Making a statement through a car’s wheels is very popular among car enthusiasts. Apart from aesthetics, the best car wheels will provide better driving. Searching for the best wheels? Have your friends talked to you about the advantages and disadvantages of using alloy over steel or vice versa?
These two types of wheels have their own pros and cons depending on the type of driving. If you are looking at replacing your current wheels, we’ll show you some of these advantages and disadvantages below so you can decide for yourself.
Alloy Wheels: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Weight – Alloy is much lighter than steel. Since they are lighter, they can handle road defects better meaning better road grip. Alloy rims provide improved acceleration, better performance and quality of ride.
- Improved city fuel economy – Lighter wheels lead to fuel economy because it doesn’t take a lot to accelerate. Since alloy wheels are lighter, your car will only require minimum effort to accelerate.
- Cosmetic – Alloy can be worked into many different designs which can provide your car a unique look. This offers owners the chance to customize their wheels to their liking.
Disadvantages:
- Durability – Under extreme road impacts, alloy tends to bend easier. It also has the tendency to crack if it is bent too far. Even if they provide great cosmetics to the car, there’s a big possibility that they will receive damage from scrapes, cleaners and collision.
- Price – Alloy wheels are not for the cheapskates. The impressive look and performance come with a higher price tag.
Steel Wheels: Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- Price – Another disadvantage of alloy but a great advantage for steel wheels. They usually cost half of what alloy does. That means, savings or extra money for you.
- Durability – Where alloy lacks, steel provides. They are heavier and stronger. At lower speeds, steel wheels have better traction so they are your best bet for off-road driving. Since they are stronger, they can also allow heavier loads.
- Practicality – They may not look as good as alloy, but they can last for a long time. Dents can be easily repaired so you don’t need to worry about replacing them any time soon.
- Safety for Winter Driving – Steel wheels are heavy so they are less agile. They tend to bite the snow harder so you can have a sense of safety during winter driving.
Disadvantages:
- Rust – Like any other thing made of steel, it will rust over time.
- Weight – Although the weight of steel wheels comes with many advantages, it is a disadvantage for people who wants higher agility for their vehicle. However, if you do not mind the feeling of driving a tank, steel wheels are for you.
Have you picked your choice or are you still searching? If you want expert advice, visit a trusted auto and tire company so you can personally see the difference between alloy and steel wheels.
Written by the staff at KB Tire & Auto. KB Tire & Auto is the leading expert in auto repair Moberly MO has to offer.