The Aftermarket Scene

Not many people realize this, but the aftermarket scene is much more responsible for their daily driver than they think. Eventually a lot of parts once found only on the aftermarket scene become standard for a lot of vehicles. Point in case, aftermarket wheels. Brands like Enkei and BBS, once mere aftermarket wheel companies started designing and producing wheels for car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes where they are used as stock wheels.

Nearly every component on your car has been stress tested one way or another. Whether it be company tested or aftermarket, you can be assured lots of man hours have gone into making the part the best it can be. The testing isn't always in the designing room or in laboratories with mechanical robots, very often the product in question has to be fitted to a vehicle and driven by someone. A lot of ECU companies like Haltech and wheel manufactures like Enkei only release their products after thoroughly testing them. This involves employed test-drivers but also regular people (mostly loyal customers of the brand) just like me and you who have been given the opportunity as a product tester.

Even the most basic and cheap aftermarket components (apart from maybe Ebay ones) need to adhere to certain law regulations and requirements in order to go into production, let alone be sell-worthy.  If you really want to make sure your component has been properly tested and designed only buy form reputable companies and retailers. Companies such as Furious Customs offer only the highest-quality products. You won't find anything that we wouldn't put on our own vehicles in our shop. 

In summary: buy from reputable sources or retailers selling official products. Always check the manuals and don't be naive and get hooked on a great deal you found on Ebay. If it's cheap it's probably not very reliable. Yes it may look good, but would you really risk a wheel coming off at 70 mph on the motorway? Official products from recognized companies are more expensive for a reason. Development and good materials cost money, it's as simple as that. When it comes to your pride and joy, don't cheap out on something that could even put your life in danger.

Check out wheels on offer at Furious Customs right HERE.