A major talking point on the ŠKODA stand at the Ploughing Championships was a display which highlighted the quality of ŠKODA original alloy wheels.

To demonstrate the quality of its alloys such as the ŠKODA Genuine Gemini, Hawk and Turbine wheels, the company has carried out a series of tests on these wheels compared to non original 16”, 17” and 18” samples.

The wheels were put through their paces in various tests. A surface test was used to check the properties of the multilayer paint with prescribed thickness range, paint adhesion and knocking resistance all measured, while a salt bath and condensation chamber tested the anti-corrosive resistance of the surface layer. In these tests the ŠKODA genuine alloys passed on all counts, while all non original samples failed all tests. 

The second special Schwellen test measured the strength of the inner edge of the rim simulating the impact when driving over a random obstacle at speeds of 60 kph. The subsequent rolling test tested the ability of the damaged rim to further perform its function. In this test, while the ŠKODA wheels passed with flying colours, all but two of the non original samples failed.

In a radial and axial run-out test, circularity adherence was checked, which can lead to dangerous vibration. Again the ŠKODA wheels all passed the test, while only 4 out of 14 non original wheels were successful. Meanwhile, all checked non original wheels failed a material test, while the ŠKODA alloys passed because of superior material strength and durability.

ŠKODA says that the results of this testing programme clearly show the long term value in selecting genuine Skoda alloy wheels over non original alternatives. ŠKODA Genuine Gemini, Hawk and Turbine alloy wheels are available from ŠKODA dealers nationwide.