Exploring wheel buying choices

Exploring wheel buying choices

Today's fleets look at acquisition cost, lifecycle cost, weight considerations, operating environment and aesthetics when choosing wheels.

Since that first caveman had to decide whether it would be better carved from stone or a fallen tree, wheel selection has been an important choice. Over the ensuing years the decision has been influenced by several factors: Does it fit the vehicle? Does it look good? Is it the price you want to pay? If it met these criteria, chances are fleets made the purchase.
alcoa's dura-bright production process penetrates the aluminum, helping wheels keep their shine, even after hundreds of washes and thousands of miles - without polishing. since wheels rinse easily with mild soap and water, they eliminate the need for caustic cleaning products, further protecting the environment and reducing maintenance costs.
Today’s fleets make wheel buying decisions on the same criteria but these choices are typically influenced by an even more important factor: value. What may once have been a simple “go/no-go” decision regarding price, appearance and application now may require attention on a case-by-case basis.

“There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding between steel and aluminum wheels,” says Bob Flynn, director of product management for Accuride Wheels, “including acquisition cost, lifecycle cost, weight sensitivity, vehicle application, operating environment and aesthetics. In general, steel wheels cost significantly less than aluminum but weigh significantly more. Aluminum wheels require less functional maintenance, but unless it is a coated wheel, they will require more cosmetic maintenance (to keep them looking shiny).”

Brian Thomas, marketing communications, Americas for Alcoa Wheel and Transportation Products, says initial cost is no basis for making a lengthy commitment. “I would summarize it as a short-term vs. long-term decision: steel wheels are less expensive at purchase but require additional maintenance and many lifetime disadvantages to aluminum wheels. Alcoa aluminum wheels improve productivity and lower lifetime operating costs. In particular, lighter weight aluminum wheels improve cargo capacity and increase fuel economy.”

By their very nature, wheels spend their entire lives in a hostile environment. Inspections and maintenance are critical, regardless of whether you’re running an aluminum or steel wheel. Wheel manufacturers offer detailed safety and service manuals that will guide you, step-by-step, through tire repair and wheel installation procedures. However, in general it is very important to ensure that wheels are inspected regularly for any damage, for proper mounting and for proper wheel torque.

Accuride’s Flynn says, “Aluminum wheels must be regularly inspected for damage, proper mounting and proper wheel torque, but their ongoing maintenance is typically limited to periodic polishing (if desired) to keep their shine—but even this can be eliminated by choosing to use a protective coating, which protects the shine and cleans up with soap and water.”

Thomas concurs, and explains that these coatings, like Dura-Bright from Alcoa, help to reduce maintenance by cleaning easily and increasing durability. “It doesn’t crack, chip or corrode,” he says.

“Steel wheels require refurbishing to remove rust, paint, etc. Aluminum wheels do not,” explains Thomas, who reminds users that additional maintenance can result in higher overall costs. “Aluminum wheels aren’t painted (like steel wheels) so they eliminate the need for spray paint and touch-up. Lifetime operating costs, including labor and supplies, can add up over the years. In addition, Alcoa aluminum wheels can improve the appearance of the truck or fleet over a rusty or paint-chipped wheel.”

In addition, OSHA and TMC procedures regarding maintenance should always be followed. “TMC procedures include cleaning the mounting surface (aluminum doesn’t rust) and using quality components. In addition, things like old paint build-up at the mounting surface can compromise grip strength,” says Thomas. “When it comes to maintenance, owner-operators and fleet managers all want to reduce effort and costs and improve safety.”    

Selecting for fuel mileage
According to the EPA SmartWay Partnership program data, tire rolling resistance accounts for nearly 13% of truck energy use. Wide-base tires have lower rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, and generate slightly less pass-by noise than do dual tires.
accu-lite aluminum duplex wheels have been put on an extensive diet from their previous versions and now weigh in at 59 lbs., according to accuride.
Recent tests of wide-base tires indicate a potential fuel economy improvement of 2% to 5% compared to equivalent dual tires. By using wide-base tires, a combination long-haul truck could save over 400 gal. of fuel per year and cut emissions of carbon dioxide (the most common greenhouse gas) by more than four metric tons annually. Most importantly, these environmental benefits can often be achieved while cutting costs. A single wide-base tire costs about the same as two equivalent dual tires and a single wide-rim wheel typically costs about $130 less than two standard wheels. Retrofitting existing trucks with wide-base tires and wheels may not be cost effective. However, for new trucks, the “payback” is instantaneous, since the initial savings could exceed $1,000. In addition, fuel savings begin immediately.

Wheel manufacturers are offering aluminum wheels in 22.5×14-in. sizes to help bring additional weight and fuel savings to fleets. Alcoa notes that some fleets have experienced savings of 3% to 7% with wide-base wheel and tire combinations. Estimates from Accuride include 2.5 % fuel savings per tractor and 5% per combination vehicle.

“A lot of people are curious about wide-base wheels and we’re selling more of them and seeing them on more vehicles,” explains Thomas. “While SmartWay does not specifically address wheels, it does endorse wide-base tires for improved rolling resistance. A lighter weight aluminum wheel coupled with low rolling resistance tires is beneficial.”

Actual weight savings with wide-base aluminum wheels vary by manufacturer. Alcoa’s 14-in. wide-base aluminum wheels, according to the company, can save 318 lbs. per axle or 1,272 lbs. per combination when used in place of dual wheels on drive and trailer positions. The wheels, which weigh only 68 lbs. each, are load rated up to 12,800 lbs. Alcoa’s current LvL ONE 14-in. wheel weighs just 62 lbs. As reference, the equivalent steel 14-in. wide-base wheel weighs 127 lbs. Steel single wheels weigh about 68 lbs. each (depending upon manufacturer). That’s 136 lbs. for the two to be replaced by one Alcoa 14-in. wide-base at 62 lbs.
The use of high-strength, low-alloy steel coupled with engineering design and process allows the company to also offer a lightweight steel wheel featuring the economy and strength of a standard steel wheel and weight similar to an aluminum wheel.
“In addition, converting an 18-wheeler from single steel wheels and tires to Alcoa aluminum 14-in. wide-base wheels and tires saves 1,350 lbs. That’s 1,350 lbs. more freight for vehicles that are weight restricted,” says Thomas. “Plus, Alcoa aluminum wheels provide a better appearance and lower maintenance costs through reduced upkeep (no paint, retouch, etc.) and higher resale value.”

Accuride’s Flynn says super single wheels and tires continue to grow in popularity, largely driven by the overall weight savings and related fuel economy improvements. “As with dual wheels, Accuride is in the enviable position of being able to provide both steel and aluminum wheel versions to satisfy our customer requirements. Accuride brands its wide-base wheel offerings as Duplex,” he explains.

“A four-year study published in 2009 by the U.S. Department of Energy concluded that the use of wide-base wheels and tires could improve fuel economy by 6% to 10%, and this—combined with upcoming medium- and heavy-duty fuel requirements and urging from both the EPA’s SmartWay and the California Air Resources Board—makes wide-base wheels an ever more attractive option,” says Flynn.

“Understanding the growing importance of wide-base wheels, Accuride included two versions of 22.5 x 14-in. Duplex aluminum wheels in our new Accu-Lite Aluminum wheel offerings, a 2-in. outset version and a 0-in. outset version (which is 100% compatible with the popular new X14 tandem drive axle from Meritor). Both new Accu-Lite Aluminum 22.5 x 14-in. Duplex wheels went on an extensive diet from their previous versions and now weigh-in at an amazing 59 lbs.,” he says.

“Accuride solicited a lot of fleet feedback when redesigning the new Duplex aluminum wheels and, in fact, modified the design of the new 41660 (2-in. outset) Duplex wheel to be symmetrical with respect to tire mounting such that tires could now be mounted from either side of the wheel,” Flynn explains.

Thomas indicates that Alcoa also offers 0-, 1- and 2-in. offset wheels for all axle types, so many choices are available from multiple suppliers, regardless of the type of wheel you need.

Fuel savings isn’t tied only to lightweight wheels. According to Jan Polka, president of Real Wheels Corp., a supplier of wheel covers, air flow can be just as significant.

“Based on aerodynamic research conducted by leading industry experts, rolling wind tunnel results show how improvements in the general body aerodynamics of a truck will provide fuel savings in general, but improvements around the rotating wheels may provide a much greater benefit.”

Polka explains that flat wheel covers—initially offered as an aesthetic improvement to the drive axles on trucks, have recently been seen as more than just a pretty face. “It’s been relatively recently that emphasis has been placed on fuel expenses,” he says. “We went back to the drawing board to reengineer aerodynamic wheel covers that served the purpose of reducing drag on a wheel and the turbulence that goes around it. Fuel savings was the goal.”

Test data has shown a 1.5% to 3% fuel savings with aerodynamic covers, according to Polka, but careful investigation revealed much more, as well. “We found out from a maintenance standpoint that all any of us had addressed was the aerodynamics. What we realized, though, was the cost of fuel we saved wasn’t all that significant if you added the cost of using the products and it ultimately costs you more time in maintenance, upkeep and inspections.”

Polka says it’s human nature—if it’s difficult, it won’t get done. “We recently introduced a wheel cover that has an aluminum outer sleeve with a clear Lexan viewing window. From a maintenance standpoint, this allows DOT inspections behind the wheel cover without having to remove it. They can look for things like loose lug nuts or oil leaks—things that previously would have been hidden.”

In addition, Polka says his company has developed accessories to reduce time and increase both convenience and safety. Braided steel air valve extensions are easily accessed without removing the covers. Also, LED valve stem caps indicate when tire pressures are low.

“Eliminating turbulence caused by spinning wheels is important. But to just cover it with a flat pan and hope for aerodynamic savings is, to us, the wrong way of doing things,” concludes Polka. “We’ve seen that while you can provide the fuel savings, if you cost time and money in additional maintenance, you won’t win. You can’t do one without the other.”

Today’s wheel decisions cannot be made in a vacuum. Selecting the product that’s right for your application may require careful thought and attention to every other aspect of your fleet’s efficiency.

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