Alloy Vs. Steel Wheels

The invention of the wheel should be rated as one of the greatest technological breakthroughs of modern times. Right from the first cars of old, to the modern cars of today, we have seen a steady improvement in automobile technology, which includes development of wheels. They are after all the car parts which take the brunt of friction and make the car drivable. Good wheels provide stability and greater control over driving, while being able to take a high amount of load. There are many options to choose from when it comes to choosing wheels for your new car. Two of the prime choices are steel and alloy wheels.

Difference Between Alloy and Steel Wheels

What provides structure and decides the strength factor of wheels is the material from which they are manufactured. When we talk about comparing steel and alloy wheels, what we are essentially differentiating between rim materials. The rim provides the wheel with required strength and stability. The choice of rim does matter when it comes to choosing auto wheels. Steel wheels are relatively recent products. Let us see how they differ.

Basic Differences
Alloy wheels are primarily manufactured from manganese and aluminum. Alloys made of aluminum are most preferred. One of the major factors which improves acceleration and wheel grip, besides improving fuel efficiency, is the lightening of wheel weight. Alloy wheels are mostly lighter than traditional ones, providing a major advantage to sports cars. Compared to them, their steel equivalents weigh more. They have been in use for many years now. The heat conduction through steel wheels is slow, compared to alloy wheels, which makes their braking performance weaker.

Performance
Overall, alloy wheels have an edge over steel wheels, due to their lesser weight and their high heat conduction rate, when it comes to performance. In terms of aesthetics too, they score more. However, one thing about steel wheels that should not be ignored is that they are easier to maintain and repair, when compared to alloy wheels. They offer greater structural solidity, at the expense of greater weight. Due to the inherent malleability of steel, wheel rims are easier to repair and get back into shape, while alloy wheel repair is costlier.

Cost
If you make a cost comparison, between alloy and steel wheels, the latter are substantially cheaper. The alloy wheels are preferred for their high performance strength in sports cars, as they offer greater maneuverability and improved fuel efficiency, besides providing better breaking performance.

Alloy wheels are the thing to go for, if you are after sports cars. Otherwise, steel wheels are the best option for the average city commuter's car. Study the cost equation and according to your budget, as well as requirements, go for one which is the most comfortable choice.