AS 1638-1991

Specifies requirements for the type approval of light aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy road wheels designed for normal driving conditions for use on vehicles with a gross mass not exceeding 3.5 t. Identical with NZS 5419:1991 and produced as a joint Australian/New Zealand Standard.

This Standard sets out the minimum requirements for the type approval based on performance testing of light aluminium alloy and magnesium alloy road wheels for vehicles with a gross mass not exceeding 3.5 t. The wheels may be cast, wrought or of composite construction. It applies to wheels which are designed for normal driving conditions, and does not purport to apply to wheels which will not fracture or fail under conditions such as may be experienced in an accident. It should be noted that wheels conforming to this Standard may fracture under conditions similar to those which produce severe buckling or failure in steel wheels. This Standard does not specify the materials to be used in the manufacture of the wheels. Suitable alloy designations may be selected from AS 1874, for aluminium alloys, and BS 2970 for magnesium alloys.NOTES:1 This Standard does not apply to trailer wheels, caravan wheels and motorcycle wheels.2 Wheels complying with this Standard are also required to comply with the requirements of relevant statutory authorities.

First published as AS 1638-1974.
Second edition 1991.