Abstract: The object of the invention is increasing the service life or service performance of railway wheelsets. Said technical effect is achieved by the means that, in the method for increasing the service life or service performance of railway wheelsets, in which each wheel is implemented in the form of a cylindrical working part having a running or rolling surface and a rim connected thereto by a radius transition, the metal hardening of the wheelset or of a wheel is carried out by conduction of current through rotating contact rollers, which are pressed under pressure onto the surface to be treated, wherein the heating and hardening of the surface is performed in the form of one or more strips.