In March 2003, Slovenian archaeologists uncovered a wooden wheel somewhere near Ljubljana, which Austrian experts believe to be 5100 to 5300 years old. What is surprising is that an axle was found nearby. Therefore, historians believe there is evidence of wheels and wheeled vehicles in 4th millennium BC, appearing almost simultaneously in Mesopotamia, Caucasus, and Central Europe.
By a long shot, the wheel is probably one of the most important mechanical inventions of all time. Apart from its use for locomotion, it is hard to imagine any mechanized system that does not involve wheels. From the tiniest watch gears to automobiles, computer disk drives to jet engines, the principles involving wheels are universally applied.
In spite of the function of wheels in myriad applications, the term wheel is now unanimously and collectively applied to mean an automobile component.
Selecting a wheel or rim requires as much care and attention to details as to any other auto component.
Here are some key points you need to consider.
- You must mount tires only on approved rim widths. You must check with tire specifications or data for correct rim width range.
- It is important that the tire and rim width must be same. For example, an 18" tire must be fitted only on an 18" rim.
- Never make the mistake of using a high-pressure compact spare wheel
- When you change tire sizes, ensure that the rim/wheel has adequate load and inflation pressure capacity.
- Make sure that replacement rims have offsets almost equivalent to the OE rims.
Customizing wheels
Mounting custom wheels is a fad with the consumers desirous of personalizing their vehicles. To please many tastes, custom wheels come in a huge assortment of sizes and styles, and are equally popular with truckers and SUV owners.
Customizing wheels not only enhances the appearance of a vehicle, but in combination with high performance tires significantly alters the quality of handling and the overall performance of the drive.
Though all wheels function as supports to tires and as attachments to suspensions, there are differences in types and manufacturing techniques.
You have one-piece, two-piece, and three-piece wheels designs. By far, the one piece design is the most popular in OE applications. But, two-piece and three piece constructions have their advantages.
- Two-piece designs consist of inner and outer sections that are either bolted or welded together. By having different halves, you can modify the offset and wheel width. Typically bolted wheels are of higher quality and precision.
- A three-piece wheel consists of a center section that defines the bolt pattern, and two rim flanges that define the rim diameter, offset, and width. All the three pieces are assembled by bolting together using high-strength bolts and O-ring seals.
- The three-piece design has the following advantages. (1) The ability to offer a variety of sizes without stocking a unique wheel for every application. (2) Suitable for applications where lightweight and strength predominate.
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Wheels / Tires
Wheel effects on braking, ride, and handling
Custom wheels affect the braking performance of a vehicle by its weight, size, design, and material of construction. From the quality of ride standpoint, the wheel has as much to contribute as the suspension to control the tire movement over bumps.
The handling of course is easier with a lighter wheel.
To conclude, the automobile wheels are as much critical as the engine is.
by wheelrackusa
In March 2003, Slovenian archaeologists uncovered a wooden wheel somewhere near Ljubljana, which Austrian experts believe to be 5100 to 5300 years old... more »
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