Have you ever been tricked by a tire salesman and bought fake tires thinking they were alloy wheels? You are not alone. This is a practice that has become very common as technology evolves. The funny thing is that they are so similar that you cannot tell which is which. However, you no longer have to worry. Here are the methods you can use to prove that the ones you are buying are actually alloy.
Metal wheels have become the best wheels on the market over time. They are the wheels preferred by many motorists due to their outstanding qualities. You probably have them on your car and can’t replace them with any other type of wheels. Some of the qualities of these wheels that make them stand out in the wheel manufacturing industry include;
Light weight which makes them more efficient.
Strength that makes them withstand great pressure and exposure.
good heat dissipation
variety of designs and
great appearance
These are the main characteristics that make up a good wheel and alloy wheels have them.
Many tire shops have sprung up claiming to sell alloy wheels, but as technology has improved, so has the awareness of manufacturers making fake wheels. Therefore, a big problem has arisen where motorists have bought alloy wheels but they wear out faster than supposed. Perhaps you have been a victim.
The big question that every motorist asks is; How do I know that the wheels on my car are actually metal alloy?
There are several proven ways to determine if the wheels on your vehicle are alloy or steel.
· acid test
Metal alloy wheels are made of an aluminum alloy and another metal. Aluminum is not corrosive unlike magnesium. You have to buy an acid solution for this test and choose a hidden spot on the back of the wheel. You do not have to worry when performing this test because, if it is an alloy, corrosion will not occur. However, if corrosion occurs, the hidden spot will be invisible. Take a certain amount of the acid and apply it on the chosen place. If it is an alloy wheel, it will not corrode, but if it is not, it will cause corrosion. This will show that it is not, in fact, a metal alloy wheel.
· magnet control
Another method used is the magnet check. Aluminum is not magnetic. Steel, on the other hand, is highly magnetic. Get a magnet and hold it close to the supposed alloy wheel. If the magnet sticks, the wheel is steel and not alloy. The opposite will also be true. However, this is not complete proof that the wheel you have is an aluminum alloy wheel. This is because magnesium is also not magnetic. That is why it is necessary to do the acid test.
· eye control
This is where you use your eyes and whatever knowledge you have to check the wheels. If the rim is completely painted black and doesn’t look like a spare wheel, it’s definitely not alloy. Another way to tell by a visual check is to check if the wheel has hubcaps. If it’s there, this isn’t an alloy either. Most alloy wheels do not use hubcaps.
There may be other ways to tell an alloy wheel from a steel wheel, but these are the most prominent. However, if you are unsure about the wheels after the service, it is always recommended that you visit your car manufacturer or consult your mechanic. Mechanics know a lot. They have worked with fake and real wheels for a long time and can tell the difference with just a visual check.
The above said; Acid test, magnet check and visual check are the methods you can apply to determine if the wheels are alloy. The acid test is the best and most suitable test of the three.
Make sure you buy the right alloy wheels next time and enjoy your rides!
