You may have seen various performance models that can be armed with beadlock wheels, but what exactly does that mean? Typically, these specific wheels are available for off-road vehicles, but they used to be primarily utilized by the military and were originally referred to as “combat wheels.” Military-inspired vehicles and features have become commonplace in today’s vehicles—just look at the Jeep Wrangler and the GMC Hummer. These models emit classic military vibes with their commanding, utilitarian builds, so it’s no secret that other parts of the auto industry have followed suit over the years.
If you’re interested in beadlock wheels for your vehicle, there are some things you’ll need to know. Visiting a reputable tire shop is a great first step to ensuring that you’re going about putting beadlock wheels on your vehicle the right way. So, what is a beadlock wheel? Let’s learn all about how these wheels impact the quality of the ride.
What Is a Beadlock Wheel?
A tire includes a bead, which is the part that attaches to the rim of the wheel; however, when you have beadlock wheels, the tire bead is locked to the wheel thanks to a separate ring located on the outer segment of the wheel. This ensures that when the tire is placed in an extreme environment, it doesn’t come off the wheel. Off-road vehicles, especially, benefit from having these types of wheels since they tend to find themselves in various challenging situations, like crawling over rocks or navigating difficult environments.
A beadlock wheel’s outer ring attaches to the tire through a series of bolts and clamps to secure the tire and ensure that, even in some of the most dangerous situations, the tire isn’t going anywhere. These wheels are designed to allow drivers to drop the pressure of their tires lower than regular wheels allow without having to worry about the tire bead physically coming off the wheel. Not only do these wheels look good, they enhance performance in tough environments, focusing on increased traction and stability to make for a safer and more controlled ride.
How Beadlock Wheels Improve Off-Road Performance
Many off-road enthusiasts these days are interested in beadlock wheels, and as mentioned above, these wheels play a big role in how your vehicle performs on daunting terrain. For one, the beadlock wheels’ ability to operate at lower air pressures allows your vehicle to optimize traction, especially when traversing sandy or rocky terrain. Lower pressure allows your tire to grip the terrain firmly, allowing you to trek further into nature. The beadlock design allows your tire to remain safely on your wheel because no one wants a tire to pop off their wheel when they’re flying over rocky crevices in the woods. Not only would this cause a major inconvenience, but it’s also highly unsafe and places you and those traveling around you in danger.
The lower the tire pressure, the smoother the ride, especially when you’re traversing rough terrain, which allows you to enjoy a more comfortable experience, even in some truly gritty environments. This is what makes these wheels so appealing to those who want to explore but don’t want to have a headache after a particularly rocky ride on the trails. Plus, knowing that your vehicle can take on the elements with confidence is just another reason why off-roaders gravitate toward beadlock wheels.
Can Any Wheel Have a Beadlock?
This depends on the type of wheels you have and your vehicle; however, many wheels can have a beadlock ring attached to them. There are some considerations to keep in mind, though. First, a beadlock ring is quite heavy, which means that not every wheel will be structurally able to accept this extra weight and continue to work properly. There may be extra work involved in converting your wheels to beadlock wheels, which will, in turn, cost a bit more than you may have anticipated.
You may be wondering if this is something that you can do yourself to offset the cost of having a professional complete this task, and the answer is—it depends. Although experienced car enthusiasts are able to install a beadlock, it does require a certain level of knowledge and skill. If you’re a novice off-roader who isn’t too well-versed in mechanics, you’ll want to leave this to the professionals.
Can Beadlock Wheels Drive on the Road?
For the most part, beadlock wheels are intended for off-road driving, and in some areas, using beadlock wheels on the highway is technically illegal. Because they have multiple parts, an incorrectly installed beadlock could disassemble itself on the road or when inflating the tire. As mentioned earlier, they’re heavier, which can also impact their handling on the pavement, especially at high speeds. However, many people use beadlock wheels on paved roads without issue.
Which Models Have Beadlock Wheels Currently?
Today, a select few off-road vehicles can be armed with beadlock-capable wheels from the factory, which means that they are designed to be turned into beadlock wheels. Off-roaders like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler market beadlock-capable wheels, showing drivers that they can be equipped with these capabilities, but it would have to be an aftermarket addition since these wheels aren’t street legal everywhere. Ford sells a functional beadlock ring kit that can be fitted to current Bronco models with beadlock-capable wheels, which owners can install to take advantage of beadlock capabilities.
How to Maintain Beadlock Wheels
You may not notice much of a difference in your vehicle’s performance after an oil change; however, if you’re an avid off-roader, you’ll certainly notice enhanced performance after getting your beadlock wheels serviced. Ensuring that all bolts are tightened and the beadlock ring is in optimal condition and free from cracks or other damage should be something that you do regularly. It’s also good practice to clean your wheels after every off-road excursion to prevent the buildup of dirt, mud, and dust on your wheels. It’s recommended to take your vehicle to a respected tire shop to ensure that your beadlock wheels are operating properly and are in good condition. This is made easier by having a service bay where your vehicle can be lifted and inspected, which isn’t something that many drivers have just sitting around their garage.
If you want to ensure maximum excitement on the trails, choosing to fit your vehicle with beadlock wheels is a great first step. It’s important to note that there are drawbacks, especially when it comes to highway driving, so this should be taken into consideration before opting for these types of wheels. Although you may be able to add beadlock wheels to your vehicle yourself through specialized kits, like those from Ford for the Bronco, it’s best left to the professionals to ensure proper installation and a secure fit. Finally, when it comes to servicing these wheels, you’re able to do your part to ensure they maintain their integrity, but it’s a good idea to bring your vehicle into a tire shop regularly to make sure that they’re not damaged by the elements and that all bolts are tightened securely to ensure maximum control and stability on harsh terrain. All in all, these wheels are great additions to off-road vehicles, and if you want to get out and explore like never before, beadlock wheels will allow you to do just that.