Wheels for drifting

Types of wheels for drifting

Wheels for drifting come in various types, each designed to meet the specific needs of drift car enthusiasts. Most importantly, they are intended for use in competitive drifting events and recreational drifting. Here are the different types of drift wheels:

• Forged aluminum wheels

  Forged wheels for drifting are popular among drifters due to their strength and durability. They are made using a forging process that involves compressing aluminum billets with high-pressure machines. This process eliminates air pockets and aligns the metal's grain structure, resulting in a stronger and more durable material. Additionally, forged aluminum wheels are lightweight, making them ideal for drifting performance.

• Cast aluminum wheels

  Cast aluminum wheels are another common type of drifting wheels. They are made by pouring molten aluminum into a mold. This manufacturing process allows for complex designs and shapes, resulting in lightweight wheels with great strength and durability. However, cast aluminum wheels are not as strong as forged wheels, but they are more affordable.

• Steel wheels

  Steel wheels for drifting are designed for budget-conscious drifters. Compared to aluminum wheels, steel wheels are heavier and offer a higher center of gravity. This makes them less ideal for drifting. On the bright side, steel wheels are more durable than cast wheels. They are less likely to crack or break during harsh driving conditions.

• Magnesium wheels

  Magnesium drifting wheels are known for their incredible lightness, making them ideal for reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. When it comes to performance, magnesium wheels offer excellent heat dissipation, which can improve brake performance during drift sessions. However, magnesium wheels are more expensive than aluminum wheels. Also, they are prone to corrosion and are not suitable for wet conditions.

• Multi-piece wheels

  Multi-piece wheels for drifting are made from several pieces that are bolted or otherwise joined together. The most common multi-piece wheel is the three-piece wheel, consisting of a barrel, center section, and lip. The main advantage of multi-piece wheels is that they can be customized and repaired easily. Drifters can adjust the wheel's offset and diameter to suit their specific preferences and needs.

Specification & Maintenance of wheels for drifting

Drifting wheels come in various specifications that cater to different preferences and car models. Here are some general specifications to consider:

• Material:

  Drifting wheels are made of steel or aluminum. Each material has its advantages. For instance, aluminum wheels for drifting are lightweight, making them ideal for high-speed performance. They also offer better handling and braking. On the other hand, steel drifting wheels are more durable and less expensive.

• Diameter:

  Wheels for drifting come in a wide range of diameters, from 15 to 20 inches. A larger wheel can improve handling and allow for larger brake components. On the other hand, smaller wheels can enhance grip and traction, thus improving drifting performance.

• Width:

  Drifting wheels also have different widths, ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Wider wheels provide a larger contact area with the track. This increases grip and traction, improving drifting performance. On the flip side, narrower wheels offer less rolling resistance and better fuel efficiency.

• Offset:

  The offset for drifting cars typically ranges from 0 to +35 mm. A lower offset causes the wheel to stick out more, providing better stability during drifts. Higher offsets make the car more responsive but can lead to oversteering.

Maintaining wheels for drifting is very important. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of the wheels and improves drifting performance. Here are some maintenance tips:

• Cleanliness: Remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the drifting wheels after every use. A clean wheel not only looks good but also enhances the drifting performance of the vehicle.
• Regular inspection: Inspect the wheels regularly for any damage and fix any issues promptly. Look out for cracks, bends, or deformation, which can affect the performance of the wheel.
• Tire maintenance: Properly maintain tires by ensuring they are inflated to the recommended pressure. This enhances grip and traction, which are essential for drifting. Change the tires when they wear out to maintain consistent performance.
• Balancing and alignment: Ensure the wheels are balanced and aligned accordingly. This improves stability, thus enhancing drifting performance.
• Protective coating: Apply a protective coat to the wheels. This prevents corrosion and damage from brake dust and road debris.

How to choose wheels for drifting

When buying drift wheels for resale, consider these factors.

• Size

  Drift wheels come in various sizes ranging from 15 to 20 inches. Each size is ideal for specific car models. Stock cars come with 15 to 17-inch wheels. Large wheels improve handling and cornering. However, they add more weight to the car. When reselling drift wheels, offer a variety of sizes to meet different customers' needs.

• Offset

  The offset of a wheel for drifting is crucial when modifying the car for better handling. A wheel with a low offset pushes the wheel out of the car's body. This drift wheel increases traction because the car doesn't flip easily. A high offset pushes the wheel closer to the car's body. This drift wheel improves aerodynamics. Drift wheels with a standard offset of 35 to 45 mm suit most cars.

• Material

  Drift wheels manufacturers use steel and alloy. Steel wheels are cheap and durable. They don't bend easily when drifting on rough terrain. However, they are heavy and can slow down the car. Alloy wheels are lightweight, which improves the car's speed. They also come in various designs and colors. The main drawback of alloy wheels is that they bend easily when drifting, especially on uneven surfaces.

• Dishing

  A dish wheel has a deep lip that makes the wheel look concave. Dish wheels are popular in drifting because they have a larger lip. The larger lip protects the tires from damage when drifting. The wheels also look good because of the unique design. Unfortunately, dish wheels can make steering difficult, especially in tight corners.

• Tire size

  Wheels for drifting come with different tire sizes. The standard tire size is 225/45. The tire's width offers better grip and traction on the road. A low-profile tire improves the car's handling and steering response. Low-profile tires suit experienced drifters. Buyers will look for wheels with high and low-profile tires to match their drifting skills.

How to DIY and Replace of Wheels for Drifting

Here is how to DIY and replace drifting wheels:

• Gather the necessary tools: To change a wheel, one needs to have an appropriately measured car jack, jack stands, lug wrench, and torque wrench. A new tire or wheel kit will also be required.
• Make sure the car is parked on a level surface and that the parking brake is engaged. Wheel replacement is done while the car is in gear or on the wheel that is not being worked on.
• Remove the wheel cover or wheel center if the car has one to expose the lug nuts.
• Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts slightly. They should not be fully removed while the car is on the ground because this could cause it to tip over.
• Position the jack under the vehicle's recommended jacking points and lift the car until the wheel clears the ground. After that, place jack stands under the car to provide extra support and safety.
• The fully loosened lug nuts should be removed one by one, and the drifting wheel should be removed from the hub.
• The new drifting wheel should be aligned with the wheel hub and carefully pushed onto the axle.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts to keep the wheel in place.
• Lower the car from the jack stands after ensuring the wheel is properly aligned with the hub.
• Once the car is stable, use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.

Q and A

Q1: What are the best drifting wheels?

A1: There is no exact answer to this question as the best wheels for drifting will depend on various factors. These include the drift car setup, the driver’s budget, and personal preferences. Ideally, drifting wheels should be lightweight, strong, and affordable.

Q2: Can people drift on any wheel?

A2: Technically, it is possible to drift on any wheel. However, not all wheels are suited for drifting because some can’t withstand the stress and abuse of drifting. Drifting can also damage wheels that are heavy or made of low-quality materials.

Q3: How often should wheels be changed for drifting?

A3: The frequency of wheel replacement during drifting depends on several factors. These include the wheel’s quality, the drifting style, and the surface type. Generally, wheels for drift cars should be inspected regularly and replaced when there is noticeable damage.