It used to be that production cars would all roll out from the factory on steel wheels, with the alloys made available only as options. Nowadays, mid and high-end trims mostly roll off the line with alloy wheels.
The alloy wheels are no doubt better-looking than their steel counterparts, but are they worth it? Most of us think that one of the advantages of alloy wheels over steel wheels is that they are lighter.
This fact applies to the more expensive alloy wheels. The lower-priced ones, however, especially those in the diameter range of 15- to 16-inch, tend to be heavier than their steel equivalent due to the materials added to maintain durability. When you're considering the bigger wheels, 18-inch and above, there is no other option but to go with alloy wheels.
The lighter alloy wheels are mainly used for motorsports and can demand high prices. These high-performance alloy wheels like those done by OZ Racing, ATS, BMW M-Sports and other pricey marques are manufactured using a process called flow-forming and forging. Today, lower-priced alloy wheels are more widely available than before, and there’s always the option of buying them used or second-hand.
What Are Alloy Wheels Made of?
Alloy wheels come in different combinations of materials, including aluminium, magnesium, nickel, and other lightweight elements. They are produced either by assembly, high-pressure die casting, low-pressure die casting, gravity casting, flow-forming, forging or billet machined. The more common aftermarket alloy wheels are made from aluminium these days due to improvements in manufacturing processes.
Compared to steel, aluminium is more elastic, which allows manufacturers to cast it at low pressure when filling the moulds. These aluminium properties are also responsible for all the attractive designs and styles we see on OEM and aftermarket parts.
Advantages of Alloy Wheels
The weight of the wheels plays a significant factor in a car’s capacity to provide precise steering, better cornering and acceleration. The heavier the wheels, the more strain they place on the suspension system and other components, which can lead to premature failure in these parts. Knowing this fact is particularly important in high-horsepower applications since the lower unsprung mass of the wheels gives a better overall performance.
The design of the alloy wheels also plays a part in your brake system. Designs like the five-pointed star allow more air to flow through the brakes, cooling the pads and rotors. The lighter weight also means the car would stop more quickly and in a shorter distance. There are numerous designs to choose from, which allows drivers to better customise their vehicle to their needs and style.
Other than the plus points in the looks department that a new set of alloy wheels adds to your car, there's another reason to justify the expense. Reducing the rolling mass gives better fuel economy.
Changing to a lighter weight alloy wheel transmits less inertia to the coil springs or suspension system which, in turn, allows it to follow the terrain more closely keeping the tyres planted to the ground for better traction.
So, are they worth it? Definitely yes! You will recover the initial investment from the savings in fuel economy, the maintenance and parts cost saved from the suspension and brake system and, most importantly, your driving safety and pleasure, which are incalculable.
Changing to Alloy Wheels: What to Consider?
Combining these alloy wheels with high-performance tyres gives a dramatic difference from stock steel ones in appearance and performance.
It is important to note, however, that when changing to alloy wheels with a bigger diameter than the stock size, the overall tyre diameter should be maintained. The width of the tyre and wheel combination should also be taken into consideration as most areas do not allow the wheels to exceed the outline of the car. Alloy wheels come in different hole patterns and fitments and its best to know what your vehicle can accept.
Using lower-profile tyres with bigger-diameter alloy wheels gives better cornering and handling characteristics since the sidewall depth is reduced and tyre side-swaying is less noticeable. Also, when changing to low profile tyres, the alloy wheel diameter increases, making it possible to install a bigger brake system which dramatically improves stopping power.
Try to avoid going overboard on your choice of alloy wheel diameter, width and style and choose a set that will fit nicely with your car’s styling, application, engine performance and load capacity.
Also, as in any car component, the alloy wheels need more attention than steel wheels do. There are ways to protect your investment on alloy wheels like protective coatings and wheel protectors. And of course, the best way to keep them in their best condition is to avoid potholes and curb rash and inflate the tyres properly.
Where to Buy?
You will find numerous places where you can buy tyres and alloy wheels. One such place is Carpart.com.au, which will take you to a whole world of aftermarket, OEM, new and used car parts, offering you endless choices to suit your style and budget. You may use our auto parts buy-and-sell platform to do the search yourself or send us a parts request. If you happen to be selling some used alloy wheels, or currently wrecking your car for parts, let the buyers find you more quickly! Improve your visibility in the market by advertising with us.
Fred Cajulis