photo by Gem & Lauris RK on Unsplash
A lighter weight can enhance the vehicle's performance because it takes less energy when less weight needs to be controlled. Unsprung weight is the weight under the springs which moves up and down as the vehicle rides and leans in the corners. Reducing unsprung weight allows the springs and shock absorbers to be more effective. Additionally, a vehicle's rotational weight includes all moving parts in the vehicle's driveline from the engine's crankshaft to its wheels and tires. This affects the energy required to change speed as the vehicle travels and maneuvers. Decreasing the weight of any rotating components will enhance the vehicle's performance because less energy will be required to alter their speed.
Remember, a vehicle's total weight, including its wheel weight, affects its ability to accelerate, brake and corner. So choose your wheels wisely and choose your wheel repair and color experts even more wisely! At Phoenix Rim Repair, we know a thing or two about wheels, wheel care, wheel color and beyond.
Picky about your wheels and tires? So are we – go check out our Instagram to see what we’ve been up to lately.
Add us on Facebook to stay connected to the best in the Phoenix area!
Remember, a vehicle's total weight, including its wheel weight, affects its ability to accelerate, brake and corner. So choose your wheels wisely and choose your wheel repair and color experts even more wisely! At Phoenix Rim Repair, we know a thing or two about wheels, wheel care, wheel color and beyond.
Picky about your wheels and tires? So are we – go check out our Instagram to see what we’ve been up to lately.
Add us on Facebook to stay connected to the best in the Phoenix area!
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