Brock Alloy Wheels · RC-Design

Questions & Answers about Wheels, Approvals and Installation

Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about Brock Alloy Wheels and RC-Design – from approvals and vehicle applications to technical wheel data, installation, care, warranty and complaints.

Most frequently asked question

Where can I find ET, bolt circle and version?

The most important wheel data are marked directly on the wheel. On current Brock and RC-Design wheels, ET, bolt circle (LK) and version (AU) are often located on the inner side of the wheel rim next to the QR code; on older wheels, the information may also be found in the spokes.

Identify wheel data
Where can I find ET, bolt circle and version on a Brock or RC-Design wheel?
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Approvals & Registration

Approvals, registration and the correct approval document

Which wheels are approved for my vehicle?

The easiest way is to use our Wheel Configurator. Select your vehicle and then the required wheel. The relevant approval documents are available in the wheel details under Certificates. If you already have a wheel and only need the document, use our Certificates search.

Do my wheels have to be registered?

This depends on the type of approval, your vehicle and the conditions for the specific vehicle application. An ABE or TTG does not automatically mean that every listed application can be used without an inspection. The conditions in the relevant approval document are decisive.

What does “no registration required” mean?

It means that no additional modification inspection or registration is required for the specific vehicle application provided that all requirements and conditions stated in the approval document are met.

What is an ECE approval?

ECE approval for passenger-car wheels is based on UN R124. For an ECE application, the accessory wheel corresponds to the original wheel in the technical dimensions relevant to the approval. If the vehicle is covered by the approval and all conditions are met, no additional modification inspection is normally required.

What is a Parts Type Approval (TTG)?

The Parts Type Approval (TTG) is the successor to the former ABE for new approvals. It specifies the vehicles and conditions under which a wheel may be used. If no additional inspection is required and all conditions are met, the wheel may be used in accordance with the TTG.

What is an ABE?

The Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (ABE) lists approved vehicle applications and their conditions. An ABE does not automatically mean that every listed application is exempt from inspection. Always check the conditions for your specific vehicle.

What is a technical report (Teilegutachten)?

A Teilegutachten serves as the basis for a technical modification inspection. Any further steps required for the vehicle documents depend on the inspection result and the applicable regulations.

What do the conditions in a wheel approval document mean?

They define the requirements for the respective vehicle application. They may concern tyres, clearance, wheel coverage, fasteners, snow chains or a required technical inspection. Always check the conditions that apply to your vehicle.

Do I have to carry the approval document in the vehicle?

We generally recommend carrying the approval document for the wheels in the vehicle. Whether this is mandatory depends on the approval type and application. Always follow the requirements stated in the relevant document.

Where can I find the correct approval document?

Use our Certificates search. Alternatively, select your vehicle and wheel in the Wheel Configurator and open the Certificates section in the wheel details.

I cannot find my vehicle or approval document – what should I do?

First check the wheel design, size, bolt circle (LK), offset (ET) and version (AU). If there is no matching vehicle application, contact your specialist dealer or our service team with the complete vehicle and wheel data. Do not use an approval document for a merely similar vehicle.

Vehicle & Approval

Read vehicle data correctly and find the right application

Which vehicle data do I need to find the correct wheel?

The exact vehicle variant is important. Useful information includes manufacturer and model, type/variant/version, engine or power output, axle loads and existing wheel/tyre data. Much of this information can be found in the registration certificate and CoC. The Wheel Configurator guides you through the selection.

Where can I find my vehicle type?

Important type information can be found in the German registration certificate Part I, particularly under D.2. The trade name under D.3 alone is not always sufficient for an exact identification.

What do HSN, TSN and VSN mean?

HSN is the manufacturer key number, TSN the type key number and VSN the variant key number. Together they help identify the vehicle as precisely as possible. The specific vehicle assignment in the approval document remains decisive for wheel approval.

Are HSN, TSN and VSN sufficient for wheel approval?

Not always. Depending on the vehicle, additional characteristics such as variant, engine, drivetrain, power, axle loads or brake system may be relevant. Your exact vehicle must match the application in the approval document.

Why does the kW/HP figure for my electric vehicle differ from the approval document?

Electric vehicles are often advertised with maximum or peak power. Type-approval and vehicle documents may instead state nominal, continuous or 30-minute power. A lower kW figure in the wheel approval document therefore does not automatically mean that the application is incorrect.

Why does the kW/HP figure for my plug-in hybrid differ from the approval document?

Plug-in hybrids are often advertised using system power from the combustion engine and electric motor. Technical documents may list the drive outputs separately or use a different value. The exact vehicle assignment in the approval document is decisive.

Where can I find the relevant power figure for my vehicle?

The German registration certificate Part I contains a power figure in kW under P.2; the CoC contains further technical data. Wheel approval is not determined by a single kW value alone, but by the exact vehicle assignment in the approval document.

Why are several variants of my vehicle listed in the approval document?

A model can be offered with different engines, drivetrains, power outputs, axle loads or technical variants. This is why several vehicle entries may be listed. Use the entry that matches your exact vehicle.

Why are axle loads important?

The permitted axle loads determine the required wheel load capacity. In the German registration certificate Part I they are shown under 7.1 and 7.2, and where applicable 7.3. The wheel/tyre combination must be suitable for the respective axle load.

Which tyre sizes may I use on my Brock or RC-Design wheels?

Only use wheel/tyre combinations approved for your vehicle. The permitted tyre sizes and applicable conditions can be found in the wheel approval document or in the vehicle selection of our Wheel Configurator.

Why is an approved tyre size not shown in my registration certificate?

Fields 15.1 and 15.2 of the German registration certificate Part I do not necessarily list every permitted tyre size. Additional sizes may result from the vehicle type approval, the CoC or an approval for the accessory wheel.

Wheel Data

Understand size, ET, bolt circle, version and markings

What does a wheel size such as 8.0x19 mean?

8.0 is the wheel width in inches and 19 is the wheel diameter in inches. These two values alone do not uniquely identify a wheel; bolt circle, ET and version are also important.

What does ET mean?

ET is the offset. It describes the distance between the wheel centreline and the mounting surface at the hub. In simple terms, a higher ET positions the wheel further inward and a lower ET further outward. Whether a particular ET is approved depends on the vehicle application.

Where can I find ET, bolt circle and version on my Brock or RC-Design wheel?

It is best to photograph the complete marking. The position can vary depending on the wheel generation. On newer wheels, offset (ET), bolt circle (LK) and version (AU) are often marked on the inner side of the wheel rim next to a QR code; on older wheels, the information may be cast into a spoke.

What does bolt circle (LK) mean?

The bolt circle describes the number and arrangement of the mounting holes. 5x112, for example, means five mounting holes on a 112 mm pitch circle diameter.

What does centre bore mean?

The centre bore is the central opening of the wheel used to centre it on the vehicle hub. Depending on the wheel and vehicle application, suitable centring rings may be required.

What does version (AU) mean?

The version (AU) identifies the technical variant of a wheel. Wheels with the same design and size can differ in bolt circle, centre bore, hole geometry or other technical characteristics. In RC36 8.0x19 5x112 ET40 V7, for example, V7 is the AU.

What is the KBA number?

The KBA number is a registration or approval number issued by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt). It helps identify the approved wheel type, but does not contain all information about the exact technical version of the wheel.

Where can I find the KBA or ECE number on my wheel?

The KBA/approval number and, on ECE wheels, the corresponding ECE marking are marked directly on the wheel. The exact position can vary depending on the design and wheel generation. For complete identification, also read the size, LK, ET and AU.

Position of the KBA or ECE number on a Brock or RC-Design wheel
Example: position of the KBA or ECE marking on the wheel.
Can I identify a wheel uniquely using only the KBA number?

No. For an exact identification you also need at least the wheel design, size, bolt circle (LK), offset (ET) and version (AU). The article number or EAN can also help.

Where can I find the weight of a wheel?

For current wheels, the weight can be found in the technical information on our wheel pages. Depending on the wheel, it may also be stated in the associated strength report. Weight varies by design, size and version.

How can I identify my Brock or RC-Design wheel exactly?

Record the design, size, bolt circle (LK), offset (ET) and version (AU). The KBA/approval number and article number or EAN are also useful. A photo of the complete marking makes identification easier.

What do colour codes such as SG or SGVP mean?

Our colour codes identify the respective surface finish. For example, SG stands for Black Gloss and SGVP for Black Gloss Full Polished. The colour is part of the specific article version.

What does EAN mean for a wheel?

The EAN is the unique article identifier for the specific wheel variant. It enables precise assignment for orders, service and enquiries.

Installation & Accessories

Fasteners, TPMS, tyres and safe installation

What should I check before installing my wheels?

Before installation, check the specific vehicle approval and its conditions, the required fastening and installation accessories, and the wheels and tyres for damage. The complete procedure is available in our installation instructions.

Which wheel bolts or wheel nuts do I need?

Use only the fasteners specified for the particular vehicle application. The relevant information can be found in the applicable annex or approval document.

Can I use my vehicle’s original wheel bolts?

Only if the specific vehicle application permits the use of original/standard fasteners. Otherwise, the fasteners specified in the approval document must be used.

Do I need centring rings?

This depends on the wheel and vehicle application. If centring rings are required for correct centring, the parts specified for the application must be used.

Can I continue to use the original TPMS sensors?

This depends on the vehicle, sensor and wheel. With BrockSens, Brock Alloy Wheels offers a suitable alternative for numerous vehicle applications. The correct BrockSens sensor can be selected and programmed for the vehicle. Installation and programming should be carried out by a specialist.

What tightening torque should be used for the wheels?

The final tightening torque depends on the vehicle and fastener. In our installation instructions, 80 Nm is only the preliminary tightening torque. Final tightening is carried out with the vehicle on the ground using the torque specified for the application.

Do the wheel bolts have to be checked after installation?

Yes. The tightening torque of all wheel fasteners should be checked after approximately 100 km using the specified torque.

Which tyres may I install on the wheel?

Only use wheel/tyre combinations approved for your vehicle and the specific wheel. The permitted sizes and conditions are stated in the approval document.

Can I use snow chains with my wheels?

This depends on the vehicle, wheel size, tyre size and the conditions of the respective application. There is no general snow-chain approval. Check the relevant condition in the approval document.

Can I install a tyre size that is not listed in the approval document?

Not simply because the tyre technically fits the wheel. A different wheel/tyre combination must be permitted for the vehicle and may require a separate technical assessment or inspection.

Who should install the wheels?

We recommend installation by a qualified specialist. They can correctly take account of vehicle approval, fasteners, centring, tyres, TPMS, clearance and the specified tightening torque.

Which accessories are supplied with my wheels?

If you order your wheels with a vehicle reference, the accessories required for that application are automatically taken into account. If, for example, the order is placed via a vehicle configurator and the approval document specifies particular installation accessories, these required accessories are supplied automatically. The relevant approval document is also included in the wheel box. Without a vehicle reference, required accessories cannot automatically be assigned to the vehicle.

Why should I order wheels with a vehicle reference?

A vehicle reference allows the exact application to be considered and required accessories to be assigned correctly. This reduces queries and makes correct installation easier. For orders without a vehicle reference, check the valid approval and required accessories before installation.

Care & Winter

Protect surfaces and clean wheels correctly

Are Brock and RC-Design wheels suitable for winter use?

Yes. All single-colour and polished Brock and RC-Design wheels in our range are approved for winter use. Our clear coat also protects polished surfaces. Regular cleaning is particularly important in winter.

Are fully polished wheels suitable for winter use?

Yes. Fully polished wheels, for example Black Gloss Full Polished, are approved for winter use. The polished areas are protected by clear coat, but bare machined aluminium lies underneath. If a stone chip penetrates the clear coat, moisture and salt water can attack the exposed area more easily. We provide a 3-year warranty on polished wheels.

Why are single-colour wheels more resistant in winter?

On single-colour painted wheels, the aluminium is protected by several layers: primer, main colour and clear coat. On polished areas, bare machined aluminium lies directly beneath the clear coat. This gives single-colour finishes additional protection if the outer clear coat is damaged. We provide a 5-year warranty on single-colour wheels.

How should I clean my alloy wheels?

Clean the wheels regularly so that brake dust, flash rust, tar and road dirt do not become permanently attached. Use a suitable pH-neutral wheel cleaner, clean water and soft tools such as a sponge, wash mitt or wheel brush.

Which wheel cleaner should I use?

We recommend a pH-neutral wheel cleaner. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and do not exceed the contact time. Avoid aggressive, non-pH-neutral cleaners, metal cleaners and products that can damage the protective coating.

Can I use a pressure washer?

Yes, with sufficient distance. Our care instructions recommend at least 15 cm between the spray head and the wheel. Rinse off cleaner residues completely.

Can I use wheel or chrome polish?

No. Do not use polishes, especially chrome polishes or chrome care products, on the coated surfaces. They can impair the protective finish.

What should I consider when road salt is used?

Do not leave road salt on the wheel longer than necessary. Clean the wheels regularly in winter and pay particular attention to areas where the paint or clear coat is already damaged.

What should I do about stone chips or paint damage?

Damage to the coating caused by stone chips, kerb contact or improper installation should be professionally repaired and resealed or repainted promptly. This is particularly important on polished areas because bare aluminium lies beneath the clear coat.

Can I continue driving with a damaged wheel?

For purely superficial coating damage, professional repair is advisable. If the wheel is deformed, cracked or has other structural damage, do not simply continue using it; have it inspected by a specialist.

Can I additionally seal my wheels?

Yes. After cleaning, the wheels can be protected with a suitable wheel sealant, spray wax or detailer. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and remove residues with a soft microfibre cloth.

Warranty & Service

Warranty, complaints, downloads and certificates

What warranty applies to Brock and RC-Design wheels?

Our voluntary manufacturer warranty applies in accordance with the current warranty terms: 3 years on all wheels and 5 years on single-colour painted wheels. Please refer to the current warranty declaration for the complete conditions and requirements.

Where can I find the current warranty declaration?

The current warranty declaration is available in our Downloads. Please always use the current version provided there.

What should I do if I have a complaint as an end customer?

As an end customer, please contact the workshop, specialist dealer or online shop from which you purchased the wheels. Your contractual partner can record the complaint and arrange the further process.

How do I submit a complaint as a specialist dealer?

Please contact the supplier from whom you purchased the goods. Being a specialist dealer does not automatically mean that you are a direct customer of Brock Alloy Wheels Deutschland GmbH. If you purchased the wheels through a wholesaler or another distribution partner, the complaint must be handled through that supplier. Only if you purchased the goods directly from Brock should you use the contact address already known to you.

Where can I find installation, care and warranty documents?

Our current service documents are available centrally in the Downloads, including installation instructions, the warranty declaration and other documents.

Where can I find the current Brock certificates?

Current company certificates are available in our English service/company area. Using the current online documents helps avoid working with locally stored versions that may have been replaced.

Please always use the current approval and service documents provided on our website. The information and conditions for the specific vehicle application are decisive.

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