Victoria Tire & Wheel

Tires and Wheels Vibration

2009-03-17T18:03:00.000-07:00

Even though no problems may be found as the tire rotates on the balancer, when the tire experiences a load, the transition of the harder and softer sections of the tire may create a series of harmonic vibrations as the various sections of the tire contact and leave the road surface. Depending on conditions, this harmonic may occur once per tire revolution, or in a series of multiple vibrations per revolution. It's possible that this phenomenon may vary according to changes in tire pressure, vehicle speed, individual tire load and road surface conditions, all of which may serve to reduce and/or amplify the vibration problem. In other words, the vibration the driver feels may not occur at any one rate of speed, or on any particular road surface, because the problem may appear only under a specific combination of these variables.

If a tire/wheel will not balance properly, or if a vibration exists after a successful balance job, don't automatically blame the tire. If you haven't checked the hub and wheel for runout, you may be jumping to conclusions. If, however, all balance, static runout and chassis parts variables have been exhausted, then it may be time to suspect a radial force variation problem.

To check for and attempt to actually verify a dynamic radial runout condition, a spin-balancer with a built-in load roller is recommended. This type of balance machine places a load (which attempts to simulate road load) onto the tire as it spins, while monitoring and recording variances of runout. If load variation is found, it may be corrected to an acceptable level via balancing weights. In extreme cases, it may verify that the tire should be replaced.

Tires and Wheels match mounting

2009-02-24T16:50:00.000-08:00

Tires and wheels match mounting isn't a cut-and-dried method. Your approach to match mounting will depend on several variables:

* whether the tire is runout- and weight-matched,

* whether the wheels low runout spot can be determined, and

* whether you have access to a loadapplying balancing machine.

Regardless of the specific approach you take, it's important to understand that "stacked-up" runout and imbalance conditions can be addressed. Of course, once tire matching has been accomplished, the mounted package must then be checked and corrected for dynamic balance.

There are two types of radial runout -static and dynamic. Static runout, as we noted earlier, refers to the high spot of the tire, a physical characteristic that can be measured with no load placed on the tire. Radial force variation, however, refers to a dynamic runout condition, which occurs only when the tire runs at speed, under load, due to variations in construction stiffness.

Radial force variation is so named because the radius of the tire varies according to vehicle speed and load. Of course, any tire, because of its pliability, will vary slightly in radius at the load spot during operation. Although a "radial force" might be the result of a runout area pronounced enough to affect the tires impact on the road, a radial "force variation" may occur if the tire has appreciably different "soft" spots and "stiff spots in the carcass and/or tread or in the sidewall construction. Given the precise quality control processes used by todays tire makers, it's rare that a force variation problem will occur. But when it does, it can be a tricky demon to chase.

CUSTOM WHEELS HANDLING

2009-02-14T12:35:00.000-08:00

For decades, it was common practice in the aftermarket to mount a tire so its red dot aligned with the wheel's valve stem, since the valve stem area was normally assumed to be the wheel's lowest point of radial run out. Aligning the tires high point to the wheel's low point (theoretically) reduces or eliminates the chance of developing a radial force variation (RFV) in the tire/wheel assembly.' RFV (again, an issue of runout, not imbalance) can cause a vibration that might be mistakenly diagnosed as an imbalance problem.

Times change. With the advent of styled custom wheels, the valve stem location may no longer indicate the wheel's low radial run out spot. In other words, it may no longer be viable to assume that aligning a tire's.red dot to the wheel's valve stem will address any potential RFV issues.

Consequently, a procedure that was once easy has now become complicated. The only way to accurately match mount a tire to a wheel is to actually measure tire and wheel runout. The end goal remains the same: to align the tire's high point to the wheel's low point. The wheel itself can be easily checked for radial run out by mounting it to a hub and slowly rotating it while monitoring the rim edge with a rigidly mounted dial gauge. However, the only acceptable method to check the assembled tire/wheel package for radial uniformity under load is to use a state-of-the-art wheel balancing machine that features a load-roller that applies road-simulated load to the inflated tire. Such a machine will not only check for dynamic balance but will also locate the tire's high spot. If this high spot doesn't correlate to the wheel's low spot, the machine will let you know where to relocate the tire on the wheel to minimize RFV

If you don't have access to a road wheel type of balancing machine, and you don't know where a wheel's lowest radial run out spot is located, you can default to using the Weight Method, which involves aligning the tire's yellow dot to the wheel's valve stem.

Tires match mounting

2009-01-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Some of the most common types of work done on performance vehicles involve the wheels and/or tires. The wheels are one of the most visible parts of a vehicle, so any work done on them must be top-notch-meaning clean, pretty and accurate.

Custom wheel service can be broken down into two primary topics, essentially-tire match mounting and custom wheel handling.

Match mounting involves positioning the tire onto the wheel to minimize or eliminate the final combination of radial force variation and/or imbalance. One match mounting approach involves aligning the tire's point of maximum radial force variation (its high spot) to the wheel's radial low spot (where the wheel's radial runout is the lowest). This is called the Uniformity Method. The other approach involves simply aligning the tire's lightest balance point to the wheel's heaviest balance point, called the Weight Method.

OE tire suppliers are required to mark a tire's radial runout high point, and OE wheel makers are required to mark a wheel's radial runout low point. This makes it easy for the OEMs to match-mount tires to wheels from a radial force variation standpoint during production. In some cases, these marks are made with paint dots that help service technicians remount tires down the road. However, sometimes these marks are made using temporary stickers, which either fall off or are removed after mounting. This leaves no readily visible reference marks for the tire technician for future service.

If a tire does feature color dots on the sidewall, one or two dots may be used. A red dot indicates the tire's radial runout high point. A yellow dot indicates the tire's point of least weight, from a balance standpoint.

Alloy Wheels

2009-01-02T14:18:00.000-08:00

Besides plus sizing, other factors should be considered before shelling out big bucks for wheels. The benefits of a good-quality alloy wheel are numerous. And, of course, many cars come with them as factory original equipment. Either way, you end up with reduced weight compared to steel wheels. This is a factor affecting a vehicle's road holding ability. Unsprung weight is the portion of a vehicle that's not supported by the suspension (i.e. wheels, tires and brakes) and therefore is most susceptible to road shock and cornering forces. By reducing unsprung weight, alloy wheels provide more precise steering input and improved cornering characteristics. The added strength of a quality alloy wheel can also reduce tire deflection in cornering. This is particularly critical in a car equipped with high performance tires where lateral forces may approach 1.0g. Better brake cooling is another benefit. The metals in alloy wheels are excellent conductors of heat and improve heat dissipation from the brakes. The risk of brake fade is also reduced under more demanding conditions such as spirited driving on a twisty mountain road. Additionally, alloy wheels can be designed to allow cool air to flow over the brake calipers and rotors. The lighter rotational weight of alloy wheels can even provide a slight increase in acceleration and fuel economy.

Changing wheels

2008-12-23T16:22:00.001-08:00

There are two main reasons most people consider a wheel change. One is simply for looks. A better-looking wheel makes a world of difference on many cars and trucks.
Besides appearance, the plus concept is a key reason to switch wheels. Plus sizing your wheels and tires is the best way to improve both the performance and appearance of your vehicle. By using a larger diameter wheel with a lower profile tire it's possible to properly maintain the overall diameter of the tire, keeping odometer and speedometer changes negligible. By using a tire with a shorter sidewall, you gain quickness in steering response and better lateral stability. The visual appeal is obvious; most wheels look better than the sidewall of the tire, so the more wheel and less sidewall there is, the better it looks. If a car has a 15-inch wheel, then upgrading to a 16-inch wheel would be plus one and a 17-inch wheel would be plus two. You could also say that if a car has a 17-inch wheel (such as many performance cars do) then going to an 18-inch wheel and tire would be a plus one. If the car has 15-inch wheels, the 18s would be a plus three.

Tires tread design and Noise

2008-12-17T11:48:00.000-08:00

Some tires tread designs are noisier than others and it varies significantly between tire brands and tread designs. If most of your driving is on lower-speed city streets, then this won't be much of a factor. But for highway driving, you'll want to consider your options, especially if you're driving a SUV or truck on pavement most of the time. At Victoria Tire our salespersons will be able to tell you which tires are quieter among those we are offering and you are considering. Even tires those of the same make that are in a different line can vary in road noise.

Low profile tires and ride quality

2008-12-03T13:04:00.000-08:00

Ride Quality: Low-profile tires such as a 50 or a 40-series look great, but can be harsh over bumps or potholes when compared to a 55 or 60. In general, a lower profile tire also exposes the wheels to damage more easily. Lower profile tires also have stiffer sidewalls, which improves handling but increases rides harshness. It's all about compromise and there's no such thing as a free lunch.

Wet weather requirements: Most of us live in a climate where inclement weather is a factor at least part of the time. Clearly if you live in, say, Washington or Oregon, you'll want to look more closely at a capable wet-weather tire than if you're in Arizona or Nevada. For those of you in Snow Belt states, some kind of four-season type of tire will be the minimum you should consider if not an all-out snow tire for the winter that you swap for standard tires in the milder months.

Tires Speed Rating

2008-11-05T13:34:00.000-08:00

How often do you think you're going to need a tire that's speed rated for anything over 150 mph ? Be honest and knock down your required speed rating to, say, and H-speed rated tire that's still good for 130 mph. You'll pay less and likely not notice the difference in the real world. For reference, the most common speed ratings you'll come across on the majority of tires are shown in the chart below. Speed ratings signify the safe top speed of a tire under ideal conditions. For just about any street car, a V-rated tire will be more than adequate, unless the car will actually go faster than 150 mph. Usually, most ultra-high performance handling tires have a speed rating of at least V, so while you might want the ultimate handling of that type of tires, be aware that part of what you're paying for (the speed rating) is something you'll never use. For those who want tires that make a car look different, it ends up that many get the speed rating anyway, even though they don't need it. That's not a bad thing, but also be aware that tires with higher speed ratings are usually made from a softer rubber compound and generally will have shorter UTQG tread life ratings and will not actually last as long in the real world.
Q= 99 mph
S= 112 mph
T= 118 mph
U= 124 mph
H= 130 mph
V= up to 149 mph
Z= 149 mph and above
W= 168 mph
Y= 186 mph

Tires tread life

2008-10-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Tires tread life considerations: What's your idea of how long a set of tires should last? Keep in mind that in some instances, a tire's wear rating is done through manufacturer testing and may not be the most accurate representation of a tire's true life expectancy. One way to get a handle on a tire's projected life expectancy (besides what they're warranted for, say, 40,000 miles for example) is to look at part of the UTQG (Uniform Tire Quality Grading)rating. The U.S. Department of Transportation requires each manufacturer to grade its tires under the UTQG labeling system and establish ratings for tread wear, traction and temperature resistance. These tests are conducted independently by each manufacturer following government guidelines to assign values that represent a comparison between the tested tire and a control tire. While traction and temperature resistance ratings are specific performance levels, the tread wear ratings are assigned by the manufacturers following field testing and are most accurate when comparing tires of the same brand. Tread wear receives a comparative rating based on wear rate of the tire in field testing following a government specified course. For example, a tire grade of 150 wears 50 percent longer than a tire graded 100. Actual performance of the tire can vary significantly depending on conditions, but the tire's UTQG tread life number can help you get in the ballpark as to how long a tire will really last.

Replacement Tires and Wheels

2008-10-19T22:34:00.000-07:00

If you've bought a vehicle new and come to the point where you need to replace the tires, there are several ways to go. Of course the easy way is get the exact size and make that came on the vehicle when it was new. Beyond that, you might consider going to a better quality tire or one that improves dry and/or wet handling that's still the same size as the OE tire. The next step would be to switch to a different wheel and the reasons for doing that are numerous. Some people merely want a different look for the wheel while using the same tires that came on the original wheels. While this might be OK if you want to make an appearance change right away, we think it's better to wait until you need new tires anyway, then upgrade to a larger diameter wheel and tire all at once.

Known as the plus sizing concept, this basically means that if you have a 15-inch wheel, plus one would be a 16-inch wheel and plus two would be a 17-inch wheel. But before we get further into wheels, we want to shed some light on what you should know when walking into a tire store to buy tires for your existing wheels. And, of course, this info also applies when you're doing a wheel upgrade, as well.

Choosing the tire that's right for you involves numerous considerations. But to make the process smooth, keep this simple guideline in mind when considering tires. First, know your expected needs and driving uses. This consideration is important to overall driving enjoyment.

How to choose wheels and tires

2008-10-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

The tires on a vehicle are the one single link to the road surface. One can have the most powerful engine, the most sophisticated transmission, the most elaborate super-trick suspension, and every other automotive widget known to mankind, but it all ain't worth a tinker's damn if the tires and wheels are sub par. In a way, it's really a bit strange but that's just how the operation of the automobile is.

Luckily, after examining the facts in the above-noted fashion, you can rest assured that tire technology is at an all-time high and it keeps getting better. In fact, it's actually quite amazing that while crummy tires can hurt a great car, great tires can do wonders for a less-than-fantastic car. In other words, there are some instances where tire technology is way beyond many of the cars on the road.

The technology that makes wheels and tires as good as they are is also what can make the subject quite intimidating. Our purpose here is to try and put a finer point on some of the basics of wheels and tires, and how to select them, too. Think of it as a wheel-and-tire primer that will provide you with some ground-floor facts when it comes time to make a replacement tire purchase or a wheel-and-tire upgrade.

2009 Toyota Venza

2008-10-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Unveiled at the North American International Auto Show, the 2009 Toyota Venza will combine "the styling, comfort, and fun-to-drive performance elements of a five-passenger sedan with the surprising utility of an SUV." The Venza's wheelbase is just a half-inch shorter than that of Toyota Highlander, another crossover that delivers sedan drivability. Overall length—189 inches—exceeds that of the Highlander by a half-inch, and at 75.0 inches, the Venza's width is just 0.2 inch slimmer. The Venza's base engine will be a new 2.7-liter four of unspecified output, sending its power through a six-speed automatic transmission. Also, there was no mention of plans for a hybrid version at launch, although given Toyota's hybrid track record, this seems a likely option in the future.

BMW Concept 7-Series ActiveHybrid

2008-09-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

BMW is back with another rendition of its ActiveHybrid system—this time in its flagship 7-series—with the world debut of the BMW Concept 7-series ActiveHybrid in October at the 2008 Paris auto show.

The automaker pairs the car’s twin-turbo, direction-injection, 4.4-liter V-8 engine with an electric drive for what is known as a mild hybrid—meaning the car cannot operate on electricity alone. Rather, the electric motors reduce fuel consumption and emissions—BMW claims by 15 percent—through such means as an automatic start-stop function that turns the vehicle off when it otherwise would be idling.

The idea is to make the car more efficient without compromising performance. The conventional version of the new 2009 7-series with the V-8 offers 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque and BMW says that is not diminished—in fact, the 20-hp electric motor will boost acceleration. Combining the two powertrains should produce about 415 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque, we are told. Channeling the power is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Energy captured in brake regeneration will be used to power many of the car’s features, leaving the fuel free to make the car go fast. BMW says enough energy can be stored to power substantially more electric components than in past vehicles—which seemingly makes it possible for an endless list of creature comforts. The energy is stored in lithium-ion batteries that are located in a trough in the trunk.

Why is proper tires inflation important?

2008-09-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Proper tire inflation is essential for safe and efficient vehicle operation. Safety experts estimate that 25 percent of passenger vehicles are operated with tires that are under inflated. Vehicles with properly inflated tires experience optimum ride and handling characteristics, shorter braking distances, longer tire life, and improved fuel economy.

Many factors affect tire pressure including ambient temperature changes and tire damage such as punctures. Tire pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10 degrees F drop in ambient temperature. Additionally, tires lose as much as 1.5 psi per month as air escapes the tire and rim naturally.

Under inflated tires are visually difficult to detect. It is recommended that tires are inspected and checked monthly with an accurate gauge. The TPMS is not intended to be a substitute for regular tire maintenance. Drivers should consult the owner’s manual for information on replacement tires and use of the spare tire.

Vehicles with properly inflated tires consume less fuel, have longer tire life, and emit less carbon dioxide than vehicles with under inflated tires.

Hipnotic Wheels

2008-08-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

At the begining Hipnotic Wheels set out on a mission to create wheels inspired by style and unique design. In 2007 they achived that mission. Hipnotic wheels designs took the world by storm, especially their legendary C-Note wheels. In 2008 their goal is to bring more innovative designs that reflect passion for style to set you apart from other custom wheels.

Custom Wheels Weight

2008-08-19T12:56:00.001-07:00

After you know what wheels and tires fit well with your car, how do you actually go about picking the right ones?
Almost any time you increase the size of your wheels, you will also increase weight of your wheels. That’s simple. However, what isn’t so simple is what more weight can do to your car’s handling and acceleration. The first term you have to know to understand wheel weight is “unsprung weight.” This is defined as weight that is not suspended/sprung by the car’s suspension (the wheels, tires, brakes, hub, calipers, etc). It is always best to buy the lightest weight wheels available, because the lighter the wheel, the less work the suspension has to do in order to turn and go through its normal motions. This can improve handling, and lighter weight wheels can also help your acceleration. This is where the second term you need to know comes in: “rotational inertia.” Lets say that your car has 14in wheels and you want to upgrade to a set of 17s. These wheels will almost always weigh more then the original 14s, and will not allow as much of the car’s power to reach the ground. This is because the engine has to do more work accelerating the heavier wheels then accelerating the car itself. But how much weight is too much? A good rule of thumb is that any wheel that weighs over 30 lbs. is too heavy, and will result in decreased performance. Larger wheels can also improve the looks of your car as well, but that is not a matter of science like unsprung weight or rotational inertia, but rather matter of personal taste.

Chrome Rims

2008-08-07T08:57:00.001-07:00

First, you have to know that chrome rims and aluminum wheels are two different things. Aluminum wheel are usually made from finished metal with dull silver finish. There are also aluminum wheels with shiny black finish. Aluminum wheels eliminate the need for wheel covers and hubcaps since they can stand alone on the vehicle without the incompleteness of the looks. They are more expensive than the wheel covers and hubcaps but cheaper than chrome rims. Chrome rims on the other hand come with shiny wheels finish and are used by most car owners because it provides a different effect to the vehicle. Chrome rims make vehicle sharper, more expensive, and look faster. Chrome rims are set of wheels that have become very popular to those who want to add spark to their vehicle. Since old factory wheels tend to look boring and lifeless, the addition of chrome rims makes the vehicle look livelier. And if getting noticed is all you wanted, chrome rims will definitely do the job. Chrome wheels could be acquired in two ways. You can request your car dealer to trade the existing factory wheels with new set of chrome OE wheels. Or, you can also buy chrome wheels as an added option from after market manufacturer.
The good thing about chrome rims is, you can get chrome rims for every type of vehicle. You can now replace your existing wheels whether you own a car, truck, pickup come with alloy wheels or steel wheels. Some OEM manufacturers have set of chrome wheels designed for a particular vehicle make of a vehicle model. There are also those that are made generic for general fit. Sizes also vary. Chrome rims could be 15” and 16” or 17” and 18” for larger vehicles such as SUVs and pickups. With exchange for more beauty comes the price. Normally, chrome rims are worth higher than ordinary wheels or wheel covers. One chrome rim could cost several hundreds of dollars; even thousands. Multiply that with the number of your tires could cost you almost as much as another brand new vehicle. But in spite of the price, the attitude and style each chrome rim produce is worth all the money.

Chrome Wheels

2008-07-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

Did you ever wonder why some vehicles have the natural ability to stand out from the rest of the pack? Did you ever wonder how these cars differ from the rest? Did you ever wonder why vehicles on car shows are very attractive even if you have stared on it for several hours? And with all the wondering and awe, did you ever realize that there is one car part, or we can say car accessory that completes the overall package of any vehicle, the car wheels. In a car show or car show competition for instance, you can notice that almost every vehicle particularly those that are designed for exterior category have one thing in common: they all look totally beautiful. There are vehicles that are coated with special paints to project a more stunning look. There are even some that are painted with exotic images. There are those that are dressed with body kits. There are those that are installed with lift kits or lowering kits. But among all these extra fabrications and extra accessories, one accessory is almost indispensable: the chrome wheels.

Wheels and Tires

2008-07-27T12:26:00.001-07:00

Wheels and tires are the most commonly upgraded parts on a car. This is because a different wheel and tire package can dramatically improve the looks and even the performance of your car for a relatively low cost. However, first the wheels and tires have to fit. This may seem blatantly obvious but not any wheels and tires will fit on any car. For most applications, a Plus-2 or 3 wheel will be more then enough. It is also important for the new tire’s diameter to stay similar to that of the stock tire, otherwise the speedometer will be slightly off. You can find the diameter of the stock tire on the sidewall, where a set of three numbers will be listed, such as 195-60-15. The diameter is 195mm across the tire when it is unloaded, so try not to increase that too much with your new wheel and tire package (for reference, the 60 is the height of the tire sidewall and 15 is the size the wheel designed to fit the tire).

Momo Course

2008-07-20T20:25:00.001-07:00

MOMO is coined from the initials of Moretti-Monza, the two business wizard associated with the company. This Italian design company makes high standard accessories and parts for automobiles. Since inception, the company has been producing accessories that are different from the traditional ones. So it took little time for the company attracted the attention of car drivers all over the world.

Initially, the company was confined into manufacturing only racing car wheels. But in course of time, the company evolved into MOMO Course and started to make other mainstream car accessories. Their range of products made by the company includes steering wheels and gear shift knobs. All the accessories of this company are famous for their design and durability.

Momo Corse has also designed a steering wheel for computer peripheral company Logitech (called the Logitech MOMO). This particular tyre was to be used as a video game controller. Though famous for its racing car wheels, other accessories of the company are highly in demand. They come handy when you need to glamorize your car or make it safer to drive.

However, Momo Course wheels and air-bagged steering wheels the most sought after products of the company. These two have become the standard accessories on some regional Subaru and Mitsubishi performance cars. All the other accessories of the company are also equally popular and used by number of users round the globe.

It was the amateur racer Gianpiero Moretti who founded the company. It has the fortune of sponsoring the Ferrari 333 SP sports prototype car, after Ferrari had retired from that racing category 20 years earlier. The car itself was built by Michelotto to World Sports Car regulations and used a Ferrari F1 engine. The odd-looking racing car wheels that the company made used by one famous racing car and eventually became the winner. Since then, there was looking back for the company

Car Clubs

2008-06-30T14:07:00.001-07:00

Every person that joins a car club is joining for a reason and they are joining because they either need help or they just want to give help to other people that need it. Other then that there are probably other reasons why people join a club but those are the main two reason because the people in the organizations are helpful and people need help sometimes when they are building or restoring a car.
Every car club is different and there are many of these for many different people. There are car clubs for older people who like the older vehicles from back in the day and then you have your younger crowd that like the imports and the tuners. Over all you are going to see all kinds of car clubs with all kinds of different rides to look at and observe. If you cannot decide which type of automobile show you should be in then you just need to get into a car club with the type of automobile that you have.
The main reason why I think that people join car clubs is because they are either needing to make new friends or they need some help on a vehicle and don't know what the next step is into building or fixing that car.
A lot of people that are new to the car club world usually join an organization because they need someone to teach them what they need to know about their car and automobiles in general. Usually you can always find someone like this in a car club. If you don't have people that are mentors in your car club then you need to find a car club that does because an organization with a bunch of kids isn't a car club it's probably a meet.
Most people that are in car clubs usually have more then one type of vehicle and they are usually awesome cars that nobody would think that they would have but they do. People who are in car clubs and have a few different rides are probably in a few different organizations and that shouldn't be allowed.
People in general just join car clubs because they want to meet new people and have fun with their cars. If you are not having fun then what is the point in being in a car club. You need to be in a group that is willing to help you if you need help with something. You need a group that will help you rebuild your motor if you are stuck on a part. You don't want to be in a car club with a bunch of kids that don't know anything. The only thing they know is the name of the parts and pieces that make the car run but they couldn't put the motor back to together without knowing the proper pieces and where they go.

Cars Weight

2008-06-16T11:03:00.000-07:00

A recent study found that the average American car is getting significantly bigger. In the past 25 or so years the average height has grown by a little over an inch. However the average American’s weight has swelled by 25 pounds. The average guy is 5’ 10” and 175lbs, which is a 17 percent gain.
In 1980 the average American's car weighed in at 2870 pounds and the current average car is 3563lb. Keep in mind this is for cars and not vehicles classified as light trucks, which includes pick-ups and SUVs. That is close to a 25 percent gain in weight, and it doesn’t take into account the huge boom in light truck sales we have had in that time.

Most people will blame this on the advent of more and better safety equipment. Some will point to the increase in overall vehicle size, while even more still, the majority, won’t even care.

Well as most enthusiasts will tell you, weight is the enemy of vehicles. Weight is bad for everything; acceleration, braking, turning, you name it; if you add weight to a vehicle it will perform worse. The odd thing is that it is not just enthusiasts who care about vehicle weight. Those of us who care about the environment should care also. Weight is a prime factor in fuel consumption. Obviously the more mass you have, the more energy it takes to accelerate it.

High Quality Car Wheels

2008-06-03T11:34:00.001-07:00

Motorists or car users are luckier nowadays for having millions of choices of top quality replacement auto parts. Maintaining a vehicle, upgrading it or even modifying it has never been easier than it is today. Every auto part is virtually available for a common car user who wants to work on his own vehicle. Whether he wants to improve its safety features, enhance its gas mileage and fuel efficiency or upgrade its style, he can do it with ease and convenience through these available replacement auto parts.

As we all know the wheels are the closest car parts to the road so they must be kept in excellent form and condition as much as possible. They also significantly affect handling and ride quality so they must be properly taken cared of. Moreover, the wheels lend the vehicle a more stylish look and thus, they too can make the car a lot more fun to drive.

Victoria Tire & Wheel provides the best deals on rims and tires so you can truly enjoy shopping for your custom wheels. And with its long-time experience in the wheels and tires business, you can be confident that your getting only the best parts for your car.

Car Mats

2008-05-27T16:27:00.000-07:00

Car owners are a pampered lot; they are free from facing the hassles of public transport as have their own means of commuting. They can use it to go anywhere; they do not need to care whether there is any access for the public transport or not. They can also stick to their schedule as there is no need for them to wait for bus or taxi and thus get late. Above all, there is the comfort of travelling in a ‘room on wheels’.

They are also pampered as far as maintenance of the car is concerned. They have plenty of car accessories to add to their car, thereby to make it comfortable and flashy. Auto accessory market is highly rich in car styling kits. From performance car parts to car alarms, from alloy wheels to security kits, the market is replete with everything that someone needs to bedeck his car with.

An exhaustive list of car accessories available in the market will take a vast space to cover. However, a few important ones include roof racks and roof boxes, car mats, alloy wheels, interior and exterior styling accessories, Lockwood, Sparco, Race X and Pre Woodec. Car rear spoilers, front spoilers and body styling products, lights, strut-races, suspension kits, car alarms and car security products are some of the other important accessories that one can use to make necessary add-ons to his car.

Though some of the car accessories are simple for stylising, some others are important as security kits. By adding them to your car, you can ensure safe driving. Various types of locks, security alarms, seat belts are some of the things that increase the security measure of a car. Lights, car mats, seat flashy cover are among the glamorising accessories. They add to the beauty of a car.