Real Steel or His Flashy Brother, Alloy—Talking Wheels with RNR

I know in the past, you girls have written to me wondering what the deal is with custom wheels.  Most of the time, you just don’t get it—and that’s okay; but more and more, we find all kinds of people looking to spiff up their rides with some nice wheels.  If you’re new to this world or you’re thinking it might be fun to (as one friend put it) “decorate” your car, there are some basics you should know.  We discussed some of these briefly in a blog a while back, but what we didn’t discuss specifically was maintenance—and I know you all want to know what it’s going to take to keep things looking their best.  For the same reason you want to know if that dress is “dry clean only” before you buy it, you want to know what it’s going to take to keep your new wheels looking new, right?

So, here’s the skinny on custom wheels.  There are basically two kinds of wheels you’re talking about: alloy (or aluminum/nickel) and steel.  If you’re looking for the pretty, you’ll probably want to go with an alloy wheel, but if you’re treating your wheels like workhorses, then steel’s probably your best bet.  I can almost hear you asking why, so I’ll tell you.

There’s a lot more variety in style when it comes to alloy wheels because they can be cast.  Aluminum is a softer metal then steel, so it’s easier to work with, to shape, to design; but it’s this same positive that can, at times, be its negative.  Because alloy is a softer metal than steel, it also bends more easily under impact and can even crack when bent too far.  The cracking depends on the ratio of aluminum to nickel; more nickel makes the wheel heavier and more brittle, less makes the wheel lighter and more able to bend.  Being lighter is another plus on the alloy side.  Lighter wheels mean better acceleration and more dexterity when driving.  Alloy wheels can also have a variety of finishes like polished, painted, machined, or chromed, but they are also susceptible to cosmetic damage like corrosion from salt water and acid cleaners, and scrapes.  So, you get a lot more variety and a lot of ways to “style” your ride, but with that variety comes wheels that are more susceptible to damage than a harder metal like steel.  That means the possibility of replacing them because of damage is higher than with steel wheels.

If you want to keep your alloy wheels looking pretty and new, you’ll have to put a little elbow grease into them as well.  The biggest, everyday problem so far as keeping your wheels clean is dealing with brake dust, which can be corrosive.  Check out this previous blog for some cleaning tips!  But if you live near the ocean, you’ll also have to deal with corrosion from the salty ocean air.  Chances are that if you’re willing to put the money into outfitting your car or truck with custom wheels, then you’re willing to put the time in to maintain the appearance of your vehicle as well.  If not, how important is it to you, really?

Your other option for wheels are steel wheels.  They’re sturdy and durable but they’re also heavy and lack the “bling” factor of their alloy brothers.  If you’re looking at new wheels for high performance or cosmetic reasons, steel’s not for you.  They make a vehicle feel heavier and take a nibble out of the car’s acceleration and agility, but there are some situations that might make this a positive, like driving in snow.

Steel can also take a beating, generally without cracking or showing much damage, so if you don’t do maintenance, they could be a better bet.  Most cars these days come with alloy wheels because they look and handle better, but you can always make a change. If you need or want a second set of wheels because you live in the frozen North and you want to keep your “summer wheels” pretty, steel might be a good alternative.  They’re much less expensive (ideal for a second set) and can hold up to the beating winter can give.

If you’re thinking about dressing up your ride with some custom wheels, girls, do a little research.  Just like a new pair of boots, you have to find out how to take care of them, how to keep them looking new; and you have to know where you’re going to be wearing them.  You wouldn’t wear knee high boots with a stacked heel to go hiking right?  Same with your wheels—get the look you want but make sure it also fits your lifestyle.  Come see us at RNR for style tips and to learn more about the specifics of the look you’re going for—we know what we’re talking about.;)  Talk to you soon!


Bree

RNR Custom Wheels and Tire Express Supports Breast Cancer Research

RNR Custom Wheels and Tire Express, based in Tampa, Florida but with 67 stores (including 13 franchisees) in 22 states, is asking their customers to support breast cancer research.  Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the United States among women, as well as the second leading cause of death in women.  According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, it is estimated that in 2013, there will be: 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 64,640 new cases of in situ breast cancer, and 39,620 deaths from breast cancer. The chance of a woman developing breast cancer is 1 in 8. RNR is hoping to make a difference in those numbers.

All through the month of October, RNR is asking their customers to donate a dollar (or more, if they would like) to breast cancer research; when they donate, RNR will put their name on a placard and display it in the store.  All donations will be given to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa.  Moffitt Cancer Center is one of the pre-eminent cancer hospitals in the country, and one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers due to its acknowledged excellence in research, clinical trials, prevention and cancer control.  According to Moffitt’s website, it is the number 1 cancer hospital in Florida and has been named one of  U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer since 1999—and it’s right in RNR’s backyard. 

RNR’s corporate headquarters are on Nebraska Avenue in Tampa, just up the road from Moffitt Cancer Center, which is located on the campus of the University of South Florida.  But proximity to one of the country’s best cancer hospitals isn’t the only reason RNR chose to support Breast Cancer Awareness month in their stores—it’s also personal.  Founder and President of RNR, Larry Sutton, says, “Supporting breast cancer research is personal for me, as my mother was a breast cancer survivor.  I personally believe that every successful business has a responsibility to give back, and finding worthwhile causes for us to support shows our employees the value of being good corporate citizens.” 

Breast Cancer Awareness month began more than 25 years ago and remains dedicated to educating women on breast health, from self exams to mammograms to the importance of early diagnosis.  To learn more about National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please visit their website. 

 

Out of Line—Talking Alignment with RNR

Dear Bree,

There’s something wrong with my car and I think it’s the alignment.  Here’s why:  My steering wheel shakes like a dog at a fireworks show, and my car to drifts to one side of the road like it’s falling asleep (picture a head falling over—get it?).  Here’s what I need to know:  Am I right?  What do I do about it?  And how does this happen?

Thanks, Bree!

Out of Line

 

Dear Out of Line,

I haven’t seen your car, so I can’t say for sure, but it sounds like it. Usually, there are some common symptoms to look for when your car is out of alignment: that shaky steering wheel; the drifting to the side that you mentioned; but also, if you’re driving straight but your steering wheel isn’t centered, you may have an alignment problem.  Another telltale sign will be on your tires.  When a car’s alignment is out of whack, the tires will wear unevenly, and usually you’ll see that they are wearing out more quickly on the outer edges.  This will affect the overall life of your tires, so you don’t just want to wait around on the problem.  Getting your alignment fixed is a lot less expensive than a set of new tires.

Interestingly, when your alignment is off, it’s not so much a wheel issue as it is a suspension problem.  Over time, parts of your car’s suspension become worn, springs stretch out, etc. and things get a little off.  Bumping a curb, hitting a big pothole, or a fender bender can throw of all of those highly-calibrated parts of your suspension and make the wheels go all wonky and sit at the wrong angles.  When you take your car in to have the alignment fixed, the proper angles will be restored, your wheels will sit straight and you’ll be steering smoothly again.  When you’re riding straight, your tires will wear evenly and you’ll even get better gas mileage because your tires will be all lined up with the road, decreasing resistance.  And what did you have to do to get all of these benefits?
Just recognize the signs and take it to people in the know.  So, save your tires, save some gas and save some money.  Get your alignment checked out and fixed up.  Your car will drive better and you’ll have a lot less to worry about in the end.  If you’ve pushed it too far and your tires need replacing, you know who to call.  RNR will hook you up with a new set and a payment plan you can afford.
 

 

Bree

How Long Will They Last: RNR Talks Tread Wear

Dear Bree,

A friend of mine was giving me tips on what to look for in my new tires, and he said I need to know something about tread.  All I know is that I need some.  What is he talking about?

Treading Water in Lakeland 

 

 

 

 

Dear Treading,

He could be a bit more specific, couldn’t he?  I think your vague friend is referring to the longevity of the tire based on tire tread, and how long your tires last comes down to several factors, like your driving habits, the weather and climate where you live, road conditions and the tire manufacturer’s tire longevity estimate. 

If you drive like a maniac, love to peel out and think breaks are for wimps (until you really have to stop), then your tires may not last as long as your grandmother’s new tires.  When you leave rubber on the road, it just makes sense that your tires will wear out faster, right?  If you live at the end of a road decorated with potholes or spend a lot of time winding around curvy roads, your tires will tend to wear out faster, too.

If you want some idea on how long a specific tire will last, you can check the tire manufacturer’s tire longevity estimate.  This is an estimate based on the testing conditions used by the manufacturer, and while it definitely gives you a jumping off point, the tests are not necessarily based on real-world conditions (like those potholes and curves we just talked about).  To get a better idea about how tires will wear in this case, take a look at the UTQG, the U.S. Department of Transportation's labeling system for the tread wear, temperature resistance and traction of each type of tire.  Here’s an example of how it works:  If you’re looking at a tire with a tread wear rating of 300, then it should last 3 times longer than a tire with a rating of 100.  Temperature ratings range from A to C, and traction ratings, from AA to C.  When you’re looking at longevity ratings between different tires within the same brands, these ratings are the most helpful.  The grading system between brands can be interpreted differently, so using the UTQG rating alone to determine the difference in longevity between tires of different brands may not be the best idea.

Generally speaking, the average tire life of an all-season tire is between 40,000 and 100,00 miles.  That’s a pretty big swing, but there are so many factors that come into play in determining a tire’s life, that our best advice is to do some research, read reviews, and talk to people in the know (like the guys at RNR!).  Tires are a big investment, and you want to get as much life out of them as possible, so put some time and thought into buying them. And don’t forget that RNR offers an easy rental plan to help you get back on the road without laying down a huge chunk of change right now.  Get the tires you need on a schedule you can afford.  Hope to see you soon!

Bree