Replica Wheels are exactly what the name implies. They are meant to be exact copies of OEM wheels and rims. Replica wheels aim to be at least 90% visually and structurally the same as the original. Because of this, a replica wheel can be equally durable as an OEM wheel. A proper replica wheel should also be indistinguishable from an OEM wheel.

Replica wheels are quite popular in the luxury and sports-car community. This stems from people being able to obtain good quality alternative wheels from reputable manufacturers.  Although cheaply made replica wheels do exist, a good quality replica wheel will not be cheap. Even when compared to OEM wheels, good quality replica wheels will be much less expensive.

If you have any further questions regarding replica wheels, check out this article on OEM vs. Replica vs. Aftermarket wheels.

Although they may look the same, not all tires are designed to perform the same. The capabilities you desire, the type of car you drive, and the conditions you drive in will dictate the type of tire you should buy. Read the following to get a much better understanding of the different types of tires.

All Season Tires

A jack of all trades but master of none. These tires are perfect for driving in most conditions but not designed to handle extreme weather conditions. The majority of cars sold today are sold with all season tires. These are perfect for drivers who live in areas that don't experience extreme cold, rain, ice, or snow.

All-Terrain Tires (Off-Road)

These tires are designed to tackle off-road driving. They tend to be larger in size and have deep grooves in the tires. These grooves provide extreme traction in off-road conditions.

Winter (Snow Tires)

Winter tires are specifically designed to perform in winter conditions. In the extreme cold, the rubber remains soft. This allows the tire to maintain traction and provide stability.

High Performance Tires

These tires are rated for high speeds. High-performance tires are low-profile and have superior cornering and stopping performance. Although initially meant for high-performance sports cars, quite a few cars of today have high-performance tires.

Now that you know the different types of tires, stay informed and read this article on tire rotation.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, thieves working in groups can make off with your rims in a matter of minutes. Here are four ways to help prevent your wheels from being stolen, as advised by the NICB and the Tire Industry Association:

1. Use Wheel Locks

Wheel locks install in place of your car’s lug nuts. They are similar to a lug nut (and sometimes indistinguishable) but require a special anti-theft tool (key) for installation and removal that comes with the set. Wheel locks are virtually impossible to remove.  Wheel locks leave just enough room for the required key to fit around them and don't leave any space for a prying tool.

2. Use a Car Alarm

If you buy an anti-theft car alarm, opt for an advanced one. These types of alarms can detect if the vehicle gets titled and lifted off of the ground. More advanced alarms also come equipped with wheel sensors that detect if the wheels get tampered with.

3. Park in High-Traffic Areas

It is recommended that all cars be parked in a garage; however, not everyone has access to one. If you don't have garage, try to find parking on busier streets. These streets should have a greater traffic and pedestrian presence, as well as be more lit at night. This will easily deter criminals because they prefer to work at night and with the confidence that no one will walk by. If possible, park in direct view of surveillance cameras to increase safety measures.

4. Park Close To The Curb

Park as close as possible to the curb to deter would-be thieves. Lifting a car with a jack requires space. This means thieves are less likely to attempt a theft if the proximity to the curb is too tight. Turning the steering wheel toward the curb when parking will also make the wheels harder to remove. Be careful not to scrape your tires and rims on the curb. Should you scrape your rims on the curb, please read this article on repairs.

Do you need Wheel Accessories?

What exactly can be considered a wheel accessory? There are a few items regarded as wheel accessories are as follows:

Hubcaps: 

Are plastic or metal shaped "caps" the attach to your steel wheel, they look like your typical rim to conceal the less appealing look of a steel wheel.

Center Caps Caps:

Caps vary in shape and sizes. Standard caps are a flat shaped and round. Some are at the center of the wheel. Some of them can be plain and the same color as the wheel itself. Others have the vehicle brand logo imprinted. Wule others may be customized or aftermarket for extra eye appeal. These accessories are readily available at most auto parts shops or wheel shops. 

Wheel Lugs:

Are created to secure the wheel studs for proper axles functions.

Hub Rings:

Hub rings are used to fill the space between the wheel hub and the center bore of the rim.

Wheel Lips:

Wheel lips are an add-on item for flare or special appearance

Wheel Spacers:

are used as wheel adjusters for a couple of reasons.

1. To change the wheel bolt pattern.

2. To widen an offset of the wheel.

What determines a wheel or rim purchase?

Price? Quality? Shipping? Availability? Color? Selection? Style? Everything else? t's only natural for you to be picky about purchasing any OEM wheel or rim as a brand new set or replacement wheel. We're pretty picky too! For this article, we are going to share with you the steps, we, Santa Ana Wheel take before we purchase any wheel or rim from a vendor.

1. Quality: We always make sure to look at the face of the wheel;  scrapes, scratches, bends, cracks, corrosion, and of course the manufacturer stamp to assure it is an OEM wheel/rim.
2. Selection: Selecting a great set is not difficult if you know what you need. We purchase wheels that we know are an asset to our company. You can translate this method into what does your vehicle need? An upgrade? A wheel service?
3. Style: With tons of wheel options out there- Replica, OEM, Aftermarket it's your preference. What type of performance is most important to you?
4. Price: Replica wheels will always be less expensive than OEM wheels. Aftermarket wheels are usually more expensive than OEM wheels.
5. Shipping: Wheels can range from 20-50lbs, any wheel or rim company that offers free shipping is fantastic. We offer free shipping! Check out our SAW eBay store to take advantage of the offer!
6. Color: There are more than a handful of color options for your wheel/rim. The most expensive color you'll find out there is Painted Black. Just something to keep in mind.

Lastly, make sure you are purchasing from a verified vendor or accredited 3rd party supplier. Make sure to look out for reviews and see if they are a legit business.

Thanks for reading! -JE

Did you know: We have an Exclusive Selection of Takeoff Tire Inventory!

Well if you didn't know, now you know! At Santa Ana Wheel, we are incredibly picky with our inventory, tires included! 

Why? We don't specialize in tires, so whenever we make them available for sale, you will always receive a TOP QUALITY takeoff tire for up to 50% compared to brand new tires. 

Due to our limited selection of tires, we are aware that we do not have tires for everyone- but for those who are able to take advantage of this blow out deal, YOUR WELCOME!

We've heard time and time again "These tires are a steal." They are. Next time you are in need of any lightly used tires, keep us in mind! We sell singles, pairs, and sets!

Thanks for reading!

SUMMER WHEELS AND RIMS CHECKLIST

We may be half-way through summer, but that does not mean the fun has to stop! The next long-weekend holiday is right around the corner! Take this opportunity to plan out the long-anticipated road trip with friends/family! Before you decide to take on the road- make sure you to complete a wheel/rim/tire inspection of your vehicle to assure safe departure and arrival!

When was the last time you had your wheels and tires checked? Make sure that your tires have a sufficient amount of air and your wheel is free of cracks or bends.

Have you rotated your tires recently? If not, we would recommend doing so if you have a two-wheel drive, rear wheel drive or front wheel drive. This way the muscle can be distributed evenly, and you won't have to worry about wear & tear! 

Does your vehicle have a TPMS sensor readily available? If not- we highly recommend you purchase and install one before hitting the road. 

Have a safe, comfortable and have a smooth ride!

Thanks for reading!

If there is irreparable damage on any wheel due to  severe crack or accident, be sure to use these four steps to as reference:

1. Get a consult from an automotive professional
   -Before considering purchasing a new wheel. Get a consult from an automotive professional is before replacing a wheel due to irreparable damage caused by a crack is to get a full diagnosis by an automotive professional. 
2. Select the correct size for your wheel
   -Wheel sizing can be confusing at times. All you have to do is look at the outer part of the tire, locate a series of numbers. For example, if your set looks like "205/85-R15" ONLY focus on "R15" is the size of your wheel.
3. Select the correct color/finish for your wheel/rim
   -Please keep in mind that color match may not always be a 100% match. Fortunately, some wheels have very similar finishes that can be matched up to 80% and is hardly noticeable.
4. Find a location where the installation is hassle-free
   -Make sure the company you choose has an excellent reputation and is someone that you can trust.

Thanks for reading!

What Kind Of OEM Wheels Are You Searching For?

If you have the Year, Make, and Model of the vehicle it is any wheel expert can help you figure out compatible product(s). Each year the automotive world acquires new parts for various vehicles, we try to snag as many as possible! There are multiple sales channels to discover exact matches or alternatives for your car rims, tires, wheels.

Discover Us On:

1. Santa Ana Wheel eBay Store 
2. OEM Wheel Shop

For the past 60 years we have dedicated Santa Ana Wheel to supplying the best quality OEM wheels and rims. We have adapted to the market demands to better serve all commuters and car lovers alike! We try our best to generate the excellent consumer experience by providing products with the greatest value and selection in the West Coast market! OEM Wheels and Rims can be difficult to locate for older vehicles. We have wheels that date back to the 70's- we solve customer needs through expansion of all Steel and Alloy wheels! We hope that your shopping experience with us is a memorable one!

Thanks For Reading!

Rim Repair 

One time or another there is a need to repair a wheel or rim.  There are various forms of OEM wheel repair. Majority of consumers may or may not know that specific wheel stores also provide this service. Santa Ana Wheel has been around for over sixty years, and we continue are familiar with the types of wheel services requires for each When does your wheel need a repair? 

You should repair cosmetic damages to the face of your wheel or rim. Some examples include imperfections due to:

1. Scrape
2. Scratch
3. Corrosion
4. Dullness

You should not repair significant face or base damages:

1. Piece of wheel is missing (this makes it far from repairable) 
2. A bend that is far from repair

Make sure to ask a professional if you wheel or rim can come back from any form of damage. If you want to know the cost of each, it depends on how severe the injury is. Make sure to shop around, but keep in mind that Santa Ana Wheel can assist in various types of wheel repair. If you would like more information, check out our previous article on When to Repair or When to Replace. I hope this helps answer any questions!