FSL Rim Protection or Not?

Technical Area Wheels, Tyres & Brakes
2

Hi,

I’m about to but some tyre’s and it gives me an option of FSL or not?

I believe it’s rim protection but don’t know if my existing tyres (rainsport 2 with bbs alloys) have it and if not will my alloys accommodate it? 

The tyres are exactly the same size, speed rating etc as my existing!

Cheers 

3

FSL - Flange Rim Protection

Regardless of what manufacturers call them “Maximum Flange Shields”, “Rim Protectors” or “Scuff Guards”,

the purpose of all tire/rim protectors is basically the same. They are intended to sacrifice themselves in order

to protect the tire’s internal sidewall structure and the alloy wheels upon which they are mounted.

 

Or just make sure you don’t curb your alloys!!

4

Thanks Aquanaut!

So they won’t have a problem fitting on my alloys (as long as tyres size is correct)?

The only down side is they are less economical? According to the tyre site anyway! 

Alloys are in great condition but getting them refurbed shortly! 

Cheers 

5

My Michelins have this and I think it’s a great idea. It allows the wheels to sit back a little from the tyre wall so they’re protected from curbing. If you have a choice of with or without and you have alloys, then with is definitely the way to go.

6

Thanks Taxi Driver

7

Rim protection is where the manufacturer has added additional rubber just above the bead area of the tyre and is intended to prevent rubbing, typically when parking against a curb. Most road tyres have this sort of effect naturally as the bead is recessed 

This is a typical road tyre 

 

Rim protection generally adds a little more depth by adding rubber thickness below where the writing is on the side wall. 

You can see similar thing in this rally tyre section

 

In this instance it is designed to prevent stones getting into the bead seat and deflating the tyre but the principal is the same. 

It is all relative though, rim protection is only designed for low speed accidental rubbing and not for clunking up kerbs. It is quite possible to still scrape and scuff alloys even with this feature and common to see cars with great chunks out of these where drivers have been careless. 

8

Thanks Nick! 

I just wanted to make sure tyres with it wouldn’t have a problem fitting on my bbs alloys.

Cheers