Where Can I find an active auto forum?

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LOLyourFace

Banned
Jun 1, 2002
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*edit* new Q:
where can i find an active auto forum regarding everything i need to ask about my new car?

(maintenence, installation, beginner's guide, etc...)


my dad says it's 90% looks and 10% beneficial because they're lighter than steel wheels...

anything else you'd like to mention before I consider further on aftermarket alloys?
 
K

KingNothing

Diamond Member
Apr 6, 2002
7,141
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Originally posted by: Kalvin00
Steel wheels are stronger. Usually only rock crawlers or other off-road vehicles use them.
Click to expand...

And, um, just about every economy car out there. :p
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,177
647
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They're easier to clean, at least they would be for me. The ones on my Accord are a PITA to clean. Stupid little holes.
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
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Most alloy wheels are made of magnesium and are much lighter, hence the nick name "Mags" Steelies are nice because you can curb them, run over crap without damaging them too bad like with a mag wheel.

The weight factor is the only reason I'd go with mags, I like steelies.
 
L

LOLyourFace

Banned
Jun 1, 2002
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so what's a good site to shop for alloys? any recommendations? I came across some site that offered free shipping and installation kit...

 
rh71

rh71

No Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
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On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
 
Vic

Vic

Elite Member
Jun 12, 2001
50,422
14,337
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Weight.
Wheels are "unsprung" weight or any weight not supported by the vehicle's suspension. This usually includes the wheels, tires, brakes, and some suspension components. It is extremely important to keep unsprung weight to a minimum because it significantly reduces the vehicle's performance and handling, far more so in proportion to "sprung" weight. Heavy wheels are worse as they can slow the car's acceleration, increase stopping distances, worsen handling, and cause premature wear on suspension components.
Did you know that those "bling-bling" 24-inchers on some SUV's actually make the vehicle perform worse?
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
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www.tirerack.com

In FL there is a chain called 5th Gear that sells nothing but wheels and fart can mufflers. Lots of wheels to choose from, not sure if they are in your area though.
 
Ns1

Ns1

No Lifer
Jun 17, 2001
55,420
1,600
126
Originally posted by: LOLyourFace
so what's a good site to shop for alloys? any recommendations? I came across some site that offered free shipping and installation kit...
Click to expand...

tirerack.com

wheelmax.com
 
K

Kalvin00

Lifer
Jan 11, 2003
12,705
5
81
Originally posted by: rh71
On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
Click to expand...

Brake dust buildup?
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
9,359
2
0
Originally posted by: rh71
On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
Click to expand...

Thats the brake pad... it wears off onto the wheels... doesn't come off easily, break fluid will do it but if your wheels are painted the paint will go to. You can also use gasoline or paint thinner.
 
S

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
2
81
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Originally posted by: rh71
On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
Click to expand...

Thats the brake pad... it wears off onto the wheels... doesn't come off easily, break fluid will do it but if your wheels are painted the paint will go to. You can also use gasoline or paint thinner.
Click to expand...

omg quit with the car threads dude. Don't even consider using break fluid as a cleaner, its completely unnecessary. Don't scrub much either, its abrasive stuff and could damage the finish. Hit wal-mart and you can get allow wheel cleaner for $3, spray it on, maybe give it a light brusing, and hose it off. Clean wheels.
 
F

freebee

Diamond Member
Dec 30, 2000
4,043
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0
I always thought alloys were stronger because of their manufacturing process, either 2 or 3 piece...rather than steel wheels which are just stamped steel.
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
9,359
2
0
Originally posted by: Soybomb
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Originally posted by: rh71
On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
Click to expand...

Thats the brake pad... it wears off onto the wheels... doesn't come off easily, break fluid will do it but if your wheels are painted the paint will go to. You can also use gasoline or paint thinner.
Click to expand...

omg quit with the car threads dude. Don't even consider using break fluid as a cleaner, its completely unnecessary. Don't scrub much either, its abrasive stuff and could damage the finish. Hit wal-mart and you can get allow wheel cleaner for $3, spray it on, maybe give it a light brusing, and hose it off. Clean wheels.
Click to expand...

I said it would damage the finish if they were painted... READ MAN. Yes brake cleaner will clean wheels, don't POOR it on like a crazy person. Put some on a rag, rub it in and wipe away clean with a paper towel. No need to get the hose. Been doing this for years now.
 
S

Soybomb

Diamond Member
Jun 30, 2000
9,506
2
81
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Originally posted by: Soybomb
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Originally posted by: rh71
On a related note... what are black-ish dots that form within the holes (where the disc brakes are exposed) of alloy wheels ? It absolutely cannot be washed/scrubbed off. :(
Click to expand...

Thats the brake pad... it wears off onto the wheels... doesn't come off easily, break fluid will do it but if your wheels are painted the paint will go to. You can also use gasoline or paint thinner.
Click to expand...

omg quit with the car threads dude. Don't even consider using break fluid as a cleaner, its completely unnecessary. Don't scrub much either, its abrasive stuff and could damage the finish. Hit wal-mart and you can get allow wheel cleaner for $3, spray it on, maybe give it a light brusing, and hose it off. Clean wheels.
Click to expand...

I said it would damage the finish if they were painted... READ MAN. Yes brake cleaner will clean wheels, don't POOR it on like a crazy person. Put some on a rag, rub it in and wipe away clean with a paper towel. No need to get the hose. Been doing this for years now.
Click to expand...
I just buy it in a spray bottle and use it when I'm washing the car....

 
R

Ronstang

Lifer
Jul 8, 2000
12,493
18
81
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Most alloy wheels are made of magnesium and are much lighter, hence the nick name "Mags" Steelies are nice because you can curb them, run over crap without damaging them too bad like with a mag wheel.

The weight factor is the only reason I'd go with mags, I like steelies.
Click to expand...
Where do you get your information? MOST alloy rims are simply aluminum. Almost none are made of magnesium. In the early days magnesium was used for making racing wheels and the name "Mags" just stuck but magnesium is highly reactive/explosive and catches fire very easily and cannot be extinguished easily so they are actually very unsafe and thus almost never used anymore. One exception is the Magnesium rims that are an option on the newer Vettes.

 
L

LOLyourFace

Banned
Jun 1, 2002
4,543
0
0
where can i find an active auto forum regarding everything i need to ask about my new car?

(maintenence, installation, beginner's guide, etc...)
 
HannibalX

HannibalX

Diamond Member
May 12, 2000
9,359
2
0
Originally posted by: Ronstang
Originally posted by: Trinitron
Most alloy wheels are made of magnesium and are much lighter, hence the nick name "Mags" Steelies are nice because you can curb them, run over crap without damaging them too bad like with a mag wheel.

The weight factor is the only reason I'd go with mags, I like steelies.
Click to expand...
Where do you get your information? MOST alloy rims are simply aluminum. Almost none are made of magnesium. In the early days magnesium was used for making racing wheels and the name "Mags" just stuck but magnesium is highly reactive/explosive and catches fire very easily and cannot be extinguished easily so they are actually very unsafe and thus almost never used anymore. One exception is the Magnesium rims that are an option on the newer Vettes.
Click to expand...

Common knowledge... yes a lot of wheels in recent years have been aluminum.
 
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