The aftermarket wholesale wheel market has recently gained momentum and is destined to become another automotive industry success story. Car enthusiasts are flocking to buy custom wheels as they not only want lighter and prettier alternatives but also demand a high performing product that is able to provide ultimate handling and driving experience. Gone are the days when customized wheels were sold at a premium to only those who could afford high price tag. Now, globalization has allowed manufacturers to design more efficient tires which can be mass marketed to an average racing fan. This means that the aurora of luxury, sportiness and wealth can be tailored to meet the tastes of everyday car lover.

The Charm of Custom Wheels

Need for custom wheels was readily felt in the early years of car manufacturing when consumers realized that investment in automobile is a huge undertaking. To them, it was logical to look after their investment as they would care for any other luxury item. This idea yielded the concept of custom wheels that would modify or replace the vehicle manufacturer standard. Historically, these wheels were expansive to produce and were not offered as a standard package to a new car buyer. Often times, the buyer was enticed to buy it as an add-on accessory, a practice that continues to this day. Fortunately, racing car fans soon found out that buying these modified wheels from a reputable aftermarket wholesale aftermarket news supplier greatly reduces cost in comparison to what car agents offer.

These cost savings are further amplified by the fact that wholesalers effectively increase the value by providing a greater variety of custom wheels to choose from. Such variations are needed because competition based customers want stronger wheels, able to withstand the wear and tear of an otherwise rough terrain. Alternatively, appearance oriented car owner require larger and distinctively designed custom wheels which should stands out in the crowd. Therefore, these customized wheels have become an icon in hip hop and sports culture, inspiring the launch of such devoted publications as DUB magazine.

Categories of Aftermarket Custom Wheels

Custom wheels can actually be classified into six broad categories but the most desirable characteristic of a wheel will differ by the needs of its owner.

1. Automobile Racing

In automobile racing, the weight of the wheel in ratio to car size is of utmost importance as most tracks consist of numerous sharp turns requiring automobiles to optimize corner weights. Still, it does not mean that weight is the only significant aspect for racing cars.

2. Drag Racing

Another category is drag racing where drivers rely on a wider base to accommodate traction. Nowadays, drag racing is not just restricted to main events but continues to thrive legally and illegally. Young groups of automobile fanatics converge on their favorite hideouts to try techniques that they would never be able to carry out in a formal setting. Due to a shorter track, such clandestine events require that participating cars not only posses the qualities of speed but also constitute all the mechanics of drag racing.

3. Rally
   Perhaps one of the most well known categories of car racing is Rally. The main emphasis of a Rally driver is on the strength of its wheels. Due to unpaved conditions, rally wheels are made from a heavy duty metal base. In this sport, a good wheel can be the difference between finishing first or last. It is necessary that participants make careful decision between speed, stability and control. Amid the growing popularity of amateur rallies and accompanying lucrative prizes, it is recommended that rally drivers consult an expert wheel supplier to determine the most feasible wheel type.
4. Touring Cars
   Touring car racing can be classified as another category. This classification is the fastest growing classification as it allows heavily modified street cars to compete. The width and weight are the primary factors contributing to a performance of a touring car. Once famous in Europe, modified racing car owners love this unique concept as it may be the fastest lane to fame and glory.
5. Street Driving (Cruising)
   Unlike racing, Street driving allows anyone and everyone to showcase their cars. Here, the primary concern is the visual appeal. Americans are more accustomed to cruising strips where hundreds of cars congregate in a bumper to bumper parade displaying their visual appeal to the general Public. McHenry Avenue in Modesto, California is one of the most popular cruising strips made popular by the film, American Graffiti. In earlier decades, street driving in Woodward Avenue, Detroit reached its peak in 1960’s when magazines like Car & Driver, Motor Trend and CBS World News would cover those events. To many, street driving events or cruising nights are one of the best events to see and be seen. Large events such as these can attract one Million viewers with 40000 cars comprising special interest, collector, custom, street rods and muscle cars. Apart from the overall beauty, custom wheels are one of the cheapest and among the most attractive feature of this car parade.
6. Multi-Purpose
   A sixth and somewhat vague category for the uses of custom wheels is multi-purpose. Fervent custom car designers, who are well known among their community circles, keep multiple sets of wheel which define strength, visual appeal, width and weight. As a result, they proceed to change them according to the requirements of an event.

Alloy Wheels

Actually, a true car enthusiast never misses an opportunity to buy alloy or chrome wheels. It will not be an oversimplification to suggest that most major wheel wholesalers specifically market these wheels that provide significant advantage over an average steel wheel. The major benefit of alloy wheels is that they are typically light weight but impart superior strength. Moreover, these wheels are better conductor of heat providing an improved cosmetic appearance. Formula One race car drivers use these wheel types as it allows better suspension for vehicle so that a racing car may follow the terrain closely with a firmer grip.

It should be noticed that steel wheels require wheel covers and hub caps due to the corrosive nature of the steel. On the other hand, alloy wheels are corrosion resistant with a bare metal finish which allows for attractive design finish. In light of increasing theft of wheel covers and hub caps of steel wheels, the overall higher price of an alloy wheel is fully justified. Furthermore, a severally damaged alloy or chrome wheel can be repaired like new, saving additional dollars in the long run. Basically, alloy wheels are manufactured in two classes, cast and forged. Wholesalers mostly keep inventory of cast wheels but consumers may also come across forged alloy wheels from companies that solely rely on these such as Vellano, Weld and DONZ brands.