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Steel Wheels vs Alloy Wheels: What’s the Difference?
When buying a car, one of the aspects a buyer will check is the type of wheels. There are two main options available for car wheels- steel and alloy wheels. While alloy wheels are aesthetically pleasing, they are costly compared to steel wheels. Steel wheels, in contrast, offer affordability and practicality.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between steel wheels vs alloy wheels.
What Are Steel Wheels?
Steel wheels are designed with robust construction for durability and toughness. In addition, they are specifically made of 'stamped steel'. This makes them suitable for heavy-duty use.
They are used in vehicles such as off-road SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles), cars, buses, trucks, etc. Being 70-80% cheaper than alloy wheels, they are considered a more affordable option. Apart from that, they are also easily repairable due to the malleable nature of steel.
Steel wheels are usually present on almost all entry-level cars. So, they are an amazing option for people with a low budget looking for economical options.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
Scientifically, an alloy is a mixture of various metals which combines their various qualities. In case of alloy wheels, they are made of alloys of aluminium and magnesium.
Alloy wheels are costlier than steel wheels but offer several advantages. They are aesthetically pleasing and enhance a car's looks. They are usually found in high-end cars. Apart from boosting the appearance of the car, they are lightweight and provide better braking and acceleration than steel wheels. This is because they transmit less weight to the coil spring.
Since they dissipate heat faster than steel wheels, they offer extended tyre life. In addition, aluminium alloys are resistant to corrosion, making alloy wheels long-lasting.
Now, let us discuss the other differences between steel and alloy wheels.
What Are the Differences Between Steel Wheels and Alloy Wheels?
It is important to know the differences between the types of wheels before making a decision on which to choose. The table below draws a detailed comparison of steel wheels vs alloy wheels:
| Factors | Steel Wheels | Alloy Wheels |
| Pricing | Steel wheels tend to be a more affordable option than alloy wheels. They cost 70-80% less than alloy wheels. | Alloy wheels are more expensive than steel wheels. |
| Appearance | Steel wheels look less appealing than their alloy counterparts. | Alloy wheels are aesthetically pleasing and enhance the appearance of a car. |
| Weight | They are usually heavy due to the weight of the material. | They are a lightweight option. |
| Customisation | Steel wheels come in standard designs with very little scope for customisation. | Alloy wheels have a variety of designs and sizes. Therefore, they can be selected as per one's liking. |
| Application | Since they are economical, steel wheels are typically present in budget and entry-level cars. | These types of wheels are usually present in high-end and sports cars. |
| Safety | These are usually safer than their alloy counterparts. Steel wheels are designed to be rugged. Hence, the chances of cracking remain low. | Even though alloy wheels are sturdy, they may crack upon impact. This can be lethal while driving at high speed. |
| Maintenance | Since steel wheels are sturdy, they don’t require a lot of maintenance. | Alloy wheels require regular inspections for cracks and bend since they are not as sturdy as their steel counterparts. |
| Repairing process | Since steel is malleable in nature, the wheels are easy to repair. The repairing process is easy as compared to alloy wheels. | They have a complicated repair process which is also costly. |
| Fuel economy | Steel wheels add a lot of pressure to the spring coil due to their heavy weight. This, in turn, reduces fuel economy. | Since alloy wheels are lightweight, they put less pressure on the spring coil, providing better fuel economy. |
| Performance | They reduce the vehicle's performance due to their heavy weight. As a result, braking and acceleration are slower. | They are better for a vehicle's performance due to their lightweight. They help in improving vehicle handling, braking and acceleration. |
| Durability | Steel wheels are robust and durable. | These are more prone to damage. |
| Corrosion | Steel wheels are prone to corrosion. However, methods such as powder-coating may help in reducing it to some extent. | Aluminium provides alloy wheels with corrosion resistance properties. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do entry-level and low-end cars come with steel wheels?
Low-end cars come with steel wheels as a default since the cost of manufacturing steel wheels is low compared to their alloy counterparts. Also, they have low maintenance costs. However, many high-end cars often come with alloy wheels.
Which is a better option, steel or alloy wheels?
It depends on the individual's requirements and the type of car. While some may prefer alloy wheels for their aesthetics, others may prefer steel wheels for their sturdiness and longevity. Apart from individual preferences, it is also important to consider what is best for the car.
Are steel or alloy wheels more suitable for long drives?
Given the robustness steel wheels provide, they are more suitable for long-distance driving. Alloy wheels are more susceptible to wear and tear while driving long distances. Since steel wheels are easy to repair, one does not need to worry even if they get damaged.