What are the most durable wheels?

10 best alloy wheel manufacturers

Choosing the best car rim is an infrequent procedure for the average motorist. After purchasing a new car, we use the installed original wheels for some time. But everything wears out and breaks, becomes obsolete or becomes unusable over time. The reason for choosing new wheels may be the desire to use a second set of wheels for winter or summer tires, so as not to have to do regular seasonal tire fitting. Or you wanted to change the design of your car, and replacing disks is one of the most popular car tuning solutions.

According to manufacturing technology, discs are divided into four types: stamped, cast, forged and prefabricated. Of course, good old stamped discs are cheap, reliable, and can be repaired literally with a sledgehammer if they encounter a good hole. But what they lack is presentability: perhaps some models, complete with branded caps, successfully mimic a simple “casting”. Then why not “shod” the car with new alloy wheels, since the choice of them is now huge, and the prices for many brands are quite acceptable?

However, there are also a lot of nuances here. Cheap alloy wheels are usually made from poor quality silumin, whose strength (especially impact) is very mediocre. This means that in order to ensure sufficient reliability of the wheels, it is necessary to deliberately increase the amount of “meat”, and as a result a paradox arises: alloy wheels can be heavier in weight than steel ones! That is, both fuel economy and improved handling and braking, which, in general, you want to count on when buying aluminum wheels, you don’t even have to think about. But if the manufacturer saves not only on the quality, but also on the quantity of aluminum, then such a disk will turn out to be, at best, unrepairable after encountering a hole, and at worst, simply unsafe.

Therefore, today we will try to figure it out - if not a specific model (there are thousands of them), then at least which brand of alloy wheels is really worth considering as a purchase, and which disks are safer to immediately pass by. Especially considering that, according to statistics, three years ago more than 90 percent of imported alloy wheels in our market were imported from China.

11 best alloy wheels

The number of car enthusiasts who choose alloy wheels for their cars is growing every year. The demand for such disks is explained by their high performance indicators combined with quite reasonable prices.

Which alloy wheels are better to choose?

It is easier to evaluate all the advantages of cast wheels by comparing them with other types of products - primarily with stamped, forged and combined ones.

Compared to models made using other technologies, alloy wheels differ:

• light weight - they are 15-30% lighter than stamped ones;
• high thermal conductivity, which has a positive effect on the braking system;
• corrosion resistance due to coating with an oxide layer;
• ease of balancing due to high geometric accuracy;
• rich choice.

Alloy wheels are selected based on several parameters. Rim width is the distance between the inner surfaces of the side flanges. The seat diameter must correspond to the same tire parameter. The diameter of the mounting hole is compared with the size of the hub. Disc offset is the distance between the mount and the axis of symmetry of the rim. It is also worth looking at the number of humps - protrusions that increase the reliability of tire fastening.

When choosing alloy wheels, it is better to first consider “original” products, i.e., intended for a specific car brand. On the Internet you can find tables of correspondence of various disks to certain car models.

If you plan to use discs primarily on dirt roads, you need to check the strength of the material from which they are made. Magnesium alloys are the lightest, but also more fragile. Aluminum ones are characterized by balanced performance and are considered more reliable in operation.

The best domestic alloy wheels

The popularity of domestically produced alloy wheels is associated with their availability: the cost of Russian products is significantly lower than the prices of imported analogues.

Which car wheels to choose?

• Which car wheels to choose?
• Stamped steel wheels
• Light alloy
• Cast aluminum wheels
• Forged aluminum wheels
• Prefabricated discs
• Aluminum or magnesium?

Car wheels are an important component of the overall appearance of a vehicle, so the presence of original wheels is immediately noticeable. Today, choosing such parts is not at all difficult, because manufacturers have made sure that every car owner has a wide range of choices. How not to make a mistake and buy exactly what you need? To do this, you need to understand the main types of disks on the market.

Stamped steel wheels

Typically, the basic equipment of any car includes steel stamping wheels and road tires. The characteristics of the latter (the so-called “summer” tires) do not make it possible to use them in low temperature conditions, so different tires are periodically installed on the same disk: sometimes winter, sometimes summer. However, mechanical impact during replacement leads to various damage to the disks, and, in addition to purchasing new tires, you also have to spend money on repairing or replacing the wheelbase. This fact will be a reason to buy two different sets of wheels with the appropriate tires for each season.

In addition to attractive pricing, the advantage of using steel wheels is their reliability. So, if a wheel on a light-alloy aluminum base gets into a hole, then most likely it will simply crack, while a stamped disk will only bend, which can be easily fixed at a tire shop. Taking the blow, such an element protects the suspension and body of the vehicle from serious damage and more expensive repairs. True, there are also negative aspects to using stamped steel disks.

Firstly , the fairly large weight of the product negatively affects the dynamics of the car (the car accelerates more difficultly and brakes worse), and secondly , the increased unsprung weight of the vehicle has a bad effect on the functioning of the suspension and passenger comfort when driving. We also cannot help but recall the unpresentable appearance of stamped discs, which is complemented by an increased tendency to corrosion.

So which wheels are better: alloy or steel? Of course, not everyone likes the described features of steel wheels, but many car owners are ready to forgive some of their shortcomings, especially since in winter the dynamic properties of the car are not so important, and the low cost is more attractive than the price of alloy wheels.

Light alloy

Aluminum-based alloys are also quite common as materials for making wheels (sometimes more expensive magnesium alloys are used). The main advantage of this type of wheels over steel structures (not counting the lower weight) is the manufacturing accuracy (runout does not exceed 0.15 mm, while in steel products this value ranges from 1.5 to 1.8 mm).

In addition, the features of the technology for producing light alloy wheel rims make it possible to create a wide variety of shapes that improve the appearance of the vehicle. The design of the disks, as well as the properties of aluminum alloys, contributed to the appearance of wheels with a large rim diameter (17-22 inches) and powerful braking mechanisms.

Cast aluminum wheels

Cast wheels are made by pouring molten metal into a mold, followed by grinding the seating surfaces and drilling holes, but this is after the resulting workpiece has cooled. Alloy wheels are not as strong as forged versions, so their walls are quite thick. Also, hidden pores and cavities may appear during the production process.

It should also be noted that cast aluminum products are 15-30% lighter than steel wheels, thereby reducing the unsprung weight of the vehicle and reducing fuel consumption. At the same time, the vehicle's handling improves and the comfort of movement increases.

Another positive quality of cast aluminum wheels is their high resistance to corrosive influences , which is facilitated by the formation of an oxide anti-corrosion film on the surface of the disk. Moreover, many automakers apply a multi-layer paint coating to wheels, which improves the appearance of the disc and increases its anti-corrosion properties.

Nowadays, you can choose almost any model of cast aluminum wheels, but all of them will be more susceptible to damage than their steel counterparts. Of course, you can try to repair the wheel, but, as practice shows, it is cheaper to immediately buy a new disk. That is, the low level of strength is the main disadvantage of cast aluminum wheels.

Forged aluminum wheels

Forged automobile wheels are made by volume stamping and subsequent machining, which is performed on special lathes (machining centers). Although the cost of forged wheels is higher than the cost of cast products, they are much stronger and lighter than the latter option. In addition, forged wheels have higher anti-corrosion properties, which reduces the requirements for additional surface protection.

If it were not for the high price, based on the complexity of the manufacturing technology, then forged wheels would have long ago supplanted all competitors, since few can compare with most of their characteristics. So, in addition to the light weight and high level of strength (they do not break under strong impacts, like cast ones), it is worth adding the rather impressive aerodynamic capabilities of the vehicle, which is especially noticeable when traveling at high speeds. This is why forged wheels are so popular among tuning enthusiasts and motorsports enthusiasts.

Prefabricated discs

When discussing alloy wheels, special attention should be paid to prefabricated wheels. They consist of several parts (2-3), fastened together with fastening bolts, which are usually made of titanium or steel. That is, all cast wheels are one-piece structures, and in prefabricated products, the rim and base are connected to each other along the entire perimeter of the wheel, which gives the disk a very unusual look. Experts advise giving preference to products with titanium fasteners, as they are not susceptible to corrosive influences.

The technology for producing prefabricated wheels is based on a combination of techniques for creating cast and forged wheels. Thus, forging technology is most often used to make the rim, while the base is created by casting. This feature allows you to reduce the weight of the wheel by half (the weight of the assembled structure is 4-6 kg, and the weight of the cast product is 12 kg).

In addition, a positive feature is that different parts of the prefabricated wheel can be made from different materials, combining all their useful qualities. Italian companies are mainly involved in the production of prefabricated wheels, but the bolts for them are made in Russia.

Some manufacturers add fake bolts to the solid wheel design, which serve a decorative function. In such cases, to distinguish prefabricated wheels from cast models, it is enough to look at the inside of the product. If there are no seams there, then you have a solid disc. Interestingly, wheels with false bolts weigh more than similar models without them.

With all their advantages, prefabricated wheels also have certain disadvantages, the most noticeable of which is their price.

Aluminum or magnesium?

Almost all alloy wheels are made from aluminum, to which some other alloys are added. In this way, developers are trying to improve the quality of the material. However, there is another option for improving the characteristics of the disk, which involves the use of special magnesium alloys. They are much lighter than aluminum (the density of magnesium as a metal is much less), which reduces the final weight of the finished wheel, as well as the unsprung corners of the car.

The low weight and high level of strength make such wheels an ideal option for sports cars, as the overall weight of the vehicle is reduced, and along with it the load on the shock absorbers is reduced, making the supercar's movement smoother. These disc models absorb all impacts received while driving and reduce body vibration, which has a positive effect on the technical condition of the engine, suspension and transmission. In addition, magnesium wheels have high rigidity, which helps maintain the shape of the tire, thereby reducing wear.

The most durable and expensive models are considered to be magnesium discs made using forging. Such wheels are installed on premium models, as they are the most prestigious option.

However, it should be noted that magnesium disks also have some disadvantages. For example, they can be affected by dirt, dust, and also allow moisture to pass through, which makes them less resistant to corrosive influences. Thus, if you do not provide the wheels with proper care, you will soon have to look for a replacement. It is also important to “protect” the discs in time (preferably immediately after purchase), for which a variety of special varnishes and paints are used to ensure durability, hardness and high quality of the surface.

Now let's take a closer look at the characteristics of aluminum alloys. Their wide popularity is due to their relatively low cost, beautiful design and high technical performance. Firstly , they are lighter than steel products, which means that the vehicle’s movement will be smoother and less fuel is needed. Secondly , thanks to the use of the latest technologies in the creation of cast aluminum wheels, subsequent balancing of the car's wheels is simplified.

If we compare such products with magnesium types, it should be noted that they are not afraid of debris, dirt and salts, since they have a self-cleaning function, and in order to further protect aluminum wheels, special products are applied to them that form an oxide film on the surface. This film somewhat spoils the appearance of the disc, so to make it more attractive, manufacturers use paint and varnish coatings. It should also be noted that in case of deformation, such wheels will be quite difficult to repair, and the repair will cost a pretty penny.

Aluminum wheels created by forging are much stronger than their counterparts made by casting, but their price is much higher. So how can you avoid making a mistake in choosing and purchasing truly high-quality products? Which is better: magnesium or aluminum wheels? To begin with, it is worth understanding that both types have high thermal conductivity, which helps reduce the load on the pads and ensures cooling of the vehicle’s braking system.

Aluminum models are popular with owners of budget and mid-range cars, while magnesium wheels (especially those created by forging) are more purchased by owners of premium vehicles and sports cars.

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Top 10 best alloy wheel manufacturers

The car with standard stamped wheels appears gray and too ordinary. But as soon as you install alloy wheels, its appearance is transformed in an incredible way. But in order to choose high-quality, reliable, stylish alloy wheels, you will have to consider a bunch of options and it’s easy to “get lost” in this variety.

The choice of alloy wheels on the modern market is huge, and if you don’t know which alloy wheels are best to buy for your car, then study our rating of the best manufacturers, as well as their top models, which are very popular and in high demand.

Top alloy wheel manufacturers

10.LS Wheels

In tenth place in our ranking is a Taiwanese company that produces high-quality alloy wheels in various price segments.

The manufacturer develops discs taking into account operating conditions in Russia. In addition, the company's products are certified by Rosstandart.

• A wide range of;
• Compliance;
• Affordable price;
• Stylish design

• Quality is average;
• Over time, the coating may begin to fall off.

Ninth place is occupied by a brand whose products do not stay in store warehouses for a long time. Alloy wheels from this company are popular among true connoisseurs of classics and lovers of discreet design.

Recently, the manufacturer has significantly expanded its model range and wheels with a more aggressive appearance have appeared. In Russia, the company has been selling its products since 2013 and constantly pleases its fans with exclusive new products.

• Well balanced from the factory;
• Stylish design;
• Affordable prices;
• Lungs.

• Weak paintwork;
• Soft metal.

8.LegeArtis

If you are looking for quality alloy wheels with a stylish design at an affordable price, then LegeArtis is for you. The Chinese manufacturer produces proven products that have won recognition and respect among motorists in more than 20 countries.

Each new model undergoes many testing tests, and the production process is carefully monitored. Today, LegeArtis alloy wheels are the optimal combination of price and quality.

• Modern production technologies;
• Testing and trials;
• Stylish design;
• Taking into account the requirements of car owners.

• Not resistant to strong impacts at high speed - dents and cracks may appear.

7. REPLICA (REPLAY)

The company produces exact copies of wheels produced at auto manufacturing plants. Discs are made in several factories, so the quality varies. You can choose it for almost any car model, as the company monitors updates in the automotive market.

Replay has been producing wheel rims for many years and during this time the company has gained recognition from car owners in many countries around the world thanks to its wide range, acceptable quality and fair pricing policy.

• Wide range for almost any car brand;
• High quality;
• Affordable prices;

• On some models, geometry suffers;
• You need to monitor the weight - it should be the same for the entire set.

Don't know which company to buy alloy wheels? We recommend paying attention to the German manufacturer, which has been producing its products for 20 years and uses the most modern technologies and high-quality materials in production.

Discs are presented in a wide range and with a wide range of prices. At the same time, Aez’s high cost is not always an indicator of quality. Both expensive and cheaper models have disadvantages.

• A wide range of;
• High quality;
• Modern production technologies taking into account the requirements of car owners;
• Exclusive style.

• Not found…

Kosei is the case when you can get high-quality alloy wheels at an affordable price. Of the inexpensive models, products from a Japanese company are the best option.

The company produces spare parts for aviation and at the same time produces high-quality wheels, which are in great demand all over the world and have received tens of thousands of positive reviews from car owners.

• Reasonable prices;
• High quality and durability of products;
• Resistance to microcracks;
• Rolling the rim.

• Not detected…

Quite high-quality alloy wheels from a German brand, presented in a wide range at reasonable prices. The company was initially engaged in the production of wheel rims and thanks to this, over many years of activity it was able to achieve great success in this area.

Dotz products are manufactured using modern technologies and high-quality materials. At the same time, each stage of production is subject to strict control and the consumer is offered products that meet all necessary standards.

• Extensive model range;
• Wide price range;
• Attractive appearance;
• Inherent German quality and precision.

• Not found... (you can add in the comments).

Affordable prices, reliability and quality – these three words can describe the products of the Russian manufacturer K&K. Currently, the company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of wheel rims.

Every year the manufacturer expands its model range and production volumes. K&K alloy wheels are manufactured using modern and high-tech German GIMA equipment. The company is particularly meticulous about the quality of its products and controls every stage of production.

• Quality and reliability;
• Modern production technologies;
• Many years of experience;
• The latest technologies in the production of alloy wheels;
• Affordable price;
• Interesting design solutions.

• Not found... (you can add in the comments).

In second place in our ranking of alloy wheel manufacturers is K&K’s main competitor, the Russian company SKAD.

The products of this brand have participated in independent tests many times and in many respects outperformed the products of other companies. The discs are made from a high-strength alloy, which is obtained using low-pressure technology. The paintwork is highly resistant to microcracks and scratches.

• Wide range of models;
• Original design;
• High strength and reliability;
• Large selection of color options;
• Durable paint coating.

• Not found... (you can add in the comments).

This is perhaps the most famous and respected manufacturer of alloy wheels. The German company has been producing its products since 1996 and during this time it has managed to establish high-tech and modern production of wheel rims that meet almost all consumer requirements.

Thanks to true German quality, Alutec has conquered markets in many Asian and European countries.

High-strength metal is used for the manufacture of discs, and high-quality materials from world-famous manufacturers are used for the paintwork. As a result, wear-resistant discs with correct geometry, balancing, and a damage-resistant surface appear on the market.

• Stylish design for every taste;
• Optimal combination of price/quality;
• Perfect balancing;
• High strength;
• Reliable fasteners;
• Easy to maintain and use.

• Not found... (you can add in the comments).

Video on the topic: how to choose the right alloy wheels

Right now I am faced with the choice of which alloy wheels to buy for my car. I haven’t made a final decision yet, but in any case these will be the discs from this list.

I bought myself a car and just need new wheels. The market for alloy wheels is now crowded and it is very difficult to buy something worthwhile. I will use the list that this rating provides. it guarantees me the purchase of good alloy wheels that will last me a long time and will not deteriorate over time.

Don’t tell me if these are soft: the same LS, Alcasa from this list.

I bought scad in 2015. Very soft. Bend quickly. At the service center they say that this is the first time they have seen such soft wheels.

Russia does not know how to make normal wheels, Maxim 5 years with careful driving and in the trash, because the wheels are very soft. Ask around to users, and you can write any article.

But I don’t know about Russia, I took Chinese ones, well, at least that’s what the guys in the store told me. I've been skating for 4 years now, no problems yet. Well, other than that, this is probably a trend now. Everyone needs to earn money. Imagine if discs were eternal, manufacturers and sellers would be out of work. Well, everything has its expiration date, metal loses its strength under constant loads, and paint also does not last forever. But as I said earlier, I’ve been driving for 4 years so far. Besides, I wanted to buy some cool wheels. I found a store in Krasnodar, it’s called disk-top.ru, where the guys sell a replica. I was looking for Vossen CVT, I really like them. There was also a question about fasteners, but they didn’t have any. With the VAZ bolt pattern, as you probably already know, everything is more complicated. They stood up like family, though we had to buy additional spacer rings. Well, that's what they had.

Aez valencia dark .17″8. et35 tires 225/45/17. Audi A6.C5. I hit a broken bitumen pillar, the rubber was torn, the edge of the disk broke off, cm4, but the disk did not bend. I still had to restore it, because the rubber would have sunk in the broken area. I’m so happy.

If a disc is bent in a pit, call the traffic police, have it examined, and sue the city administration. All costs for spare parts and the examination itself will be reimbursed to you, verified personally.

Winter tires differ significantly from summer tires not only in the tread pattern on the tire, but also in the special coating. The composition of such products includes:

Tires play a huge role in driving safety on winter roads. On difficult slopes, even a professional may not be able to cope with extreme road conditions.

A car GPS navigator helps drivers correctly plan a route, feel confident on the road, and notice innovations in road markings in time.

The presented rating of the best car alarms with auto start will help you choose the optimal model for a specific car and its operating conditions. Thanks to.

On the shelves of auto stores you can find a huge number of antifreezes of various brands, since these products are in great demand. To pick up.

How to choose the right wheels for your car

Sometimes some novice car owners are faced with the need to replace one or more disks, and this task turns out to be more difficult than it looks from the outside. And no wonder: 4*108, 6J, ET47, Dia 63.3, R15 - what is all this?! Let's figure it out together.

Choose the right wheels for your existing car, simultaneously understanding all the necessary parameters.

Regardless of what kind of car you have, when choosing new wheels you need to consider the following parameters:

• disk type;
• mounting (or landing) diameter;
• number and diameter of mounting holes (PCD);
• disk width;
• disc ejection (ET);
• diameter of the central (hub) hole;
• shape of mounting holes;
• presence of humps.

Let’s make a reservation right away: if at this point you have lost the desire to deal with all these parameters, when choosing wheels, just use the car selection service in large online stores. There you can simply indicate the model of your car and get wheels that are guaranteed to suit it in all respects. Well, if the determination to find out everything is still with you, then let's get started.

Based on the type of manufacturing, all discs are generally divided into three types: stamped, cast and forged. The question of choosing a specific type is a topic for a separate article, but here we will present the main differences.

Stamped wheels are the cheapest: these are the same wheels that you see on the basic trim levels of budget cars, and they are usually covered with plastic decorative caps. They are made of steel and painted with enamel. Among their advantages, in addition to the lowest price, is high maintainability. The fact is that stamped discs do not break when hit, but become wrinkled, and can be easily repaired later. The main disadvantage of such wheels is their high weight and lack of design: this is a purely functional product.

Alloy wheels compete with stamped wheels in popularity. Such discs are made not of steel, but of a lighter alloy - usually aluminum. Thanks to manufacturing technology, cast wheels can have a wide variety of shapes, which, combined with a lighter weight than “stamps,” makes them popular. Among the disadvantages of such wheels, we can mention a higher price and lower maintainability: alloy wheels do not wrinkle when subjected to a strong impact, but crack. Of course, the technology of welding repair and rolling has long been mastered, but it is impossible to guarantee the preservation of the original properties after repair.

Forged wheels are the highest quality and most expensive option. They are manufactured using the hot die forging method, which provides the best internal metal structure and, accordingly, the highest strength at the lowest weight. The downside of this method is the low prevalence of products and the high price.

In addition to the above three types, there are also so-called prefabricated discs - but this is already exotic, and we will not touch on them. In general, for the average car owner the choice is between inexpensive, but boring stamped wheels and more expensive and beautiful alloy wheels.

This is a very obvious parameter: the diameter of the disc circumference in inches. As a rule, it is designated by the letter R: that is, the R 17 wheel has a diameter of 17 inches.

Let us especially note: the letter R itself does not refer to the diameter and comes from the tire parameters, where it is also mistakenly used to mean “radius”, in reality implying the seat diameter of the tire. In the case of a tire, R is a marking of the radial cord structure, but for a disk this marking is actually not relevant. However, the erroneous “radius” in the meaning of “diameter” and the accompanying R are so ingrained in speech that most sellers and disk selection services use it by default.

The permissible rim diameters for your vehicle are indicated in the owner's manuals and on stickers in doorways - along with the recommended tire pressure. When buying tires, it is worth remembering that their seat diameter must match the diameter of the rims.

It is not recommended to exceed the maximum diameter specified by the manufacturer: discs that are too large, in addition to potential geometric incompatibility, change the suspension operating parameters, affecting wear of the chassis. In addition, the larger the disc and the lower the rubber profile, the less comfort it promises to travel on bad roads. However, changes in diameter within the limits specified in the manual, and even an inch more, as a rule, occur without significant consequences.

This is the so-called “bolt pattern”: the number of holes and the diameter of the circle on which they are located (by the way, the English PCD is just the diameter of the circle, “Pitch Circle Diameter”). The number of mounting bolts can vary and increases with the weight and speed of the vehicle: usually there are 4-6, but it can be more or less (minimum 3). Most VAZ cars have a 4x98 bolt pattern, with the exception of Oka (3x98) and Niva (5x139.7), as well as new models like Largus (4x100).

The disc bolt pattern must be observed: despite the fact that some discs - for example, 4x98 and 4x100 - seem to be interchangeable, this is not the case. A seemingly insignificant 2 millimeter difference in the diameter of the circle on which the mounting holes lie will greatly affect the installation: only one of the four fastenings will be correctly tightened, and the rest will be offset from the center, causing the wheel to run out. The problem can be partly solved by using bolts with a “floating cone” (more on them below), but in general, the use of disks with inappropriate bolt pattern parameters should be avoided.

This parameter is as simple as diameter: it is the width of the rim in inches. Usually in the list of parameters it is designated by the letter J: for example, 5.5 J is a disk five and a half inches wide.

The width of the disk is usually indicated in the same places as the permissible mounting diameter, along with it. In addition to the geometric parameters for the car, the width of the rim is also important when choosing tires: the tire is designed for use with a rim of a certain width, but with a certain permissible error.

Disk offset is the distance from the mating plane of the disk to the hub to the longitudinal axis of symmetry of the disk. Let's put it simply: the central axis of symmetry is a line dividing the disk in half along the width described above, and the mating plane is the point where the disk comes into contact with the hub and is screwed to it.

The offset can be positive, zero and negative: if the axis of symmetry lies closer to the car than the mating plane, then the offset is positive, if they are on the same axis, then the offset is zero, and if the axis of symmetry is more distant from the car than the mating plane, then it is positive . In other words, the greater the offset, the deeper the disc sits in the wheel arch, and the smaller it is, the more the disc protrudes outward.

Reach is a fairly important parameter: it also directly affects the performance of the suspension and wheel bearings. Incorrect offset not only increases or decreases the track, but can also cause accelerated wear of the undercarriage and bearings.

The diameter of the central hole is a parameter that does not need additional explanation. In the list of disc characteristics, it is usually designated as "Dia", "DIA" or "D". This is also an extremely important indicator: if the central hole of the disk is smaller than required, the disk simply cannot be installed, and if it is larger, then centering rings will be required to center the disk on the hub.

Many people mistakenly believe that when installed, a disc with a center hole that is too large will center itself on the hub by tightening the bolts, but this is not the case. Accordingly, runout and vibration that do not disappear after balancing the wheels is a reason to check the coincidence of the diameters of the central hole of the disk and the hub and the presence, if necessary, of centering rings.

The shape of the mounting holes is important in terms of the type of bolts or nuts that will secure the drive. As a rule, bolts and nuts for stamped discs have only a slightly conical shape of the plane adjacent to the disc when tightened, and the bolts are also noticeably shorter in length.

The latter is due to the minimum thickness of the stamped disk. A cast disk is noticeably thicker than a stamped one, and in addition, its mounting hole has a more pronounced conical shape, which requires the use of different fasteners. In addition to the conical seat, the mounting hole of some disks can be designed for the use of fasteners with a hemispherical and flat working part.

And one more thing: there are bolts with a so-called “floating cone”: they allow you to partially compensate for a slight discrepancy between the PCD disk and the required parameters. The working conical part of such bolts is made in the form of a separate ring placed on the bolt and moves relative to the longitudinal axis of the bolt when tightened.

Humps are protrusions on the outer surface of the rim that secure the tubeless tire to the rim. Remember the popping noise that is heard when a tire shop inflates a tire after installing it on a rim? This is the moment of “landing” of the tire: the bead ring of the tire sits between the hump and the edge of the rim. In fact, this indicator is listed last in our material, because at present it is practically not relevant: almost all modern wheels are designed to accommodate tubeless tires and have humps.

However, if, for example, you decide to purchase retro wheels of considerable age, keep in mind that they may well be designed to install exclusively tube tires without having humps. However, you can install tubeless tires on them, but the question of its tight fit, as well as safety when driving, will remain open: if there is insufficient pressure in the tire, the risk of “taking off your shoes” in a turn will be very high.