"Steel rims or alloy rims?"
"TOMAHAWK Alloy Wheels, car alloy wheels ( 650+ words)"
[ "Steel rims or alloy rims?Modifying the rims of your car need not just be a boost to the aesthetics but its performance can be elevated by upgrading your wheelsThe most common question is which one to choose between the Alloy wheel and Steel Wheel.Other exotic materials like carbon fibre are available but being an expensive upgrade they just dont have any use for most common people in daily drivingAlloy wheelsAlloy wheels are made up of metal element mixtures especially aluminium, magnesium and nickel. This mixing allows to combine and maximize qualities of varied metal. This mix of magnesium or aluminium is considerably lighter in weight for the same strength, provide an upgraded cosmetic appearance and better heat conduction. The lightweight aspect of Aluminium allows for better handling and is mainly why it is preferredPros;*Weight: Alloys are comparatively lighter than other pure metal elements owing to the better and complex procedure of manufacture. This helps in reducing the overall vehicle weight making acceleration, braking and handling easier. *Performance: The lightweight build of the alloy wheels results in lesser weight being transmitted to the coil spring. This helps with better traction and grip. This lower unsprung mass also helps lower fuel consumption.A noticeable difference is also seen in the cornering, steering and handling of the car.*Aesthetics: The most obvious and talked about feature of the alloy wheels is the fact that it facilitates higher customization and is more appealing to the eyes than standard steel rims. The basic build remains the same but the different cosmetic customizations lead to them sometimes even being categorized as a luxury component.*Larger wheelsAlloy rims not only come with diverse striking designs but also come in varied sizes. It is observed that in recent times alloy wheels of larger size(more than 16 inches) are becoming more desirable. *Rust Proof: A really good news for people living in places where surface corrosion is a significant issue. One of the other features of alloys is that they are corrosion or rustproof.Cons*Price: The elaborate process of alloy wheel production makes them quite expensive to buy, repair and manufacture. These rims cost you 50% more than a steel wheel. This is a reason why low-end budget car manufacturers don't feature these wheels.*Rigidity: Steel rims are more durable, strong and handle dents, cracks and curb rashes better than alloy rims. *Repairability: The process of repair is quite costly and tasking in the case of alloy wheels. It is considerably harder to bring them back to shape.Steel WheelsSteel essentially is an alloy of iron and carbon as well, but they are not considered alloy wheels; that word is reserved for nonferrous alloys. These rims are the perfect choice for heavy vehicles and low-end budget cars. They are cheaper in comparison to aluminium alloy wheels but are stronger. Pros*Price: The manufacturing of steel wheels involves a simple process of cutting them out on a press and welding them into shape. This lowers their cost and makes them cheaper to buy. This is the main reason why they are fir in many economy cars.*Durability: These wheels are heavier and stronger than their rival alloy wheels which makes them the first choice of wheel for rugged and tough SUVs;*Repairability: Steel is more malleable and this means that just hammering the bent portion will bring it back into shape. This cuts down a lot of time and money repairing a much easier task.* It is recommended to switch your alloy wheels to steel rims in colder winter months. This is because these heavier wheels lead to more friction and grip in ice and snow ensuring a safe drive. This also ensures preserving the alloy wheels in good condition for later use.Cons*Weight: Although the weight makes them stronger it also adds to the unsprung weight of the vehicle. This gradually reduces the efficient working of the suspension, increases the traction and leads to more fuel consumption.*Corrosion: Steel wheels are ferrous alloys and it is a given that they are more vulnerable to corrosion in a salty or humid environment. Modern innovations like powder coating and paint-tech can reduce this to an extent but it does not completely diminish the chances of rust formation.*Looks: Owing to the simple manufacturing these rims can look quite bland and cannot be customized to add more street presence. TOMAHAWK Alloy Wheels come in various sizes and customizations that can cater to all of your vehicle needs and are lightweight and fast.This is why these wheels are not commonly used in high-end cars. However, this is subjective and many economical cars have managed to make them look quite polished and radical.*Steel wheels are made in limited sizes this reduces the chances for you to downsize your wheels for better speed or upsize to increase grip. Steel rims are also observed to not be compatible with vehicles that are manufactured for alloy wheels.Although car alloy wheels might fall in the costlier bracket of vehicle components they are worth the expense considering the style, performance, better mileage and overall cost reduction that they bring about.Both these rims have their advantages and disadvantages. You must go through your requirements and necessities to make a final decision and consulting a local technician is also a good idea." ]