Without an engine car may be towed, but it is not possible to move the car without the wheel and tyre. If something happens to our legs, we will be unable to walk properly. Similarly, if something happened to the wheels, it will stop at the same place till we provide the some help and repair work.
Various requirements of an automobile wheel are given below:
To take the vehicle load, wheels with tyres gives a cushioning effect, it must cope up with steering system or it should take side thrust/cornering effects and also withstand driving thrust (able to transmit the power at specified load).
It should be light in the weight so that unsprung weight is least. It should be removed easily and mount easily.
Types of wheels
Following types of wheels are used in automobile:
- Disc wheels
- Light alloy cast or forged wheels
- Alloy wheels
Disc wheels: These type of wheels consist of two parts, steel rim which is generally well-based to receive the tyre and pressed steel disc. Steel disc is welded to the rim. It is light in weight. It is used in heavy vehicle like trucks, buses etc.
Light alloy cast or forged wheel: These type of wheels are used for the cars. Wheels are made of aluminum alloy which is a better conductor of heat, which disperses heat in application during rolling wider rim improves stability on cornering.
