When you look at Racing Hart’s website today, the banner click says it all. “Just another WordPress site.”
Racing Hart Concepts got started in 1995 to expand into the alloy wheel sector in a convoluted marketplace. They felt like their experience and expertise would help them stay ahead of whatever changes might happen in the industry.
By carefully selected manufacturing partners, it became possible to secure distribution rights throughout Africa.
The company is still active today, and they are BBBEE Level 1 Approved.
What Ever Happened to Racing Hart?
Racing Hart Concepts still produces wheels for some of today’s most popular vehicles. One of its best categories is for the American racecar, with four different selections to consider: the TT2, VN501, VN507, and VN527 rims. Most products come in multiple sizes, although customers confirm availability.
Although Racing Hart Concepts made a name for itself by producing wheels for passenger and sports cars, the company does an excellent job of providing a broad range of product categories to consider.
One of its most extensive product lineups is found in the off-roading SUV category. A dozen different designs are available under the RHC Off-Road name, followed by a couple of models that come branded with some of the earlier name iterations. Multiple sizes and spoke patterns are available to create the specific look you want.
The question to ask about this company is this: are the wheels they produce in South Africa any good to use?
Even though everyone has a different opinion about RHC products, you’ll find that these rims are of average quality or slightly better. It’s what you’d expect to get from your investment.
When you run with them on, the experience won’t blow you away with outstanding value. These wheels won’t usually disappoint you in their performance either. It’s what you’d expect from a reasonably priced rim for vehicles in Africa.
They’re about the same price as Volk and Work wheels on the continent, and the quality is comparable to them. The one product you do want to steer clear of when shopping for new rims for your vehicle is the RH Evolutions model.
The RH Evolutions line is not an actual RHC wheel.
How to Choose a New Set of Custom Wheels
Adding a set of custom wheels to your vehicle can add to its visual appeal. If you’re thinking about an upgrade to Racing Hart’s or another brand, here are some recommendations to consider for helping you choose the right rims for your car, truck, or SUV.
When selecting new wheels, you’ll want to consider the fit, size, safety, aesthetics, and technology compatibility.
1. How do they look?
The style and finish of custom wheels can change the look of your vehicle dramatically. When you browse through the RHC website, you’ll find several menu categories that let you choose different options. After finding the proper appearance, you can click on the rims to see if they’re available in your size.
If RHC lists your wheels as a potential option, you’ll need to contact the company directly to ensure the current availability.
2. Think about safety first.
You must have the proper fit when choosing custom wheels for your ride. Three crucial areas need to get reviewed to ensure you’re buying the correct Racing Hart wheels for your vehicle.
- Proper Mounting. Most of today’s vehicles come with wheels that fit with precision around the hub. It’s called “hub-centric fitment,” and this design provides consistent centering and tire assembly once mounted. You’ll need to find something similar when shopping for aftermarket products.
- Backspace and Offset. Knowing how far inside and outside the wheel package sits with the tires in the well is vital. This information ensures that you have the correct clearance for a safe driving experience. Even if you’re off by a couple of inches, there can be interference with steering components or the vehicle’s body.
- Diameter. The tire and wheel combo should stay clear of the suspension parts, braking components, and vehicle exterior. If you’re increasing or decreasing the size to achieve a specific look, you’ll need to consider potential modifications to maintain the driving experience.
3. What is the bolt pattern?
Several bolt patterns are available on custom wheels from all brands. When you want to add Racing Harts to your vehicle, you’ll need to think about how the rims align with your current setup.
Even if your car or truck has five lugs, there’s no guarantee that a five-hole wheel from RHC will fit your current setup.
That means you’ll need to get an adapter to help things fit correctly or look for the appropriate bolt pattern while shopping online for your new wheels.
4. Check the technology.
Many vehicles come with TPMS systems today. That abbreviation stands for “Tire Pressure Monitoring System.” You’ll usually need to reset it after installing your new wheels. If you can’t take care of that step at home, a local mechanic or specialist can complete the work for you.
5. Select the correct size.
When choosing new wheels, you’ll find that RHC delivers several different options to consider. You also have plus and minus sizing to consider when shopping for the rims you want from this South African brand.
The stock tires and wheels that come with your vehicle become the baseline for choosing the correct size. Let’s say that your car comes with a 225/45R-17 tire size. In that case, you would have +1 sizing for an 18-inch tire and +2 for a 19-inch design.
If you went in the opposite direction, a 16-inch wheel would become a -1 choice. You would have a -2 wheel if you went to 15 inches.
When you opt for plus sizing with your RHC wheels, you’re decreasing the tire’s sidewall profile while increasing the visual aesthetics associated with the wheel.
If you choose minus sizing, you’ll go in the opposite direction with a taller tire sidewall.
◼️ What Is the Difference Between Aluminum and Steel Wheels?
When you shop for new wheels for your car, truck, SUV, or van, you’ll find that several different alloys are available. Each one comes with specific pros and cons to consider.
The two main types of auto wheel materials are aluminum and steel. Here is how they differ if you’re shopping for aftermarket rims.
◼️ Aluminum Alloy Wheels and Rims for Vehicles
Aluminum wheels (sometimes just “alloy” wheels) are typically a blend of nickel and aluminum. Most of the rims you’ll find today are cast, which means they’re poured into the mold. That makes them a lightweight choice with excellent strength and heat resistance.
They have multiple design options because of how strong they are due to the casting process.
Aluminum alloy wheels are a fantastic choice when you want to balance fuel economy, aesthetics, performance, and cost.
◼️ Steel Wheels and Rims for Vehicles
Steel rims come from an alloy of carbon and iron. They are heavier than their aluminum counterparts, but that also means they have extra durability.
You’ll find that they’re also a bit easier to refinish or repair when you have steel wheels. The rims get made by cutting out a press and welding things together, so you won’t get the same aesthetic spokes as you would with other choices.
The issue with steel is that the heavier weight can make agility and acceleration problematic on some vehicles. They’re also less likely to pick up damage from gravel or brake dust.
You’ll find that many people use aluminum alloy wheels for summer driving and steel for the winter. Although that means having two sets of tires (or swapping between the rims twice per year), the effort is often worthwhile because of the different dynamics that each metal offers.
Are Racing Hart Wheels Worth the Investment?
Unless you live in Africa, Racing Hart wheels are not worth the import costs. You can find several brand alternatives available in-person or online that achieve a similar result. By the time you pay for the product cost and freight charges for shipping the wheels overseas, you’ve already stepped up to a premium domestic product.
If you like the looks of RHC rims and want to replicate that experience here at home, I highly recommend getting a set of Giovanna Halebs instead. When you buy the 20-inch model, they fit your Camaro, Challenger, Charger, Mustang, and More.
The Halebs are made from alloy steel with a 5-point, 108mm bolt pattern. When you order the rims, give the company your make and model to get the best fitment. Although the lugs aren’t included with your purchase, the universal design lets them fit most vehicles.
The Haleb wheels also come with a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with how they look.
Racing Hart hasn’t gone away. They’re still a top-selling wheel found in Africa. If you want an affordable option and live there, contact a dealer to discuss how to get your hands on a set.
When you live outside the African continent, you’ll want to look for Giovanna Halebs or another suitable alternative.