What part of your car works hard every day but rarely gets noticed? Your wheels! Let’s face it unless they’re flat, damaged, or otherwise impossible to drive on, most drivers rarely think about their wheels. So this blog post is dedicated to those 4 hard-working components that keep on rolling despite the neglect. Read on if you want to learn about their parts, function, and how to best care for them.
Want to learn how to maintain your new car? Read our next post!
Wheel Anatomy
Your wheel has three main parts: the tire, the rim, and the hub. And each of these parts has a variety of smaller components that allow for smooth functioning.
Hub
The hub is the center of the whole assembly and attaches to your rim. Within this component, you’ll find the rotors, brake pads, and calipers, basically everything a wheel needs to work properly.
Tire
Your tires are designed to keep your car connected with the ground for stability and traction. They provide both mechanical grip through friction between the rubber compound and road surface as well as aerodynamic grip through the airflow between these surfaces. Tires also compensate for irregularities in the road structure. PSI is particularly important, as tires that are over or underinflated have a much higher chance of being damaged. Regularly check your pressure to ensure they’re properly inflated!
Rim
Your rim (the outer ring) comes in different shapes and sizes depending on the style of your vehicle, but they always serve to support and protect the other parts. They come in a wide variety of styles, polishes, and colors, which means they’re very customizable. And while most rims are made from aluminum or steel, some newer rims are made from carbon fiber. Each material has its own pros and cons, but they all offer the same core function: to protect your valuable tire!
How to Maintain Your Wheels
Tire Pressure
After-Market Wheels
Local tire shops are a great resource for choosing new rims or checking whether you got the right fit.
Cleaning
The wheels of your car are one of its most important components. And proper maintenance will help you stay safe and make your car last longer.
To learn more about your vehicle, its components, and how to care for it the right way, keep reading our blog! Happy learning!
Have a bent rim in Southern MD? We can help!
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