The Genuine Wheel Advantage

Wheel Research & Development - Genuine Wheels

Genuine wheels go through rigorous design, development, testing regimes before production to ensure they not only look good, but also perform exceptionally.

Working from an initial sketch or design concept, wheels undergo detail design using CAD and stress analysis software. Engineers spend time analysing and calculating the expected dynamic load and performance characteristics of the wheel to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s specifications and requirements of the vehicle.

From then, the first mould is developed from which prototypes are cast using specialist aluminium alloys (often using low pressure diecasting). Before completely cooling, engineers check the quality of the casting for each wheel by performing X-Ray inspections. Wheels are checked for leaks before a multi-layer coating is applied for maximum protection against corrosion.

Batch samples are quality checked in heat, cold, and humidly chambers and in vapour tests using aggressive substances. Finally, samples are tested on a two-axel wheel test rig to subject the wheel to extreme continuous loads which are highly unlikely to occur in real life. In addition, an extremely wide variety of real journeys are completed in accelerated computer controlled simulations. Following successful testing, equivalent to several thousand miles on the road, wheels are thoroughly inspected, before they receive approval for full production.

No, replica wheels are not made in the same factory as genuine wheels. Genuine wheels are made by vehicle manufacturer approved suppliers. Replica wheels are usually manufactured in China or the far-east using lower quality alloys. 

No, replica wheels are never identical to genuine wheels. They may look similar but are never the same.

Replicas are made using a reverse engineered mould, which is produced much more cheaply than the original. Replicas are usually heavier and will have some notable differences on the front and significant differences on the back of the wheel. Replicas are sometimes adapted/modified to fit vehicles the originals were never intended to. 

Its worth noting that its almost impossible to replace replica wheels like-for-like. There is no manufacturer traceability and each set will vary slightly.

No, replica wheels are made using cheaper manufacturing processes and cheaper, heavier aluminium alloys. This makes them much more susceptible to cracking, bucking, scratching and vibration. They are much less safe.

Replica wheels do not like potholes!

No, replica wheels normally use low grade paint & lacquer finishes to keep costs to a minimum. Genuine wheels are quality checked in heat, cold, and humidly chambers and in vapour tests using aggressive substances during development. They are designed to withstand chemicals, road salt and the elements - that is why they are backed by the vehicle manufacturer's guarantee

It is nearly impossible to replace a damaged replica wheel like-for-like.

Replicas tend to be made in small batches from different factories, using different moulds. There are likely to be variations in size, detailing and fitment if you buy a replacement.

No. Replica wheels simply do not go through the same level of research, development and testing as genuine wheels. Where genuine wheels are tested, x-rayed and inspected to ensure they are geometrically perfect and meet specific quality standards, replica wheels are not - they have to be produced much more cheaply.

Replicas do not undergo the same amount of testing. It is not uncommon to have vibration/noise and other issues from new.