Sport Truck Specialty - Frequently Asked Questions

A: There are several factors; Wheels out of Balance, Wheel Force Variation, Tire Pressure, Wheel Alignment, Steering and Suspension Components, and other hidden causes such as Wheel to axle mounting error, Brake component wear/failure, Drive train or engine component wear/failure.

2: What causes Wheel Force Variation?

A: Wheel force variation is most frequently due to wheel runout or uneven tread or sidewall stiffness in the tire. Runout is when a tire or rim is out of round when rolling; frequent causes are a bent rim or uneven tire wear. Uneven tread or sidewall stiffness can be found in new or worn tires. Tires by design are never uniformly flexible throughout nor are they perfectly round. And no two tires are exactly alike in these characteristics.

an out of round tire (left) "runout" causes vibration. A stiff spot (right) hitting
the pavement causes vibration

3: What can be done about Wheel Force Variation?

A: Matching the high point or stiff spot in the tire with the lowest spot in the rim, can make the wheel "round when rolling." This procedure is called ForceMatching(tm) and solves most vibration problems. Tires or rims with extreme runout or Force Variation often cannot be matched and must be replaced to solve the problem. Here at Sport Trucks Specialty we use the Hunter GSP 9700 Vibration Control System to perform ForceMatching(tm).

ForceMatching(tm) aligns the high point or stiff spot on a tire with the low spot on
the rim, for the maximum roundness and smoothest possible ride.

X-PEL Related Questions

Headlight Protection Questions

1: Does the application of these kits adversely affect the illumination of my lights?

A: Our headlamp protection material blocks less that one tenth of one percent (.1%) of the light produced by your headlamps. You will not notice any difference in the brightness or performance of your lights.

2: What special care is required for your headlamp protection kits?

A: Our kits require no special care. The most important thing is to avoid using any abrasives to clean the lens covering. A soft cloth or sponge will work fine.

3: What if I take my car to a car wash?

A: Neither high-pressure nor brush type car washes will affect the kit once it has fully cured.

4: Is installation difficult? Can I do it myself?

A: The installation process is very simple. Anyone can apply these kits provided the written instructions that come with each X-Pel kit are followed closely.

5: The lights on my car are heavily contoured. Is your kit hard to install on this type of light or should I have them professionally installed?

A: Our headlamp protection material is extremely pliable and can easily be contoured over dome shaped surfaces. However, if you are not sure if you should attempt installation, you may wish to consult a professional installer in your area.

6: How long will the kits last?

A: Our products are warranted for 4 years, although they can last much longer depending on the environment your car is driven in.

7: How does the $1,000.00 X-Pel Headlight Protection Guarantee work?

A: In the unlikely event you sustain damage to any light protected by our kit, we will pay your insurance deductible (up to $1,000.00) for the repair. For further information, please read the X-Pel 4 Year Limited Warranty $1,000 Breakage Guarantee.

Paint Protection Questions

1: Can it be removed?

A: Yes. It can be removed easily and will not damage the paint. To remove the film, you must heat the surface to approximately 150°F while working a corner of the film with your fingernail. Once you have enough of the material free from the surface to hold on to, slowly pull the film from the paint.

2: Is it really invisible?

A: The material is very difficult to see once it is properly applied. Most people will not even notice that it is on the car.

3: How long will it last?

A: Our product is warranted for 4 years, though the material has an average life span of about 7 years. In this way, it is much like the paint on your car. Whether or not the car is garaged and whether or not it is kept washed and waxed will make a big difference in the life span of the product.

4: How is the kit applied? Do you spray it on?

A: The plastic material comes to us in a large roll. Our machines cut the plastic into shapes designed to fit various parts of your car. These pieces are then applied to the vehicle in a very similar fashion to that of window tint. The pieces and the painted surface are wet with a solution and moved into position, then the solution is squeegeed away.

5: How does the $1,000.00 X-Pel Paint Protection Guarantee work?

A: In the unlikely event you sustain damage to any painted surface protected by our kit, we pay your insurance deductible (up to $1,000.00) for the repair. For further information, please read the X-Pel $1,000 Paint Protection Guarantee.

6: What if I want to take my car through a car wash?

A: Neither high-pressure nor brush type car washes will affect the kit once it has fully cured.

7: What happens when I wax my car?

A: You can do anything to the shield that you normally do to the rest of the car's finish. The shield will accept wax and polishes just as your paint does, and will last longer with regular applications.

8: What do I do if wax builds up on the edges of the kit when I wax my vehicle?

A: A soft, damp terrycloth towel, Q-Tip or soft brush will remove any wax build-up that may occur without harming the kit or your paint.

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Last updated: 02/01/2007