Advantage and Disadvantages of Having Alloy Wheels

If you opt for buying a brand new car, be prepared for the overwhelming information about to come your way. As soon as friends and family get news of your decision, everyone becomes a car expert. They will force you to buy this car or that just because they own it themselves. Well, there is nothing wrong with it because they do so out of love. Similarly, when you got a showroom or dealership, the salesperson starts talking about different features.

When it comes to the wheels, the salesperson might say that the wheels are pure alloy. If you are an expert yourself, you know exactly what they are trying to say. On the other hand, if it is your first car, then it is worth knowing what alloy wheels are because you will be paying a little bit more for them as compared to the standard steel wheels.

Therefore, in this blog post, PitStopArabia will discuss what alloy wheels are, their advantages along with their disadvantages. Let’s get started.

What are Alloy Wheels?

You might recall from your studies that an alloy is a mixture of metal and other elements. They are also much harder than pure metals. Another interesting thing which we would like to highlight is that alloys are made from nonferrous metals. In simple words, they contain no or very little amount of iron. On the other hand, the standard steel wheels contain high amounts of iron and carbon. You can now figure out what alloy wheels are, right?

Well, they are wheels that are made from alloys of magnesium and aluminum.

What are the advantages?

An increasing number of car manufactures are offering alloy wheels. This means that there are advantages associated with them. Otherwise, they would not be offering them. So, let us take a look at these advantages.

Fuel Efficiency

Alloy wheels are lighter as compared to steel wheels. A lighter vehicle will consume less fuel. It is why many people even take out the spare wheel. It is simple physics. More force is required to move heavy objects. On the other hand, low force is required while moving light objects.

Engine Durability

Lower weight means that less pressure will be exerted on the engine. This can greatly improve the durability and efficiency. However, it does not mean that the steel wheel will reduce durability. After all, the manufacturers carry out hours of testing. It is just that alloy wheels are better.

Suspension

The lightweight also puts less pressure on the suspension. Therefore, you can enjoy a comfortable ride.

Acceleration

A lighter vehicle means faster acceleration. You might have seen in movies or professional races that cars have the bare minimum. Even the back seats are removed. All this is done to improve the acceleration and maneuverability. As alloy wheels are lighter, they improve the acceleration.

Appearance & Customization

A standard steel wheel comes in the same design irrespective of the car. On the other hand, the alloy wheels offer different designs and other customizations. If you want a more personalized look, then alloy wheels are surely the perfect choice.

Heat Resistance

Alloys have better heat resistance capabilities than their steel counterparts. Therefore, damage to the car brake system or wheels from heat is unlikely.

Disadvantages of Alloy Wheels

We have discussed the advantages but is only fair that we inform our readers about the disadvantages too.

Price

Alloy wheels are a bit expensive as compared to steel wheels. For a person whose sole purpose is to get from point A to B, steel wheels are the more reasonable choice. If you are concerned about appearance, acceleration, heat resistance etc. then opt for alloy wheels.

Durability

Although alloys are harder than their steel counterparts, the same cannot be said for alloy wheels. They tend to break quite easily under pressure and cannot be repaired. In short, you will have to buy a costly new one.

Damage

Also, they are more prone to cosmetic damage. Even simple tire/wheel cleaning items can damage them. Therefore, always opt for products that are compatible with alloy wheels. If you are unsure, you can always consult a professional.

Wrap Up

This concludes our blog post. The next time you find yourself in a showroom or dealership, you would be better prepared. At the end of the day, whether you need alloy or simple steel wheels is up to you. No one knows about your driving habits or requirements. Therefore, think long and hard about your decision. Thank You and Good Luck.