Ford Focus RS Wheels: The Upgrade You’ve Been Secretly Craving (Before They’re Gone!)
Meta Title: Ford Focus RS Wheels: Why Upgrade & Where to Find Them
Meta Description: Elevate your Ford Focus RS’s performance & style with the right wheels! This guide explores the best upgrades, answering your questions and offering expert insights.
The Ford Focus RS. A legend. A beast. A car that captivated enthusiasts with its all-wheel-drive prowess, turbocharged performance, and aggressive styling. And let’s be honest, one of the most visually impactful elements of the RS is its wheels. But are the factory wheels really the best option? This article dives deep into the world of Ford Focus RS wheels, exploring why an upgrade might be the secret you’ve been craving, and why now is the time to act before these sought-after parts become even harder to find.
Why Upgrade Your Ford Focus RS Wheels? Beyond the Basics
The stock wheels on the Focus RS, while visually appealing, can be improved upon. Upgrading your wheels offers several significant advantages, extending far beyond mere aesthetics.
- Improved Performance: Lighter wheels reduce unsprung weight. This means less weight the suspension has to control, leading to quicker acceleration, improved braking, and sharper handling. [Link to a reputable source explaining unsprung weight, like a performance driving website.]
- Enhanced Handling: Wider wheels and tires can increase the contact patch with the road, providing more grip. This translates to better cornering and overall stability.
- Customization & Style: Aftermarket wheels offer a vast array of designs, finishes, and sizes to personalize your RS and make it stand out from the crowd. You can truly make your Focus RS your own.
- Durability: Some aftermarket wheels are built stronger than the factory offerings, making them more resistant to damage from potholes and other road hazards.
- Potential for Weight Reduction: Often, aftermarket wheel options are lighter than the OEM wheels, directly contributing to improved performance and efficiency.
Understanding Wheel Specifications: A Crash Course
Before you start shopping, understanding wheel specifications is crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the key terms:
- Diameter: The overall size of the wheel, measured in inches (e.g., 18 inches).
- Width: The distance across the wheel’s rim, also in inches (e.g., 8 inches).
- Offset: The distance between the wheel’s mounting surface and the wheel’s centerline, measured in millimeters. Offset determines how far the wheel sits inside or outside the wheel well. Positive offset means the mounting surface is towards the front of the wheel, negative offset means it’s towards the rear.
- Bolt Pattern: The number of lug nuts and the diameter of the circle they form (e.g., 5x108 for the Focus RS). This MUST match your car’s specifications.
- Center Bore: The diameter of the hole in the center of the wheel that fits over the hub. This needs to be correct to ensure a proper fit and prevent vibrations.
Knowing these specifications allows you to choose wheels that fit your Focus RS properly and safely. Researching these specs before purchasing will prevent you from purchasing wheels that won’t fit your car.
Choosing the Right Ford Focus RS Wheels: A Practical Guide
Finding the perfect wheels involves considering several factors:
- Intended Use: Are you primarily focused on street driving, track days, or a combination of both? Track use often benefits from lighter wheels, while street driving might prioritize aesthetics and durability.
- Budget: Wheel prices vary widely. Set a budget before you start browsing. Consider the cost of tires and installation as well.
- Style Preference: Research different wheel designs and finishes. Do you prefer a classic look, a sporty design, or something more aggressive?
- Wheel Material: Common wheel materials include:
- Aluminum Alloy: A good balance of performance, cost, and durability. Most aftermarket wheels are made from aluminum alloy.
- Forged Aluminum: Lighter and stronger than cast aluminum, but typically more expensive. [Link to a comparison of forged vs. cast wheels from a reputable source.]
- Steel: Heavy and less performance-oriented, rarely used on performance cars.
- Tire Size: Consider what tire size you plan to run. Wider tires generally require wider wheels.
Top Wheel Brands and Considerations
Several reputable brands offer wheels specifically designed for the Ford Focus RS:
- Enkei: Known for their quality, performance, and affordability.
- Rota: Offers a wide range of styles, often at a more budget-friendly price point.
- OZ Racing: A premium brand with a strong racing heritage.
- BBS: Another premium brand, renowned for its high-quality wheels.
When choosing a brand, consider the brand’s reputation, reviews, and warranty. Look for wheels that are specifically designed for the Focus RS and meet or exceed OEM specifications.
Installation and Maintenance: Keeping Your Wheels in Top Shape
Professional installation is highly recommended to ensure proper fitment and avoid damage. A qualified mechanic will:
- Mount and balance the tires.
- Torque the lug nuts to the correct specifications.
- Check for any clearance issues.
Regular maintenance is also important:
- Clean your wheels regularly to remove brake dust and road grime.
- Inspect your wheels for any damage, such as cracks or bends.
- Have your wheels rebalanced if you notice any vibrations.
The Urgency Factor: Why Act Now?
The Ford Focus RS is no longer in production. This means that availability of certain parts, including aftermarket wheels, can be limited. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the wheels you want will become unavailable or the prices will increase. [Link to a forum or website discussing the scarcity of Focus RS parts.] Don’t miss your opportunity to upgrade your RS before it’s too late!
Conclusion: Elevate Your RS Experience
Upgrading your Ford Focus RS wheels is a rewarding investment that enhances both the performance and the aesthetics of your car. By understanding the key specifications, considering your intended use, and choosing a reputable brand, you can transform your RS into the ultimate driving machine. Don’t wait. Explore your options, do your research, and take action before these sought-after upgrades disappear. The road – and your RS – awaits!
