Are alloy wheels nothing more than fancy wheels? They look good, but is that it? Surely they can’t beat steel wheels in terms of performance and reliability.
Right?
If that’s what you think, we regret to tell you that you’re wrong. Alloy wheels or “mag wheels” are a significant upgrade to steel wheels. Your car will have better handling, performance, and efficiency with alloy wheels installed.
Looking gorgeous is but a bonus.
Want to know about the benefits of alloy wheels? Then keep reading!
1. Lighter Means Better Performance
When it comes to the rim material for your wheels, you generally have two options: steel and alloy. Alloy wheels are made from an alloy of aluminum or magnesium. The first alloy wheels were made from die-cast magnesium, hence the term “mag wheels.”
Steel wheels are the standard wheels that come with a factory-fresh vehicle. Of the two options, steel is heavier by far. Not only is the metal heavier, but the hubcap that covers most steel wheels adds more to the weight.
The reduced unsprung weight of alloy wheels translates to better performance. Acceleration and braking are improved, as well as steering and handling. There’s a reason why only the lightest components are used in vehicles for motorsport.
Lighter is just better.
2. Fuel Efficiency Is One of the Benefits of Alloy Wheels
While alloy wheels are less expensive than before, they’re still a bit more pricey than steel wheels. However, alloy rims might be cheaper in the long run if you consider fuel efficiency.
Better fuel economy is another advantage of having lighter wheels. The engine uses less fuel because it doesn’t have to work as much due to the lighter weight. Every 100 pounds shaved off the vehicle equals about 1 percent improvement in gas mileage.
3. Better Heat Dissipation
There are two main reasons why alloy wheels can handle heat better than steel wheels. First, aluminum and/or magnesium alloys have better heat conduction. Second, alloy wheels have a more open-wheel design that assists in dispersing heat.
Okay, but what does better heat dissipation do? Well, for one thing, the tires remain cooler while driving which helps to conserve them. Also, the chances of the brakes failing due to heat are lessened enhancing driver and passenger safety.
4. Corrosion Resistant
Aluminum and magnesium alloys have high resistance to corrosion and rust compared to steel. Unsightly rust is one of the things that you don’t have to worry about with alloy wheels. With just some basic care, you’re confident that the wheels you’ve spent money on will last longer.
5. Aesthetics
Steel wheels are usually produced using pressed sheet metals that are welded together. This leaves them with ugly bumps which is why they’re commonly covered by hubcaps. However, the manufacturing process of alloy wheels allows for more creative and even custom designs.
There’s no need to hide alloy wheels. They’re just simply beautiful.
Let Your Wheels Shine
If you look at the benefits of alloy wheels versus steel wheels, the clear winner is alloy wheels. They offer better performance and are more cost-effective due to improved fuel efficiency and longer tire life.
Have you bought aluminum wheels a long time ago and now they’re in rough shape? Then check out this article on how to restore clear-coated aluminum wheels.
