Is it safe to change wheels?

[dogsbollox]

I was in my local wheel shop discussing changing out my wheels only to be told that I had to sign a waiver should I do so.....
Per the guys at the store, they believe that the stock wheels on the Smart contribute to the high side crash test rating and are part of the impact absorption "system" - apparently they break away in a special manner.
Therefore, as far as this particular company is concerned, they will only install custom rims if the customer signs a waiver.

Does anyone have any other views on this topic??

[Dunerunner]

Discussion on tires and wheels -> New wheels/tires have transformed the car

[jwight]

One approach would be to call 1-800-smartUSA and ask the question. At least you'd have an "official" answer. The wheels apparently do help absorb crash forces; don't know how aftermarket wheels would affect that.

[Dunerunner]

dogsbollox - Jwight has a good point in contacting smart. I wonder whether the dealerships that are adding tire and wheel packages to their Orphans have thought about this issue?

[graphix1998]

I heard that changing the wheels would void the warranty... I called SmartUSA and was directed to my dealer (who hasn't responded yet).

If the wheels that I want to put on are DOT / TUV approved, then there should not be an issue. Besides, PMG is not the manufacturer, they are the importer. I don't think that they would be able to enforce the wheels change topic.

[kwagar]

Smart USA informed me directly that changes to the original wheels may compromize the cars safety system and are not reccomended by smart USA.

I happen to think that is mostly bull---- but it is their position.

[Frankenstein_Casanova]

This all sounds sort of hinkey to me.. The wheels are designed to break away??!!?? Uh, no, I don't think so.

Perhaps the concern relates to changing the overall circumference of the tire, which might affect the traction/stability control systems by sending wonky signals from the wheel speed sensors. Not a problem when you're careful about tire selection.

(Trust me, Smart wheels are sort of my thing.. Smartparts )

Cheers,

Johnny

[mnext02]

go 17s or go home!

[WickedMessenger]

I worked for Bosch in ABS test and development for 8 years. The algorhythm for the ABS/stability control assumes certain constants such as wheel diameter, rotational inertia, coefficient of friction, etc. When you change any of the variables and don't tell the ABS about it you are creating an unknown and potentially unstable situation. It may not manifest in every day driving, but when you actually need it in an emergency you may get a big surprise. The smart failed testing early on for swerving and returning to the same lane (i.e. the elk test). It easily flipped over. Stability control and the wheel geometry (different sizes front and rear) were what made it eventually pass the test. There very well might be some sort of impact absorbtion included in the wheel design but I doubt it. Otherwise they would all come with the same wheels. When they are talking about safety features they are talking about the brake system. I wouldn't change mine for anything. Besides, I think they look pretty cool.

[MENSA42]

Originally Posted by kwagar

Smart USA informed me directly that changes to the original wheels may compromize the cars safety system and are not reccomended by smart USA.

I happen to think that is mostly bull---- but it is their position.

while you might call it 'bull', they call it a 'LIABILITY FACTOR'!