What are OEM wheels made of?
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, understanding the components that make up your car is crucial. One such component that often gets overlooked is the wheels. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) wheels are specifically designed for your vehicle by the manufacturer. In this article, we will explore what OEM wheels are made of, their benefits, and why they are a preferred choice for many car owners.
What Are OEM Wheels?
OEM wheels are wheels that are produced by the vehicle's manufacturer or an authorized supplier. These wheels are designed to meet the exact specifications of the vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance. Unlike aftermarket wheels, which may vary in quality and compatibility, OEM wheels are made to the same standards as the original wheels that came with your car.
Materials Used in OEM Wheels
OEM wheels can be made from various materials, each offering different benefits. The most common materials include:
- Aluminum Alloy: This is the most popular material for OEM wheels. Aluminum alloy wheels are lightweight, which helps improve fuel efficiency and handling. They also offer better heat dissipation, reducing the risk of brake fade.
- Steel: Steel wheels are typically heavier and more durable than aluminum wheels. They are often used in budget vehicles or for winter tires due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions without bending or cracking.
- Magnesium Alloy: Some high-performance vehicles use magnesium alloy wheels. These wheels are extremely lightweight and provide excellent performance, but they are also more expensive and less common.
Benefits of Using OEM Wheels
Choosing OEM wheels for your vehicle comes with several advantages:
- Perfect Fit: OEM wheels are designed specifically for your vehicle, ensuring a perfect fit and compatibility with your car's braking and suspension systems.
- Quality Assurance: Since OEM wheels are made by the manufacturer, they meet strict quality standards, providing peace of mind regarding durability and performance.
- Resale Value: Vehicles equipped with OEM parts often retain a higher resale value compared to those with aftermarket components.
Conclusion
In summary, OEM wheels are an essential component of your vehicle, crafted from high-quality materials like aluminum alloy, steel, or magnesium alloy. They offer a perfect fit, superior quality, and can enhance your vehicle's resale value. When considering wheel replacements, opting for OEM wheels is a wise choice that ensures your car maintains its performance and safety standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cheap rims made of?
Steel wheels
Steel wheels are the cheapest and most durable wheel option on the market. They generally run from about $50 each and are great for standing up to winter conditions, and particularly for heavy or hard-working vehicles.
Is OEM better than aftermarket?
OEM parts are guaranteed to fit and almost always come with a manufacturer-backed warranty. They may cost more than what the aftermarket offers, but the trade-off is a likely simpler purchase process. If you're looking for a fast, simple experience and don't mind paying extra, OEM is often the way to go.
What are OEM rims made of?
OEM wheels can be made from a few different materials, including: Steel – Steel wheels are one of the most affordable options. They are sturdy and durable, making them suitable for many vehicles, especially for budget-friendly models. Steel wheels are often used on compact cars and trucks.
How do you tell if wheels are forged or cast?
Here's a simplified version: Starts with a solid chunk of metal. Unlike cast or flow formed wheels (which start with a cast wheel), where the liquid alloy is cooled in a mold, fully forged wheels start out with a solid piece of aluminum billet.
Are factory wheels aluminum?
The majority of wheels today are cast aluminum alloy, meaning they're made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. They are lightweight but strong, withstand heat well and are generally more attractive than steel wheels. They come in a very wide variety of finishes and sizes.
How to tell if a rim is aluminum or steel?
Any magnet you can find will be fine. Place your magnet between two spokes on the part of the rim turning in towards the middle of the wheel. Not on the side. If the magnet falls down your rim is made of aluminium, if it sits your rim is made of steel and will not be able to generate power to NOVA bike light.
How can you tell if the rim is OEM?
Many times you can identify a factory OEM rim by checking for the vehicle maker logo on the backside (Think Ford logo, Chevy logo, etc), and also there will almost always be OEM type numbers on the back of the wheel which sometimes includes the actual part number.
Are OEM wheels cast or forged?
Cast wheels are the most common type of wheels that account for 90% of OE (Originally Equipped) wheels that are found on most cars. There are two popular casting methods used by manufacturers: gravity casting and low-pressure casting.
How long do OEM rims last?
Many automakers claim that their OEM (original equipment manufacturer) rims are designed to last the entire lifespan of the car, in the right conditions. This is because wheels typically aren't made of steel anymore, but aluminum, or some other metal alloy which is resistant to rust.
What is the difference between OEM and aftermarket rims?
Some dealerships or manufacturers may offer upgraded tire options, but in general, OEM tires are defined as the make and model of tires that rolled off the assembly line with the vehicle. Aftermarket meaning: Tires and wheels that match the specifications (“specs”) of the original equipment.
