How to distinguish forged and cast wheels?
2 Answers
Here are the methods to distinguish forged and cast wheels: 1. Front side judgment: Cast wheels usually have a draft angle of 7° to 10° due to manufacturing process, while forged wheels typically have a draft angle of 0° to 3°. 2. Back side judgment: Cast wheels will definitely have backside relief for weight reduction and easy marking, whereas forged wheels may not have relief. 3. Sound judgment: High-quality aluminum wheels are more dense, producing clearer ringing sounds when tapped; wheels made with liquid aluminum forging technology produce the clearest sounds, sometimes with echoes lasting several seconds. 4. Touch judgment: Forged wheel rims are thinner than cast ones, which can be determined by touch or weight.
Distinguishing between forged and cast wheels is actually quite interesting. I thoroughly researched it when I modified my car last time. Forged wheels are made by squeezing metal into shape under high pressure, resulting in ultra-high density and feather-light weight—you can feel it just by lifting them with your hand. On the other hand, cast wheels are made by pouring molten metal into a mold to cool, making them heavier and sometimes leaving the surface a bit rough or with small bubbles. In terms of appearance, forged wheels have smooth edges and clear patterns, while cast wheels may show pouring marks or irregular spots on the reverse side. Performance-wise, forged wheels offer greater strength, providing stability when cornering and better fuel efficiency. Cast wheels are cheaper but more prone to fatigue deformation, making them suitable for daily commuting. When choosing, weigh the wheels and inspect the details—it’s an easy way to tell them apart. Don’t just go for the cheaper option; safety comes first. Regularly check your wheel condition, as a failure could be extremely dangerous. In short, combining feel and visual inspection is simple and practical!
