No longer used to support the tyres and therefore the running gear of a car, the rims also serve to assert its character and also to bring a touch of originality to the vehicle. They also enhance its looks and give it a sporty touch. The choice of a car rim should therefore not be made lightly and at random. Several criteria must be taken into account, especially if it's a sports car. So how do you choose your rims?
Steel rims
A rim can be made from a variety of materials ranging from carbon steel to aluminium and magnesium. More used on the more classic series cars and on entry-level cars such as city cars, microcitadines, vans, caravans and trailers, sheet metal rims are more robust and offer multiple customization through the use of hubcaps. They are made of steel but are heavier. This is a disadvantage in terms of performance for the car and offers less aesthetics to the car especially in summer. However, its weight gives it more grip in winter and better handling on snowy ground.
Sporty aluminium wheels
For a sports car, even standard ones, the wheels are usually made of aluminium alloy. Alloy wheels are actually lighter than sheet metal, which gives the car more performance. Aluminum offers a multitude of aesthetics and design features that give the vehicle more originality and a more aggressive look. Wheels for sports cars are available in countless varieties of colours, diameters, widths and spoke types. The latter can, for example, be thick, with 4 to 6 stars or thinner for better brake cooling, which would tend to improve braking performance especially for a more muscular drive on the track. However, the thinner the spokes, the harder they are to clean. In terms of price, the aluminum rim is more expensive compared to steel and its hubcaps.
Alloy racing wheels
At the higher end of the range, alloy wheels are more intended for competition cars. They are made from lighter and stronger materials such as carbon, magnesium or Kevlar. Alloy wheels are indeed suitable for high speed. Reasons why they are very appreciated by tuning enthusiasts. In addition, they are available in several honeycomb, star or spiral shapes and their ability to cool the braking system. However, despite their high prices, competition rims are more fragile, do not resist shocks and can have a high rate of oxidation over time.