Ever Been Duped? Scammed? Bamboozled?

Unfortunately, in the era of online shopping it's easy to false advertise and get away with it. I'm sure you or some you know has purchased products with lower quality than expected.  This is simply unacceptable in the WHEEL world, but it does happen in the REAL world. Let's get you a tissue for the hurt, but also cheer you up with a FREE consultation  from our staff. As a bonus, here are some no-brainier tips before you make your next a purchase:

1. Research before any purchase- this is huge!
2. Check the price. Too good to be true? Maybe it is! 
3. Call vendor/seller just to verify correct contact info
4. Check for any grammatical errors or sketchy sentence structure. If they don't check their grammar, what makes you think they check their products?
5. Follow your GUT!

Original products are just that. Originals. Don't forget that we’re here to help. We have a major selection at S.A.W and will go out of our way to search and find the original product (used or new).

Time for an upgrade?

SoCal is notorious for rush hours and heavy traffic. Every morning/evening we have destinations to reach that rely on transportation from a vehicle that requires 4 wheels, or what I like to call  “the foundation of your commute”.   

This foundation may or may not need an upgrade, it all depends on the condition your current wheel and vehicle. A couple of things to keep in mind when you are thinking about upgrading your wheel:

SIZE: Q: How drastic should my change be? A: Start the year with a bang,  up size your wheel size to a bigger diameter. If you would like to up size  sizing your wheel it will give you the chance to fill up extra space in the wheel wells for a different ride/feel.  

FINISH: There are various finishes for wheels which depend on the color of your vehicle. We specialize in chrome or painting the entire face of an alloy wheel to change from the original finish in colors such as silver, black, white, matte, semi-matte, gloss, etc. 

You can customize you wheel character & Santa Ana Wheel wants to help!

If you have a vision we can make it come to life. 

How long do your wheel bearings last?

There are a few of factors that contribute to this topic.

First factor: Management of your vehicle. Are you an aggressive driver? A moderate driver? Or do you drive Miss Daisy? If you rough handle constantly, your bearings diminish within the half a year.

Second Factor: How often do you take your vehicle for a check-up? Fortunately, good maintenance can make all the difference! 

Third Factor: Weather in your surrounding area can affect the life-span.  Below you can find some more information about different kind of weather and how it affects your wheel barrels!

Anatomy of a Wheel

Don’t be left in the dust when it comes to shopping for wheels, educate yourself to better understand terms like ‘How many spokes’ or ‘center bore’.

Barrel

The biggest part of a wheel is the structure or barrel. This looks like a tube and might be short or long. This part is what allows a tire to be fitted on, usually knowing the size of the barrel Is not needed as Original sizes stay the same.

Lip

The outer lip if the wheel is the as the name states, the outer edge. The outer lip is the part that is most likely bent when a wheel hits a pothole and the most repairable area. Technically the lip can be as big or deep until it meets the face of the wheel.

Valve Stem

A valve stem is where tire pressure is monitored, a small 1-2 inch metal stem somewhere on the outer edge of the wheel. Tire valve stems come in three different types depending on the type of vehicle: Snap-in, Snap-in for High Pressure, and metal clamp in.

Spokes

Besides the size, spokes are what make individual wheels unique and stand out from each other, or the most “cosmetic” aspect of wheels and rims. For example, 90% of steel rims don’t have spokes, just full on metal. Spokes are the pieces that hold the wheel together from the outer edge to the center, and the designs can be super basic or intricate. Spoke design usually begins with how many there are, how thick they are, and how they meet the edge of the wheel. For example, if they veer out to a ‘Y’ shape, they are called Y spokes.

Center Cap

Smack dab in the center of the wheel is the center cap, where the spokes touch. The center cap is removable, except on steel rims. The purpose of the cap is to cover the hole in the center and protect the lug nuts. A wheel can move without a cap with no problem, generally, a center caps purpose is to have the OEM logo and make the wheel look complete.

Lugs Holes/Nuts

Lug holes are the holes that the center cap covers, in which lug nuts go into to hold the wheel together. Wheels can have 4, 5, 6, or 8 lug holes. The term ‘Bolt pattern’ is the measurement from one bolt Is the opposite one across.

Centerbore

This is the big hole in the back of a wheel so it can slide onto the axle of the vehicle. A correct fitting center bore is extremely important, that’s why when buying aftermarket parts exact measurements and specs are key!

What is TPMS And Why Do I Need One? 

TPMS is a tire pressure monitoring system, the purpose it serves is pretty self-explanatory from the name and pretty darn important too.
If your car is older than 2008, it most likely is without a TPMS system.

Regulations changed in 2000 when Firestone came under fire (no pun intended) for a series of tire blowouts, which resulted in 100 related deaths. As a result Congress enacted the TREAD act, which would force a TPMS system to be in place in all 2008 and later vehicles.

• There are two different kinds of TPMS systems:
  
  Direct – Uses a physical sensor which is installed on all the wheels. When pressure from the tire drops below 25% of the specific manufacturers recommended pressure, the light on the dashboard will go on to check your tires. This is why if the light goes on, it is strongly recommended to fill those tires up! 
  Indirect – an indirect TPMS is linked to the Anti breaking lock system in the car, or ABS. When a tire is lower than the other 3, it will rotate at a slower pace. An indirect system measures the rotation, so it alerts you when one is moving slower.

Direct TPMS is always going to be more expensive due to having to replace these sensors every 5-6 years…about the life of new tires. OEM sensors are always going to cost more then aftermarkets, but luckily the industry is improving and manufacturing more sensors to fit more original vehicles. Direct options will also be susceptible to becoming useless to outside factors, such as corrosion on your wheels. Corrosion is caused by exposure to elements such as salt, which can eat away at material like chrome. With the wheel goes the sensor.

Happy Driving!

How to clean alloy wheels

What you will need:

• Choose between a combo of cheap household cleaning  supplies:
  • Dawn dish soap and Baking Soda (Most recommended)
  • Lemon juice and soda 
• A basic large sponge
• A powerful water hose
• Old toothbrush (optional for small crevices) 
• Soft microfiber cloth (or regular towel) 

If you wish to use an actual wheel cleaner, feel free. We just find it is unnecessary and plain chemicals work fine.

The first thing to make sure is that your wheels are completely cool and not hot from driving. The heat can react with the chemicals and have a less than desired effect.

To loosen up the old dirt, grime, and a wheels worst enemy, brake dust, spray vigorously with a power hose. Try to get into the small crevices in the wheel, the more the brake dust is loosened, the easier it will be to remove later. 

Combine Dawn dish soap and water in a bucket, (only about half a cup of Dawn) and mix well. Before scrubbing away with your sponge, soak it and carefully wipe away the dust and grime. Careful not to push too hard to grind the brake dust into the aluminum. Don't forget about the lug nuts, they can hide a lot of old caked on dirt.

Try using a soft toothbrush to reach into small slits. But don't push too hard! Some polished wheels may scratch easily. 

Once the wheel looks like most of the dirt is loosened, give it a good spray with the power hose. Wipe dry with a soft microfiber cloth, or a standard towel, but make sure to dry fully to not leave water spots. 

Continue Reading Differences Between Aluminum and Steel Wheels

Are you confused on the wheel jargon such as OEM, Replica, and Aftermarket?

Or perhaps you know their meaning but can't decide which is the best option for you? Are there positives and negatives to either option?

Let us break it all down for you and simplify the process!

Continue Reading What’s the Difference Between OEM and Aftermarket Wheels?

A Little About Chrome Finishing 

Although chrome hit its high point in the 80s and 90s,  nothing elevates rims more than the gorgeous mirrored finish of chrome. What is Chrome? 

Continue Reading All About Chrome