Driving your vehicle is impossible without a good set of wheels and tyres. Not only do they help move your vehicle forward, the wheels and tyres also support the weight of the chassis, absorb road impacts, as well as provide traction and stability.
For a lot of drivers, the stock configuration of their vehicle’s wheels and tyres is enough to support their driving lifestyle. However, there are a number of automotive upgrades that can enhance the function, increase the service life, and improve the appearance of your wheels and tyres.
Let’s take a look at the 7 wheel and tyre upgrades that can boost the driving performance of your car, ute, or jeep.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors
Operating your vehicle is safer and easier when your tyres are properly inflated. Unfortunately, there are a lot of factors that can affect your tyre pressure levels – road hazards, age, overuse, and improper inflation just to name a few.
Underinflated tyres have increased road friction, so they’re more prone to premature wear and tear. They may also blow out more quickly. Overinflated tyres, on the other hand, have stiffer tread and sidewalls, reducing road traction as a result.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have each tyre fitted with TPMS sensors to monitor pressure levels. If they detect irregularities, a warning will be sent to your vehicle’s computer and the TPMS light on the dash will turn on. This way, you’ll easily know if one of your tyres is over or underinflated and correct the problem immediately.
There are several types of TPMS sensors to choose from. For something straightforward, direct fit sensors come with one specific protocol to work with your vehicle’s specifications. You can also get programmable or pre-programmable sensors that offer more optimised performance and work better with modified setups.
Aftermarket Lug Nuts
The lug nuts that come with your vehicle’s stock configuration are designed to keep the wheels secured to the axles. They ensure that the wheels will rotate properly and won’t detach from your vehicle, even when you’re driving at high speeds. Though the function of lug nuts is pretty straightforward, their are aftermarket upgrades that increase performance & durability.
Lug nuts are available in several styles, so you can get a set that matches your vehicle’s sleek, sporty, or aggressive looks. Some of the most common lug nut designs are acorn, spike, and flat. Most of them are also fitted with high-quality finishes for added durability and style.
Lug Nut Locks
If you’re looking to boost your vehicle’s wheel and tyre security, then lug nut locks are what you need. These accessories are designed to keep your wheels secured to your vehicle, stopping criminals from stealing components. Each set comes with keys, giving you sole access to the locks. As a result, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your vehicle’s wheels won’t get stolen no matter where you park.
Hub Rings
Another upgrade that can further improve wheel security is a set of hub rings. These keep the wheels secured in place and ensure that they’re perfectly centred on their respective hubs. They also help eliminate any wheel vibrations, keeping your rides comfortable.
Aftermarket Valve Stem Caps
A set of aftermarket valve stem caps is another upgrade that can freshen up the appearance of your wheels and tyres. These accessories are available in different colours and designs, so you can sport a set that enhances your vehicle’s factory look or elevates its customised style. Most aftermarket valve stem caps also boast a universal fit, meaning you won’t have to look around for one that matches your vehicle.
Wheel Spacers
Switching to larger wheels and brake callipers will definitely give your vehicle a more commanding look. However, your vehicle’s stock setup might have difficulty accepting the upgrades’ bigger dimensions. If your new wheels and brake callipers don’t have a perfect fit, they can break your vehicle’s wheels and axles.
Thankfully, wheel spacers solve this fitment problem. Wheel spacers increase the space between the wheel assembly and the wheel. This way, your bigger wheels and brake callipers have enough room to function without rubbing against the wheel wells or fender flares.
Wheel Ring Lights
If you want to give your vehicle that “wow” factor, installing wheel ring lights will give you the results you’re looking for. Wheel ring lights come in different colours and some options allow you to change them on the fly. They also use high-quality LED lights for long-lasting and bright illumination that definitely won’t be ignored.
Wheel ring lights also make your vehicle more visible, which comes in handy when you’re showing off your vehicle or when you’re out driving in dark off-road environments.
The wheels and tyres of your vehicle see a lot of abuse, so giving them a few upgrades will help improve their performance and appearance. Installing some or all of the accessories mentioned above will also give your vehicle a new look and feel, giving you a confidence boost each time you drive.
Also Read: Should You Ship or Sell Your Car if You are Moving?
