If you’ve got yourself a new car and want to invest in BMW alloys or similar, it’s best to do a bit of research and reading first so you know what to shop for and why alloys are such a good investment for you and your vehicle.
Alloys are simply wheels that have been cast from a lightweight mixture of aluminium, which can dissipate heat very effectively – better than steel options, in fact. You can also reduce the unsprung weight of your car by fitting alloys, which means you’ll find you can take advantage of better steering and braking response.
As you research these kind of add-ons, you’ll likely come across the term plus-sizing or up-stepping, both of which mean that you’re increasing the diameter of the wheels while reducing the profile of the tyres so that the rolling radius remains the same. The benefits of this include better handling of the car (as well as improving the appearance of your car overall). However, plus-sizing can make the wheel package heavier, while reducing tyre profile can see the car’s damping deflection under compression reduced as well.
Once you’ve had your new rims added to the car, you’ll need to make sure you know how best to care for them so they stand the test of time. Before the wheels are fitted, coat them with car polish to prevent brake dust and road salt from damaging the surface the first time you use them. You’ll also need to treat the surface of the alloys as well. Use soapy warm water to keep the wheels clean on a regular basis and never use an abrasive cleaner or wire wool pad.
When buying them in the first place, consider which ones would look best on your car. Silver and black are the most popular colour choices, while gloss, matte and polished finishes are good options to go for as well. Then you need to think about spoke patterns – bearing in mind that the design of your alloys will certainly dictate how often you have to clean and maintain your new wheels.
Also think about the cost implications of your new alloys. Because they’re not a necessary part of a vehicle, you can spend an awful lot of money – so do some research to find out what kind of price point you’re looking at and take it from there.
Of course, alloys will show signs of wear and tear after a certain period of time but you can get them looking good as new yourself by sanding down any damaged areas and then repainting them. However, you can always employ an alloy wheel refurbishment specialist to help you get rid of any curb scratches and scuffs.
If you’d like to find out more about alloys and which ones would work best with your particular car, get in touch with us today.