Alloy Wheel VS Steel Wheel - Which is better?

[pakwheels]

Originally published at: https://www.pakwheels.com/blog/alloy-wheel-vs-steel-wheel/

There has been a lot of debate among automobile lovers regarding the alloy and steel wheels, which of them is better than the other. And it seems that there is no end to the debate. In this particular write-up, I will be discussing the pros and cons of having an alloy or steel wheel. Previously we enlightened our readers with a blog concerning winters tires, summer tires, and all-season tires—their difference and similarities. Now coming to the main topic alloy wheel VS steel wheel, which is better. People tend to spend a handsome amount of money on buying quality wheels for their vehicles. There are three types of wheels in the world right now, steel, alloy and carbon fibre—which is rarely used in regular road cars.

The main difference in all these different types of wheels lies in their durability and appearance. Here we will discuss only two, steel and alloy wheel.

Alloy Wheel:

Pros

• Alloy wheel is usually lighter than its steel counterpart


• Alloy wheels deliver more agile performance and better acceleration


• Can be customized in different designs and sizes


• Less weight leads to less strain on suspension components


• Alloy wheels disperse heat away from brake components better than a steel wheel

Cons

• Breaks/cracks relatively easily than steel wheels


• Vulnerable to cosmetic damages such as saltwater corrosion and acid cleaners.

Steel Wheel:

Pros

• Inexpensive than alloy wheel


• Easier to repair than its alloy counterpart


• Steel Wheel performs well in snowy places than alloy wheel due to it being heavy. It bites the road well than alloy wheel in snowy areas driving conditions


• Greater force is required to break/bend it


• Cosmetic damages are not a big issue for steel wheels

Cons

• Steel wheel dampens agility and performance of a vehicle


• Gives low performance in summers (excessive drag resistance in heat)

These are few pros and cons of alloy and steel wheel. Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

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[hayatumer82]

Considering road conditions of pakistan... Steel wheels are a better option...

[khuram2703]

In all respect Alloy Rims are better than Steel rims if they are OEM made (Not Chinese copies). The thing to be kept primarily under consideration is to avoid using unnecessarily higher rim size with shorter tyre wall which usually have higher chances of damage and also discomfort as per Pakistani road conditions which include pot holes and abundance of Cat Eyes here as well.

The OEM Alloy rims have more impact sustainability (dampening) capabilities than a steel rim and do not deform over the period of time which steel rims normally do thus needing less weight for the balancing of Tyre and hence less vibrating / no vibration / wobbling as compare to steel ones enhancing suspension components life.
Also being lighter in weight contributes to better fuel economy.

The Non Geniune Chinese Alloy rims are hard, brittle and heavy in weight then OEM Steel Rims which mostly people do not know. They are the one more prone to being cracked, chip off. More over they are Wider than OEM Alloy rim of same size which makes the tyre belly less making ride hard and creates discomfort as well as premature damage to suspension parts.......

Yes, Steel RIMS are better than Aftermarket CHINESE & TAIWAN RIMS.......it is advised to stay away to avoid premature suspension damage and compromise on ride quality.

[nightsurfer]

Please add this reply to the main article.

[ahsanonline]

Good info.

From my experience:

• comparing two rooms of the same size, the alloy wheel will give slightly better fuel economy as compared to the steel rim, due to the alloy being lighter.
• strength of rim also depends on its design. An alloy wheel with more unsupported rim area is weaker in the face of blows/potholes than an alloy wheel whose rim area has better support from spokes.
• alloys are obviously better looking than plain steel (unless the chooser has poor choice).