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Definition of PCD - Pitch Circle Diameter or the distance between the center of the lug holes across the bore diameter.
Definition of OFFSET - The distance from the centreline of the wheel to the mounting surface of the wheel.
Definition of BACK SPACE - The distance from the extreme back edge of rim to wheel mounting surface.
Definition of X FACTOR - The caliper clearance (or brake clearance).
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How to Measure Bolt Circle
Bolt Pattern/ Bolt Circle and Pitch Circle Diameter (PCD) all refer to the same thing.
When Measuring your Bolt Pattern, one can either determine the measurement from the wheel studs or the current wheel bolt pattern. There are many bolt patterns with in a few mm so be sure to take and accurate measurement from the center of the wheel stud or lug hole. Purchase our PCD Guage and this will ensure and accurate determination of the bolt pattern. |
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Tire Size and Plus Sizing
Increasing the diameter and width of ones wheels can be complicated. We reccomend that one consults a professional before plus sizing wheels and tires. We can help with most common plus sizing issues in relation to wheel and tire plus sizing. If you are unsure please contact us. sales@vtoperformance.com
Common issues encountered during plus sizing are; Rubbing on either fender lips or suspension components, altered gear ratios and/ or false speedometer readings.
If tire selection is the reason you are looking to plus. We suggest that one chooses a tire which maintains the stock tires Overall Diameter (OD) and a similar wheel and Tire width.
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Benefits of Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Alloy metals provide superior strength and dramatic weight reductions over ferrous metals such as steel, and as such they represent the ideal material from which to create a high performance wheel. In fact, today it is hard to imagine a world class racing car or high performance road vehicle that doesn't utilize the benefits of alloy wheels.
The alloy used in the finest road wheels today is a blend of aluminum and other elements. The term "mag wheel" is sometimes incorrectly used to describe alloy wheels. Magnesium is generally considered to be an unsuitable alloy for road usage due to its brittle nature and susceptibility to corrosion. (Flammability doesn't help either!)
While many people choose alloy wheels for their beauty, there are equally important performance benefits to be derived including...
Reduced Unsprung Weight Compared to Steel Wheels
This is one of the most critical factors affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. Unsprung weight is that portion of a vehicle that is not supported by the suspension (i.e. wheels, tires and brakes) and therefore most susceptible to road shock and cornering forces. By reducing unsprung weight, alloy wheels provide more precise steering input and improved "turning in" characteristics.
Improved Acceleration and Braking
By reducing the weight of the vehicle's rotational mass, alloy wheels provide more responsive acceleration and braking.
Added Rigidity
The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can significantly reduce wheel/tire deflection in cornering. This is particularly critical with an automobile equipped with high performance tires where lateral forces may approach 1.0g.
Increased Brake Cooling
The metals in alloy wheels are excellent conductors of heat - improving heat dissipation from the brakes - reducing risk of brake fade under demanding conditions. Additionally, alloy wheels can be designed to allow more cooling air to flow over the brakes.
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Wheel Torquing
IMPORTANT!
Proper installation requires that the wheel lug torque be set to the recommended specification for your vehicle. Sometimes these torque specifications can be found in your vehicle's owner's manual, however more often than not you will need to refer to your vehicle's shop manual or obtain them from your vehicle dealer/service provider. Unless specifically stated otherwise, wheel lug torque specifications are for clean and dry threads (no lubricant) that are free of dirt, grit, etc. Applying oil, grease or anti-seize lubricants to the threads will result in inaccurate torque values that over tighten the wheels. A thread chaser or tap should be used to remove any burrs or obstructions of the threads allowing the lug hardware to be turned by hand until it meets the wheel's lug seat. Once lugs are snugged down, finish tightening them with an accurate torque wrench. Use the appropriate crisscross sequence for the number of wheel lugs on your vehicle until all have reached their proper torque value. Be careful because if you over torque a wheel, you can strip a lug nut or hub, stretch or break a stud or bolt, and cause the wheel, brake rotor and/or brake drum to distort.
Superlite Wheel and vehicle thread Pattern Torque ranges.
7/16" 55-65 FT LB
½" 75-85 FT LB
9/16" 95-115 FT LB
5/8" 125-150 FT LB
10MM 45-55 FT LB
12MM 70-80 FT LB
14MM 85-95 FT LB
Remember to re-torque lugs nuts after 25 - 50 Miles !!!
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Center Bore
The majority of aftermarket wheels are not made with hub centricity in mind and it is likley that the Hub bore on Superlite wheels will be larger than your vehicles hub.
Superlite Wheels rely on the Tapered Steel inserts and lug centricity for perfect run out. Hub centric rings help when mounting wheels which use lug bolts. And in cases when you are experiencing excessive vibration due to tire quality issues.
To purchase Hub centric rings click here.
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Calculating Tire Size
Width x Aspect Ratio = Section Height
Section Height x 2 = Combined Section Height
Combined Section Height + Wheel Diameter = Tire Diameter
Example: 185/60R14 85H or 185/60HR14
185mm x .60=111mm
111mm x 2=222mm
222mm + 355.6mm(14")= 577.6mm or 22.74"
The first number is the width of the tire in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall. To convert to inches, divide by 25.4 In the example above, the width is 185mm or 7.28".
The second number is the aspect ratio. This is a ratio of sidewall height to width. In the example above, the tire is 7.28" wide, multiply that by the aspect ratio to find the height of one sidewall. In this case, 185x0.60=111mm or 7.28"x0.60=4.36".
The last number is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
To figure the outside diameter of a tire, take the sidewall height and multiply by 2,(remember that the diameter is made up of 2 sidewalls, the one above the wheel, and the one below the wheel) and add the diameter of the wheel to get your answer.
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Wheel Care
Once your new wheels and tires are installed, step back and take a good look. The new, sharper appearance will accent your vehicle splendidly. They look great now; but unfortunately, your wheels are often the dirtiest part of your car because they are constantly exposed to the elements (corrosive brake dust, ocean or road salt, stones, cinders and sticky tar).
Here are a few tips on how to maintain a wheel's original splendor:
Before you install them, a coat of wax will help protect your wheels and make them easier to clean.
Treat the finish of your wheels as you would the finish of your car. Most alloy wheels today feature a painted and/or a clearcoat finish. The best way to take care of wheels without damaging their protective finish is by frequently washing them with a mild soap and water solution. Using a tar and bug remover can prevent permanent tar staining. Periodic waxing will protect the wheel's finish from the elements.
Never use abrasive cleansers, steel wool pads or polishing compounds.
Beware of automatic car washes. Some washes use acid cleaners either before or during the wash to remove dirt and grime. Others use stiff brushes for cleaning wheels and tires. Both of these processes could harm your wheel's finish. Ask the employees or manager of the car wash about their equipment and procedures before entering the wash.
Never allow your wheels and tires to be steam-cleaned. Hot steam can dull the paint and clearcoat finish on your wheels.
Don't clean hot wheels; wait until they cool. Water dries much faster at higher temperatures. Thus, cleaning wheels while they are hot may cause your mild soap solution to dry too quickly leaving spots or a film of soap on your wheels.
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