How do I choose clip weights? How do their different types differ? Which hammer weights are best? You will learn from this article.
Clip-on wheel weights – for what applications?
Clip-on weights can be used for aluminum rim and steel rims
Clip-on weights – what material?
Weights of this type can be made of one of the materials: Zinc,steel or lead
Lead weights
Lead is a material appreciated by most tire service professionals for its easy application to the rim. It is very flexible and therefore adapts very well to the rim. In addition, lead is also extremely weather resistant. Neither salt nor water would ever affect lead weights.
Many tire shop owners choose lead weights because they have proven to be less expensive than their competitors.
As you can see, the prices are quite attractive. Because? The difference lies in the technology of the procedure. Lead requires a lower temperature, so less electricity is needed to melt this material. Also, we consider that lead components have been used in the automotive industry for many years, so it is also cheaper to buy lead weight making machines.
Lead weights banned in the EU?
Since July 1, 2005, the use of lead weights has been banned in European Union countries. The ban applies under Regulation 2005/673/EC, which prohibits the use of lead-containing weights in passenger cars (with a gross vehicle weight rating of no more than 3.5 tonnes). It is obviously about environmental protection: lead is a substance that is harmful to health and nature.
In Poland this provision does not really apply. This means that the EU directive mentioned above describes what the law should look like in the individual countries. Meanwhile – in Poland, one of the laws mentions the ban on the use of lead, even in the form of weights on the rims. At the same time, another law states that rim weights are not covered by this ban.
Unfortunately, problems can arise when Poles go abroad. Traffic police in countries like Slovakia very often check the type of wheel weights installed on cars with Polish plates. It is easy to find testimonies on the internet from people who have been fined for using lead weights. And remember that the penalties are calculated in euros!What does this mean for you?
Check local regulations. If you have previously bought lead weights and perforated such customers, then it is worth taking an interest in weights made of other materials. This is especially important in the summer, after all, many Poles drive to Slovakia itself or through this country to Croatia.And by telling your customer about lead weights, you show that you are to think about her. And his needs. This is very important from the driver’s point of view. Thanks to this, you look like a pro in his eyes. That may encourage many to visit you again.
Zinc made wheel weights
Zinc weights can be an environmentally friendly alternative. In fact, they retain the same benefits that “lead” had. First of all, zinc weights stick just as easily as lead weights. Remember that zinc has practically the same density and plasticity as lead. As a result, it has very similar properties to lead.
Zinc is also a much better alternative to lead as it can be used throughout the European Union. It is therefore worth making a larger stock of zinc weights – this way you can load these weights onto each customer without fear.
Is there any other reasons for zinc wheel weights?
It is certainly important that zinc weights can be used throughout Europe without any problems. However, it is important to remember that zinc weights for steel rims have other advantages. Here are a few.
• Corrosion resistance is another benefit. Zinc is a very strong material. Even if it’s very soft.
• Scratch resistance. The zinc weights are highly resistant to all types of scratches. And much more than, for example, steel weights.
Steel wheel counterweights: are they a good alternative?
Steel costs a little less than zinc. At the same time, the steel stud weights can be used on roads throughout the European Union. Steel is not a harmful material like lead, so it can be used anywhere.
Post time: Oct-17-2022
