Original –Why?

HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT highlights the differences between original parts and cheaper alternatives and the reason why an original part is not priced at the same level.

The tests conducted by car and tyre manufacturers show that the small balance weights on wheels are there for a reason. If they were not there, apart from the obvious discomfort, a higher level of wear and tear would be experienced and safety risks would increase in line with speed. But why is it so important to ensure the use of original weights when balancing the vehicle?

HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT can provide the answer to this question by explaining the differences between the weights used by the car manufacturers and cheaper aftermarket products.

“The original parts have been developed in conjunction with the car manufacturers for specific makes of rim, which means that they are guaranteed to be perfectly compatible with the rim type concerned. The extremely strong retaining springs found on knock-on weights and the special adhesive strip associated with adhesive bars can even withstand the most challenging of loads". As a result, the OEMs regularly subject their original weights to test runs in order to put this retention force to the test. This might involve driving on a torture track, driving round a racing track or making extreme uphill journeys to check the thermal resistance. More evidence to support the high quality of the original parts can
be drawn from the field of motor sports, where they deliver superb levels of performance when subjected to high loads.

With cheaper alternatives, the components cannot always be guaranteed to remain firmly in place. Although the weights can knock on more easily, it is precisely because of the softer springs that allow this that the weight can slip (as the retention forces are lower). In the case of adhesive weights, there is a risk of them falling off if lower-quality adhesive strips are used. This can result in the bodywork getting damaged and scratched. If there is a weight missing, there is no longer any way of compensating for imbalance. In fact, if a weight slips, this can actually increase the level of imbalance, which brings with it an increase in associated risks and costs. The potential result: costly consequential damage.

Another good indicator of the quality of OEM weights is the coating used. A weight that has been produced in accordance with OEM standards will be able to withstand at least 750 hours of salt spray testing before it starts showing signs of corrosion. By contrast, a coated weight manufactured for the aftermarket will only be able to withstand 250 hours and a cheap uncoated weight barely 100 hours. Not only is the resulting corrosion unattractive, but it also causes major damage to the rims. In the case of expensive aluminium rims in particular, the cost of the weight is a paltry amount when compared to the potential extent of any damage.

Using original weights to balance the vehicle would only cost the driver a few pence more per wheel. By making this tiny investment, expensive consequential damage can be avoided.

Using original weights also makes sense from the workshop’s/dealer’s perspective. This is because there are also major differences in terms of service as well as product quality. For example, for deliveries within Europe HOFMANN POWER WEIGHT can guarantee a delivery time of one week from receipt of the order. To back this up, the company has an international sales team and well trained customer service representatives available to provide customers with a point of contact whenever they need it. If, in spite of the consistently high quality of the products, customers still need to query something, they can count on a swift response and a high level of customer service.