Alexander Pikulenko is the author and anchor for TV and radio programmes about cars. He truly is a hard-hitting journalist with unmatched eye for detail. With unwavering tenacity, he studies the behaviour of cars of all shapes and sizes – whether it is Lada X-Ray with manual transmission running on a 1.8 liter engine or Audi RS5 convertible with a 450hp 8-cylinder engine. One can tell that Alexander has gained a lot of experience working in the chief designer's department at AZLK automobile plant. It was with the same measure of thoroughness that the journalist took on the task of testing cast wheels produced by Divnogorsk SKAD plant. Before starting the test-drive the journalist and car expert told us why the Russian wheel brand was chosen for testing and how he was going to test its quality.

The wheels characteristics define many aspects of the car's behaviour. For example, with the right choice of wheels – cast or forged – you can reduce unsprang weight and, by doing that, improve the ride comfort. And, of course, fine wheel design can give the car a new look, make it stand out from the traffic flow. Considering the trend of ever-increasing wheel sizes, the wheels are becoming even more attractive and notable element of car design.

"Vanity is the sweetest sin," says Alexander Pikulenko with a smile. "But when I put on my Volvo 18" Admiral brand cast wheels made in Russia, the first thing I want to check is whether they have finally learned to produce world class things in Russia. Because nowadays all we see around us are imported products. Best case scenario is, they assembled them in Russia.

The test will assess the consumer appeal of Admiral brand18" cast aluminium wheels

Any test is first and foremost a method. What parameters of SKAD products will be checked during the test?

"I used to work in the chief designer's department of a big automobile plant, where I've spent years doing testing," says the car expert. "Of course, there are test methods specific to all elements and systems of a car. However, in this case, when I'm testing the wheels, I will be doing it from a consumer's position.

Wheels brand: SKAD
Producer: LMZ SKAD (Divnogorsk)
Wheels type: cast
Model: Admiral
Size: 7,5Jx18H2
PCD: 5+108
DIA: 63,4

Meanwhile, the consumer who wants to customize the car to their taste and aims, is facing a tough decision: on one hand there are famous wheel brands whose products are quite expensive, and on the other hand the market is full of all kinds of Chinese replicas which are cheaper but are prone to issues, such as the paint peeling off during the winter and cracks that could appear after driving over the first hole in the road. The third option would be to look in the direction of the Russian wheels. There is a considerable number of Russian companies producing them: Azov-TEK, Proma, SLIK, Solomon Alsberg and SKAD.

Where it comes to safety, you cannot take anyone's word for granted. This is why Alexander Pikulenko will be studying the wheels in all thoroughness.

"First thing off the bat, we are going to see how balanced this wheel is," says the journalist. "We'll check it for wobbling before they put on the tires. We'll take note of how many weights they will put on it, and how the tires will sit on the bead perch. This is also very important. Because sometimes the central opening of the wheel that you've ordered can be 5 mm smaller than needed. Another point of interest are the anti-theft bolts that protect the wheels. During the test we'll find out how Volvo signature anti-theft bolt works with an aluminium alloy wheel."

The test-drive will be conducted during autumn or winter. This is the period when the wheels may be subject to some complications. For instance, during winter the roadside may become slippery, and when the driver decelerates the car may start skidding and sometimes can hit the curb.

"Of course, I will not do that exercise on purpose," says Alexander Pikulenko. "But I'm interested in how the wheel will react to the impact: whether it was correctly manufactured and installed, to avoid damaging it on contact with an obstacle."

"In spring, it will be a good idea to go to the tire fitting shop. We will need to check how easily the wheel can be removed, whether the aluminium alloy has stuck to the steel hub, what is going on between the hump (a ledge on the internal part of the wheel) and the flanges."

"We will dismount the tire, check the wheel and mount the tire back again," says the expert. "We will count any scratches and chippings..."

The wheels that are being tested have been installed on Volvo XC70

Speaking of possible damage – we're planning to visit specialized wheel repair service centres. The journalist wants to ask the specialists who work with products made in Europe, China, Taiwan and Thailand what they think about Russian wheels. Have they ever got to repair Russian made wheels? What kind of repair work was that? Any complaints? According to statistics, the owners use one set of wheels for 5-7 years. After that they either buy a new car or replace the wheels with new ones. What does one do with worn-out wheels?

"I wonder if they can be recycled," says Pikulenko. "I try to find a place where they accept the wheels for recycling, and I will ask them about their conditions and the price. What I mean is that it will be a customer's test, interesting for me in my role of an auto enthusiast."

Conversely, the journalist is sure that other car owners who may be thinking about tuning their iron horses by installing lightweight and durable wheels, will be interested in the results of his consumer test. Speaking of the results, you can follow the progress of the test on the portal 'Motorist Assembly'.