What is the difference between replica and OEM rims?
Wheels that come from the original vehicle manufacturer, are referred to as “OEM” or Original Equipment Manufacturer. These are the wheels that the vehicle manufacturer designed for their cars and trucks. A Replica Wheel is “deliberately” designed to look just like the “Real” OEM wheel.
Are replica rims OK?
Replica Wheels Are Safe But Do Your Research Factory and replica wheels must meet stringent standards and carry a stamp on the back that details the load rating in kilograms. Since replica wheels are designed to replace factory ones, they usually meet the same load rating as a factory wheel for the designated vehicle.
Are aftermarket rims as good as OEM?
Aftermarket wheels are often made with cheaper materials for mass production. This leads to a far less quality product compared to OEM or replica wheels. Time and time again, aftermarket wheels have proven to be structurally inferior to their OEM wheel counterparts.
Are replica wheels unsafe?
Companies that produce “knockoff” or “fake” wheels are not obligated to perform any testing procedures. They may skip many processes that proper wheel manufacturers implement to ensure safety, durability and performance at all times. This ultimately puts the safety of both vehicle and driver at risk.
Are replica wheels heavy?
No, replica wheels are never identical to genuine wheels. They may look similar but are never the same. Replicas are usually heavier and will have some notable differences on the front and significant differences on the back of the wheel.
How can you tell if wheels are fake?
How To Tell If Your Used Car Has OEM or Aftermarket Wheels:
- Visual Inspection – Find pictures of your car online and compare the wheels.
- Look for serial numbers and other identifying marks on the inside of the wheel.
- If you see “made in China”, don’t be alarmed.
- Compare the age of the car to the condition of the wheels.
Do replica wheels break?
They break in potholes, they leak air and, in a worst-case scenario, they can break under a severe load such as emergency braking. Like any product in the world, quality ranges from bad to great, generally with price. A good quality replica wheel will not be cheap but it will be less expensive than an O.E. wheel.
Do replica wheels crack?
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.
How do I know if my rims are aftermarket?
Look on the inside of the wheel and search for the serial numbers and other identifying marks. Compare these serial numbers with auto parts stores’ databases. If they don’t match, they may not be OEM; however, some are specialty wheels so be sure to ask around on online car parts forums or OEM wheel shops.
How do you know if a wheel is original?
What’s the difference between replica wheels and OEM wheels?
Replica Wheels are “non-OEM” wheels designed by private third-party manufacturers. A Replica Wheel is “deliberately” designed to look just like the “Real” OEM wheel. They are essentially counterfeit (knock-off) wheels. However, they do not have the OEM logo or the MPN (Manufacturers Part Number) stamped in the inner barrel.
Where can I buy a replica alloy wheel?
Replica wheels are available across the internet from less scrupulous alloy wheel dealers. Alloy Wheels Direct only sell genuine wheels. Usually a copy of a Genuine wheel, replica wheels aren’t as safe, strong or durable – they’re usually manufactured by factories in China.
Who is the largest seller of replica wheels?
“It is important to note that not all replica wheels are of good quality,” said Frank Quiñones, Sales Manager for OE Wheels, LLC and 4Play Wheels. OE Wheels is one of the largest sellers of quality replica rims in the U.S., selling over 250,000 wheels annually.
What’s the difference between genuine wheels and factory wheels?
Genuine wheels are wheels that come either as standard or as a factory option when you buy a new car. Genuine wheels are made for the car manufacturer under licence by approved wheel producers, who may also offer wheels sold under their own brand (eg BBS, OZ Racing).
