wheel buying guide

Wheel Questions

Q: Wheel finishes?
A: Wheel finish refers to the type of surface treatment a wheel is given. Machined or polished finishes are popular on aluminum wheels. "Machined" is what the wheel looks like after the last shaping procedure (usually a lathe cut) has been completed. An additional step involves passing the wheel through successively finer automated and/or hand polishing processes. This, of course, results in the polished finish. A "chrome" finish is also available on aluminum wheels, but requires three additional layers of metal treatment (copper, nickel and chrome) to be achieved. Chrome finishing can significantly increase the price of the aluminum wheel. Finally, paint goes on everything and can be applied in single or multiple color schemes. Paint is either sprayed or, alternatively, powder coated on to the wheel surface. The latter results in a heavier, more durable and more expensive finish. In today's market, wheel manufacturers combine finish methods in different ways. For example, the popular tuner type designs often feature a silver center and a machined or polished lip. The last step in many styles is to seal the wheel with a clear coat of plastic, making the wheel much easier to maintain. Our alloy wheels are CNC precision cut, then painted by programmed robotic paint machines to achieve a smooth quality finishing.

Q: What does fitment mean?
A: For a wheel to fit your vehicle, a couple of factor need to be considered. The wheel's diameter, width, bolt pattern, centerbore and offset should be appropriate for your vehicle. The wheel's diameter and width are indicators of how big the wheel is. Your vehicle much have enough room in the wheel well to accommodate it. We all know not to try to install 22" rims on a compact car simply because the tires will rub against the fender lining or hit the struts when turning. Selecting 1" or 2" inches larger than OE size is usually a good practice. If you are not sure what bolt pattern, centerbore or offset means. Please refer to our Wheel Fitment Guide.

Q: What are hub-centric rings? Do I need them?
A: Most after-market wheels are manufactured with a particular centerbore for a wide range of vehicles. A hub-centric ring is used to fill any gap that may exist between the bore and the vehicle's hub, thus centering the wheel on the axle. Without hub-centric ring filling this gap, the wheel may vibrate at speeds. Our wheels are designed to directly fit onto your vehicle's wheel hubs without the need for hub-centric rings.

Q: What's the best way to Install and remove my new wheels?
A: That's a job that's best left to your tire dealer. A combination of special tools and methods are used to install wheels so they deliver the performance you paid for. Initial mounting of the assembly on the vehicle requires positioning and starting the lugs by hand. Next the lugs can be pre-tightened using a hand wrench or torque stick (a tool that ensures a lug is not over tightened). The final torque setting is applied using a calibrated torque wrench. Sounds complicated, but a trained technician gets this done very quickly.

Q: What's the best way to clean my wheels?
A: Probably the single biggest mistake when cleaning wheels is to use super cleaners, which can contain harsh abrasives. Mild soap and warm water is sufficient for routine cleaning. After cleaning chrome-plated wheels, you can apply a non-abrasive wax or cream to prevent surface corrosion. If you have clear coated wheels, skip this step. Don't let tire cleaners come into contact with your wheels; and try not to spray cold water on hot wheels. If you go to the car wash, don't let them use steam cleaners or strong chemicals on your wheels. To brighten up your polished wheels (no clear coat) use a polishing cleaner provided by the manufacturer; this requires some real work. To sustain this great look, apply some wax to keep the weather out.

Q: I just hit something in the road. How do I know if my wheel is OK?
A: If you have a vibration or pulling symptom, chances are you may have damaged the wheel. Again, go to the tire dealer and let him inspect your wheels. He will place each assembly on the balancing machine and check for run-out (a hop or wobble).

Store Policy Questions

Q: Do you offer any warranty?
A: We offer a 1 year warranty on our wheels structure and finish. This covers all non tear issues such as paint issues, chrome, seals, fasterners, and any other issue that is related to our manufacturing process. Obviously damage to the wheels caused by driving is not covered and improper care is not covered. However we will work with you to get the issue resolved as quickly as possible.

Q: The wheels I purchased from your store don't fit my car. What should I do?
A: We have some great tools to help you determine what kind of wheels fit your vehicle. There are many other factors to consider when properly fitting wheels onto your car, especially with a modified vehicle such as one with a body kit, lowering springs or a big brake upgrades. The factors to consider include, but are not limited to, tight tolerances that could affect your proper fitment such as brake caliper clearance, fender clearance etc. We disclose all sizing specifications of our wheels. Customers are responsible for verifying fitment prior to purchase. If you need any technical assistance with our products we will be glad to help. If you didn't do enough homework and purchased wheels that don't fit your particular vehicle, we do not accept return or exchange.

All Wheel & Tire Packages are non-returnable or cancellable after payment has been made or the corresponding order is placed with our vendor.

To return a product, You must first contact us at sales@vortextuning.com and obtain an RMA number. The RMA number should be written clearly on the outside of the shipping packaging. Returns without an RMA number will be refused upon delivery. In order for us to authorize the return or exchange, three conditions must be met.

1. The product must be in unused condition and original packaging material. Tires must not have been mounted.
2. All of the original parts, accessories, instruction manuals, paperwork, etc. are included.
3. RMA must be obtained within 30 days of purchase.

Unfortunately, we will not be able to accept products that do not meet these conditions. A 20% restocking fee will be charged for all non-defective returns. A larger restocking fee may be deducted if the returned merchandise is not resalable (for example, the product is scratched or dented; parts of the product are missing, etc.). Customers are responsible for return shipping charges. This is analogous to paying for gas to drive a product back to the store you bought it from. Packages arriving "COD" or "Postage Due" will be refused.

Q: I am returning wheels for refund. How should I ship them back?
A: Package the product with plenty of cushioning material to prevent damage during shipping. In the event that you are returning a non-defective product, you may want to make sure that the package is insured, as we will not be responsible for any packages that are damaged in transit. Please make sure to write your RMA number on the outside of the box you use to ship.

Q: I think my wheels are delivered to the wrong address. What should I do?
A: We very rarely experience any problems with product shipment. Most of the delivery problem is due to the package being delivered to a side entrance instead of the main entrance and that the customer is unable to locate the package. If you believe the package was not delivered to your address or have any other problems with delivery, please contact us within 5 days of expected delivery date. Any longer delays may seriously hinder our investigation.

Q: Can I place a phone order and pay by credit card over the phone?
A: Yes, you can. Please use your credit billing address as your shipping address, otherwise the transaction will be rejected.

Q: Do you ship to P.O. Box address?
A: Yes, we do, if the P.O. box address is your credit card billing address or Paypal confirmed shipping address. Because UPS or Fedex isn't possible for P.O. Box shipment, please contact us for a shipping rate quote. You can send the inquire to sales@vortextuning.com or call us at 1-888-368-9928.

Q: I live in Europe. Do you ship your products to Europe?
A: Yes, we do ship internationally. Please contact us first for a shipping rate quote. You can send the inquire to sales@vortextuning.com or call us at 1-888-368-9928.