Photo © BBS Wheels, Inc.

Today I am pleased to begin a new feature here at Tires and Wheels: Aftermarket Profiles. These articles will be thumbnail profiles of some of the major aftermarket wheel manufacturers out there, highlighting the best (and worst) of the market.

I'll be looking at multiple wheel makers, and highlighting the companies' history, design and production philosophies, special technologies, and we'll take a look at the best of their inventory as well.

Today we'll be beginning with one of the most venerable and well-loved wheel maker in existence, BBS Wheels. Founded in the early 70's in Germany, BBS very soon made it's mark on racing wheel technology by introducing a new type of 3-piece wheel that swept the industry. Later, BBS branched out into the street-legal aftermarket, and has also become one of the largest makers of OEM wheels for automakers such as Audi, Mercedes, Volvo and many more.

BBS makes performance wheels that are among the best available. Enjoy the first installment, and keep watching for more Aftermarket Profiles!

Photo © Chrysler Group, LLC.

A local news report from KGO-TV in San Francisco has apparently sparked Congressional requests for information on the semi-famous vibration issue known as the "Jeep Death Wobble." After seeing the report, aired in February, two Members of Congress, Henry Waxman and Anna Eshoo requested more information on the problem in a letter to the NHTSA.

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All Photos © Sean Phillips

Like the wheel geek that I am, I was excited to see the Boston Auto Show when it rolled into town mainly because I like to see what the automakers have in store for us in terms of new OEM wheels. OEM wheels are Original Equipment; or wheels made by the automaker or their vendor, as opposed to aftermarket wheels made by a third party. Like aftermarkets, OEM wheels can include some wild and some classically beautiful designs, and I always look forward to seeing what the automakers will do next.

This year I was privileged to attend as a media wheel and tire expert, which turned out to mainly involve sitting in an "Ask The Expert"carnival booth and giving directions to the food court. I'm such a celebrity that I can barely even stand myself anymore...

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Photo © Michelin North America, Inc.

Michelin North America, Inc. will be recalling three varieties of Michelin truck tires bus tires (D'oh!) on or about April 30, 2012:

• XZU3 LRJ in size 305/85R22.5
• XZU2 LRJ in size 12R22.5

Tires under recall were produced between October 23, 2005, and September 3, 2011. (Tire Identification Numbers between 4205 and 3511.)

• XM505 LRJ in size 305/85R22.5

Tires under recall were produced between April 18, 2010, and May 8, 2010, (TIN numbers between 1510 and 1810) and January 23, 2011, and February 12, 2011. (TIN numbers between 0311 and 0611.)

(See also: "Down the Rabbit Hole" for further discussion of Tire Identification Numbers.)

According to NHTSA, these tires "have a casing that may experience a loss of integrity". This means that the outer structure of the tires is defective and can blow out, thus experiencing "rapid air loss", which is a Bad Thing.

Michelin will provide information to customers on how to obtain replacement tires. Owners may also contact NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit Safercar.gov.