CLEAN YOUR WHEE || Behind The Wheel Podcast

CLEAN YOUR WHEE || Behind The Wheel Podcast

Posted on by KONIG
Aluminum Wheels Don’t Rust: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Myth

Aluminum Wheels Don’t Rust: Unveiling the Truth Behind the Myth

At Konig Wheels, we value clarity and truth. In this week’s episode of the “Behind The Wheel Podcast”, hosts Scott and Daut dive deep into a topic that often confuses car enthusiasts: the misconception that aluminum wheels can rust.

The Myth Debunked

“Once in a blue moon, we get these weird emails,” Scott mentions. Customers claim their aluminum wheels are rusting. But here’s the fact: aluminum doesn’t rust. Rust is iron oxide, a result of iron reacting with oxygen and moisture. Since aluminum contains no iron, it can’t form rust. It can oxidize, but that’s a different process that doesn’t produce the flaky red residue we associate with rust.

What’s Really Happening?

So why do some wheels appear rusty? The culprit is usually brake dust and road contaminants. Brake pads shed tiny metallic particles that settle on your wheels. Over time, especially without regular cleaning, these particles oxidize and give the illusion of rust on your aluminum wheels.

Daut recalls thinking his center cap screws were rusting. Scott simply wiped them clean, revealing it was just dirt and brake dust. The screws are stainless steel, resistant to rust, and the wheels are aluminum. Both materials, when properly maintained, remain rust-free.

The Importance of Regular Cleaning

Contaminants can bake into the clear coat of your wheels, especially under the sun or after high-performance driving. This not only affects the aesthetic but can also degrade the protective layers of your wheels.

Scott emphasizes the need to clean your wheels frequently to prevent brake dust from sitting on them for long periods. This is crucial for racers or anyone who drives aggressively, as brake dust accumulation is significantly higher.

Tips to Keep Your Wheels Pristine

  • Use Gentle Cleaning Products: Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the clear coat. Stick to mild soap and water.
  • Clean When Cool: Never apply cleaners to hot wheels. Let them cool down to prevent evaporation of cleaning agents, which can leave residues.
  • Consider Ceramic Coating: Applying a ceramic coating provides an extra layer of protection, making future cleanings easier and more effective.

Avoid Common Pitfalls

Overusing products like tire shine can cause more harm than good. Daut admits that excessive tire shine bothers him because it flings up on the side of the car. Use such products sparingly and ensure any excess is wiped off to prevent attracting more dirt and grime.

Prepare for Seasonal Changes

As winter approaches, it’s essential to give your wheels some extra attention:

  • Thorough Cleaning Before Storage: If you’re storing your wheels, clean them meticulously to remove all contaminants that could cause damage over time.
  • Re

    © 2024 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

    Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

    (we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

     

    FOLLOW:

    Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
    https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

    More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
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New SEMA Wheels || Behind The Wheel Podcast

Posted on by KONIG
Unveiling the Art of Wheel Finishes: Inside Konig Wheels’ Journey to SEMA

Unveiling the Art of Wheel Finishes: Inside Konig Wheels’ Journey to SEMA

SEMA is fast approaching, and Konig Wheels is gearing up to make a statement in the aftermarket wheel industry. In this week’s episode of the “Behind The Wheel” podcast, hosts Scott and Diggity pull back the curtain on one of the most challenging aspects of wheel design: choosing the perfect finish. With new wheel samples arriving imminently, the team delves into the intricate balance between innovation and customer preference, revealing why selecting a wheel finish is both an art and a science.

New Horizons: Fresh Wheel Samples Arriving

The excitement is palpable at Konig Wheels headquarters.

“We have a new wheel coming in; the samples arrive next week,”

—Scott announces with enthusiasm.

This isn’t just any wheel—it’s poised to be one of the lightest flow-formed wheels they’ve developed in recent times. Scott continues, “I ordered four different colors that we’ll look at, and we’ll have to work it out to see what we want.” The anticipation is not just about the design but about which finish will make the wheel truly stand out at SEMA.

The Complex Canvas of Wheel Finishes

Choosing a wheel finish might seem straightforward, but as Diggity points out, it’s anything but simple.

“Everybody is always like, just make it easy, just pick one color. But when that one color has about 20 different variants, it’s not so straightforward,”

—he explains.

The team wrestles with the desire to innovate and the need to meet market demands. Scott adds, “You don’t want to do the same finish over and over again. So you start to change things, and then you go back to your sales team, and people say like black, bronze, gray.”

Navigating Customer Preferences

Despite their passion for pushing boundaries, the Konig Wheels team recognizes the dominance of traditional colors in customer preferences.

“We get tired with finishes, so we’re looking for a different combination. But every single time we do it, people buy black, bronze, gray,”

—Scott admits.

This presents a unique challenge: how to introduce fresh, exciting finishes while still catering to what the market demands.

When Finishes Make or Break a Design

The finish of a wheel can dramatically alter its appearance and appeal.

“We’ve seen samples come in, and we’re just like, no, not right away,”

—Diggity recalls.

Scott shares a past experience with the Renform wheel:

“I was so sure about doing it in gloss black, but when I looked at the wheel, I’ve never seen anything so boring. It drowned out every detail,”

—he reflects.

This underscores the critical role that finishes play—not just in aesthetics but in highlighting the intricate designs that Konig Wheels is known for.

Lessons from Past Endeavors

Reflecting on previous projects like the Ampliform and the Freeform, the hosts discuss how initial finish choices didn’t always hit the mark.

“We brought those over in like four or five different finishes. We all looked at the matte black and instantly it was like, absolutely not,”

—Diggity says.

Scott emphasizes the transformative power of seeing a wheel in person: “Once you see it in person, it changes everything.”

Introducing the Heavy Hunky Wheel Club (HWC)

Adding a touch of humor to the conversation, Diggity introduces the HWC—an internal club affectionately known as the “Heavy Hunky Wheel Club.”

“I’m basically the CEO of that. When we sit around and debate about wheel weights, I’m the one that always has the side of ‘Nah, it doesn’t matter, just give me a halfway finish, boy fitment.’ That’s all I want,”

—he jests.

This lighthearted segment highlights the team’s diverse perspectives and the fun they have during the creative process.

The Road to SEMA and Beyond

As SEMA looms closer, the pressure mounts, but so does the excitement.

“We’ve got these four finishes coming in. I’m super pumped. I hope at least one of them will be the right color,”

—Scott expresses.

The team is not just preparing for a trade show; they’re embarking on a journey to redefine what’s possible in wheel finishes and designs.

Engaging the Konig Community

Scott and Diggity conclude the podcast by reaching out to their audience.

“If you had to pick wheel finishes, what are your go-to finishes? Besides black, bronze, and gray, what other colors would you like to see?”

—they ask.

This invitation isn’t just a casual query; it’s a call to action for the Konig Wheels community to influence future designs.

Experience Innovation with Konig Wheels

Konig Wheels continues to push the envelope in the aftermarket wheel market, blending cutting-edge designs with finishes that captivate. As they prepare to unveil their latest creations at SEMA, one thing is clear: they’re not just making wheels; they’re crafting experiences. Stay tuned to see which finishes make the final cut, and don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation.

Elevate your ride with Konig Wheels—the epitome of style, performance, and innovation in the aftermarket wheel industry.

© 2024 Behind the Wheel Podcast | All Rights Reserved

Thank you for Tuning in and please, if you like the podcast and what we’ve been doing here, please SUBSCRIBE! We’re on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher and we always put the full video interviews on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/konigwheels)

(we’d love if you subscribe there as well!) Thank you for listening!

 

FOLLOW:

Konig’s Instagram: @konigwheelsusa
https://www.instagram.com/konigwheelsusa/

More on the Konig Behind The Wheel Podcast and to SUBSCRIBE:
https://konigwheels.compodcast

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Dan Stuke – Formula Drift PRO Driver || CARNATOMY

Posted on by KONIG

In this Carnatomy episode, we had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of Formula Drift driver Dan Stuke’s mind numbing Full Carbon Fiber bodied S15 with it’s 900hp 2JZ. The episode offers a candid look at the development and performance of Stuke’s latest drift car.

A cornerstone of the build is its chassis, a meticulously engineered true Spec R S15 chassis designed to withstand the extreme demands of professional drifting. To complement the chassis, Stuke has opted for Konig’s NeoForm flow formed wheels in 18×9.5 et25, renowned for their strength, lightweight construction, and exceptional styling. This combination of advanced chassis technology and premium wheel components is a testament to Stuke’s commitment to performance and durability.

The car’s powertrain is equally impressive. At full chat, his 2JZ build is capable of 900HP+, but due to EnglishTown’s smaller track size he’s got it tuned down to the mid 600HP range. Basically, just enough to get around while still being lively. Fair to say, that in itself is a discussion worth having with Stuke, understanding when to go up and down in tuning maps to suite track needs and wants.

Stuke’s enthusiasm for the car is palpable throughout the episode. The new chassis offers significantly improved handling and stability compared to its predecessor, allowing for greater confidence and precision on the track.

To gain deeper insights into the build process and performance characteristics of Dan Stuke’s drift car, we encourage you to watch the full Carnatomy episode and drop your questions into the comments.

YouTube Link: HERE