I've stumbled across a set of 4x110 wheels that I think would look nice on my car, but they are identified as "racing" wheels. Should I have concerns about using them for a street-driven, non-track-driven, car? Are they more susceptible to damage on the highway or something?

thanks!

 

you would have to worry more about rigidity if you hammer a pot hole or something similar. generally "race" wheels are labeled that because of the metal they are made of is lighter and "weaker" under some instances such as hard hits on a pothole etc. if you dont drive like a 18yr old kid who watches way to many Fast and Furious movies you should be ok!

 

Another thing to think about is the 'Offroad and Racing Track Use Only' designation which wheel manufacturers must state if they don't submit their wheels for testing according to the SAE and other vehicle safety agencies.

If the wheels don't get tested (or don't pass testing standards), then the manufacturer can't sell them as passenger car wheels, and has to state that they're 'Racing Use Only' or some such. This may be the case, and as the other poster mentioned, as long as you're not beating the hell out of them with curb rash or pothole banging, you should be fine.

 

For Panasport, 'Race' means a thinner barrel, i.e. lighter and easier to bend on a pothole. Running race ones on the street is kinda asking for trouble. They're thin.

For CCW, it means no centercap, drilled around the hub for lightness, and lighter weight/higher grade bolts.

Those are the only two I have personal experience with. Pretty big difference with both wheels tho...If I were you I'd email the manufacturer of the wheels.

 

Street = DOT approved.

 

Ive had Panasports for awhile now and have no fear about them bending. If you hit something hard enough to bend them the same thing would have happened to any other wheel. Or your tie rod etc.

 

Yeah, I worked in a tire shop for a few months and saw bent steel wheels as well as some super thick alloys from trucks. If you hit anything hard enough you'll bend your wheel - no matter what it's made of.

Just avoid the potholes, seems easy enough right?