Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels, which one is stronger? Why are alloy wheels so expensive? What is the option that is actually better for your car?
Steel wheels are strong, affordable, and simple to fix. It is impact-resistant and more shock-absorbing. The weight and handling of alloy wheels, on the other hand, is better. Additionally, it improves the profile of your vehicle and is simple to customize.
Please read on for more detailed information.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
Simply put, an alloy is a substance created by combining two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal. Usually, the strength and corrosion resistance of this combination of elements is better. To achieve the desired structural integrity, these trendy alloy wheels for automobiles are primarily made of an alloy of aluminum and magnesium.
Pros of Alloy Wheels
- Aesthetics: The appearance of the alloy wheel is its most prominent benefit. Alloy wheels are a common luxury feature in Indian automobiles, typically found in high-end models. Marketed as “Diamond Cut”, “Laser edged”, the basic makeup remains very much the same.
- Weight: Alloy wheels are significantly lighter than steel wheels, which helps with weight loss, fuel efficiency, braking, and acceleration. This is because alloy wheels go through a complex manufacturing process. Due to their quicker heat dissipation than steel wheels, alloy wheels also help to extend the life of tires.
- Performance: Alloy wheels have a lightweight construction that transfers less weight to the coil spring, improving grip and traction. Furthermore, there is a discernible difference in steering and cornering abilities.
- Rust Proof: Alloys resist corrosion, which is another plus. Residents of coastal areas, where salt and surface corrosion are common, will find this feature to be of great use.
Cons of Alloy Wheels
- Price: expensive to manufacture, expensive to repair, and expensive to buy. The complex manufacturing process for alloy wheels makes them quite expensive. A set of alloy wheels will cost you 50% more than a set of steel wheels. The lack of alloy wheels in lower-end, less expensive vehicles is a result of this (duh! cost-cutting).).
- Rigidity: Unfortunately, alloy wheels lack steel’s strength. They are vulnerable to curb rash, dents, and cracks. Because of this, even minor damage to the wheels can detract from the appearance of the car as a whole.
- Repairability: For alloy wheels, that’s a difficult one. An alloy wheel requires labor-intensive and expensive repair. Unlike steel wheels, alloy wheels require intricate processes to restore their shape.
Read about How Are Alloy Wheels Made?
What Are Steel Wheels?
Steel, the most durable form of iron available in the automotive industry, is used to make steel wheels, as the name suggests. Steel has been used in large construction projects such as railway tracks, building endoskeletons, foundations, etc. due to its strength and durability. Steel wheels have been used in automobiles for a very long time and are still preferred for many of their features.
Pros of Steel Wheels
- Price: A steel wheel’s shape is imprinted onto it during the manufacturing process. Steel wheels are significantly less expensive to purchase than alloy wheels, costing between 70 and 80 percent less.
- Durability: Steel wheels are more durable than alloy wheels, so keep that in mind. For this reason, steel wheels are added to hardy, untamed SUVs. Additionally, they are a popular choice among producers of compact cars.
- Repairability: Steel wheels are easier to work on than alloy wheels because they are more malleable. All that is necessary to fix a bent steel wheel is to hammer it back into shape.
Cons of Steel Wheels
- Weight: Despite all of that, steel wheels add to the car’s unsprung weight because they are heavy. The suspension eventually suffers from the added strain of steel wheels. However, being overweight is not always a bad thing. Steel wheels are more maneuverable and provide better traction, so some vehicles can benefit from this.
- Corrosion: Steel wheels do not enjoy being in humid or salty environments. Steel wheels can, however, largely withstand corrosion and rust thanks to modern paint technology, such as powder coating, at least to a certain extent.
- Looks: Well, this is a matter of opinion. But luxury car manufacturers don’t typically opt for steel wheels. A vehicle’s street presence cannot be increased by having a plain, unimpressive appearance. Having said that, steel wheels do appear utterly radical in some tasteful automobiles.
FAQs on Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels
Which is Stronger, Steel Or Alloy Wheels?
Contrary to what many people believe, steel wheels are not more durable than alloy wheels.
Why Are Alloy Wheels Better Than Steel Wheels?
Because they are lighter than steel wheels, alloy wheels enhance the ride comfort and fuel efficiency of automobiles. Additionally, alloy wheels look much nicer than steel wheels.
Why Do Steel Wheels Come in the Lower Variants of Cars?
In comparison to alloy wheels, steel wheels are less expensive to produce. For this reason, cars with lower trim levels come with steel wheels.
What Are the Benefits of Steel Wheels?
Steel wheels are less expensive and require less work to repair than alloy wheels.
Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels: Which is Better?
There are advantages and disadvantages to both alloy and steel wheels.
- The majority of high-end sports cars use carbon fiber wheels, while alloy and steel wheels are frequently found on all passenger cars.
- Affordable compact and midsize hatchbacks, sedans, and SUVs have steel wheels as standard equipment.
- While steel wheels are heavier and easier to shape than other materials, they are more affordable to purchase and are only offered in sizes up to 16 inches.
- Budget-friendly compact and midsize hatchbacks, sedans, SUVs, and luxury vehicles all come with alloy wheels in higher-spec versions.
- Even though alloy wheels are more expensive, their lighter weight improves handling and fuel efficiency.
Read about Best Wheel Cleaners
