Alloys are a fusion of metal and other components and are usually made from alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They usually render superior strength over pure metals, which are generally much gentler and more pliable. Alloys of aluminium or magnesium are normally lighter for the same strength, render better heat conduction and often formulate superior cosmetic appearance over steel wheels. Though steel, the most prevalent material utilised in the production of the wheel, is an alloy of iron and carbon – the words “alloy wheel” is typically retained for wheels manufactured from non-ferrous alloys.
Earlier Alloy Wheels were made of magnesium alloys and were also called Mag Wheels. However, the production of Mag wheels has stopped as they turned out to be expensive. It is difficult now to find mag wheels in Sydney and the availability of mag wheels online is also now severely impacted.
When it comes to wheels Sydney or for that matter anywhere else, you are presented with two options that are:
- Alloy Wheels
- Steel Wheels
Alloy and steel both have their own advantages! What type of wheels will be best for your vehicle? It will depend on what you precisely want the wheels to deliver. For instance, if you want affordable and robust wheels and good looks aren’t necessary then you should go for steel wheels. However, if you want your wheels to give good looks with superb performance then you should go for alloy wheels. You can search for Alloy Wheels Online as get wide selection. Let’s briefly understand both steel and alloy wheels.
ALLOY WHEELS
As alloy wheels provide performance as well as good looks, they are now standard on most cars. Different from steel wheels, aluminium alloy wheels can be cast and worked in numerous different designs, offering cars a much more distinctive look and providing owners with the opportunity to customise even more. As a matter of fact, the aluminium alloy is much lighter than steel and produces better acceleration and delivers spirited performance. It is gratifying and breezier to drive a car that has alloy wheels. Construction methods viz. pressure forging or casting also have an impact on the strength of the alloy. Alloy wheels can be polished, machined, chromed or painted; diverse finishes must be handled in different ways.
Chrome wheels are easy to clean and maintain and they last long as compared to normal alloy wheels.
WHY ALLOY WHEELS
- To accomplish exact fitment and performance needs, alloy wheels are manufactured to specific standards.
- Based on fitment requirements, alloy wheels may be the ideal choice for your vehicle.
- Alloy wheels often have better strength and weigh less than steel wheels.
- Depending on the wheel style and installed brake components, alloy wheels will provide better brake clearance.
- It’s vital to keep in mind that as steel wheels aren’t made to fit all application, alloy wheels may be the only choice for your vehicle.
- Alloy wheels improve your vehicle’s look.
STEEL WHEELS
These are heavier compared to aluminium alloy wheels. So when you fit steel wheels on the car that has had alloy wheels earlier, you’re likely to discover that the added weight reduces acceleration and quickness thereby decreasing the car’s centre of gravity and typically enables it to drive more like a tank. Nonetheless, steel wheels are considerably robust compared to alloy wheels. It takes more of force to bend steel wheels and it’s practically not possible to break them. With their standard functional look, the simple ornamental dent is not a major issue usually. To give the look of alloy wheels, wheel covers are available in the market, which you can put on steel wheels. Often they come on steel wheels sold as OEM choices and can also be found online.
Typically, steel wheels are manufactured in 16-inch sizes or less; a very few 17-inch steel wheels are there; however, not a single 18-inch steel wheel is there. That may be because an 18-inch would be very heavy – accordingly, putting on steel wheels will often require downsizing. Due to oversized brake callipers or other suspension issues, some high-performance cars won’t accept downsized wheels.
Generally, steel wheels are cost-effective as they cost about 75% lesser than alloy wheels, which make them ideal for a second-set and economical to change if poorly damaged.
WHY STEEL WHEELS
- It fulfils the essential requirements of the drivers without the extra cost of an alloy wheel.
- Generally, steel wheels are available in silver and black finish depending on the application.
- Due to lower material costs and manufacturing ease, steel cost less than alloy wheels.
- Using wheel covers, basic styling can be modified easily. As steel wheels don’t emit a sporty look for your vehicle, you can fit wheel covers to cover the wheels while improving your vehicle’s appearance.
FINAL WORDS
Steel wheels are usually good for those daily drivers or for any cars that don’t have to perform intricate steers as they do it for a living. But what you want is high performance and/ or good looks then alloy wheels is the only option you have to rely on. You can find good wheel packages online whereby you can also get them at much cheaper cost.
HERE’S AN INFOGRAPHIC TO GIVE YOU THE GIST:
