Section 26 of the South Australian Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 1999, states that the wheel track of the front and rear wheels cannot be increased by more than 26mm beyond the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer.
The vehicle details in this Fact Sheet specify the maximum allowable wheel track for each vehicle including the 26mm tolerance allowed under the Regulations.
Determination of wheel track
The wheel track is the distance measured across an axle from the centre line of one tyre tread to the centre line of the opposite tyre tread.
The fitting of wheels to a vehicle with a different offset will alter the wheel track. An increase in wheel track will result in additional load on the wheel bearings, axles, steering and suspension components, as well as changing the steering geometry of the vehicle. This could seriously affect the safety of the vehicle.
Rim offset
Offset is the distance between the rim mounting face and the centre line of the rim. This distance is termed positive when the mounting face is outboard of the rim centre line - ie original equipment rims. When the mounting face is inboard of the rim centre line, this is termed a negative offset i.e. deep-dish rims.
Decrease in rim offset
A decrease in rim offset ie - negative will result in an increase in the wheel track.
When aftermarket wheels are fitted to passenger cars, or their derivatives, manufactured on or after 1 July 1985, the rims must be marked with the following information:
- Rim offset - eg 10P = 10mm Positive.
- Rim dimensions - eg 7JJ X 14 = 7-inch width, 14-inch diameter.
- Name of rim manufacturer and the standard to which it was manufactured.
Suspension clearance
Under Section 25 of the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Regulations 1999, the available suspension travel of a vehicle must not be reduced by more than one-third. The specifications included in this list are the minimum allowable.
Determination of bump rubber clearance
The suspension bump clearance is the distance between the bump rubber, which is usually mounted on the lower control arm or above the upper control arm, and the corresponding contact point. The clearance must be measured with the vehicle on level ground, in its normal operating but unladen state.
Determination of vehicle eyebrow height
Vehicle bump clearance specifications as designated with the symbol (E) signifies the vehicle's minimum eyebrow height. This distance is measured from the centre of the wheel vertically upward to the edge of the mudguard of the vehicle, with the vehicle in its normal operating but unladen condition.
Steering wheels
All passenger cars and passenger car derivatives manufactured on or after 1 January 1971 are required to comply with Australian Design Rule 10 - Steering Columns. Vehicles that are required to comply with ADR 10 may be fitted with the standard steering wheel, a manufacturer’s optional steering wheel for that particular make and model or an approved aftermarket wheel.
The diameter of the steering wheel is measured from the outside of the rim on one side across to the corresponding point on the opposite side of the rim. In the case of a non-circular wheel, the measurement is taken at the widest point. Steering wheels with an outside diameter of less than 330mm are not permitted.
For further information regarding the acceptability of an aftermarket steering wheel please contact Vehicle Standards on 1300 882 248.
Maximum towing height
This list includes the maximum braked and unbraked weight that can be towed by that vehicle, according to the vehicle manufactures specifications. This includes the weight of the trailer, or vehicle, being towed and any load being carried in it.
It should be noted that some manufacturers stipulate speed restrictions and towing equipment or towing packs required for the vehicle to be able to allow the maximum weight specified. This information is generally available in the Owners Manual or available from the vehicle manufacturer.
