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Alloy Wheels: Advantages, Disadvantages, & Everything You Need To Know Before Purchase
Alloy wheels enhance the looks of the car and it can make even a mundane-looking car look good. So, if you are in the market to buy alloy wheels, here are a few advantages, and disadvantages along with a few other important details.
Improves Fuel Economy: This is a very minor improvement because alloy wheels are generally lighter than steel wheels. As a result, it reduces the overall energy required to spring the wheels, which is likely to enhance fuel efficiency.
Improves Handling: Being lighter in weight, alloy wheels reduce the unsprung mass. This usually results in reduced steering effort and better handling. The lower unsprung mass also results in better comfort as well.
More Durable: Alloy wheels are sturdier than steel wheels as they are made of hardened aluminium magnesium alloy, which does not bend like a steel wheel. Also, they are better suited for tubeless tyres as they retain their shape and therefore air easily.
Do Not Rust: Aluminum alloy wheels do not rust like steel wheels and are therefore better for cars, especially for cars used in coastal areas and places with high rainfall.
Improved Braking Performance: Alloy wheels also improve braking performance because many have a better ventilation pattern in the rim and conduct heat better than steel wheels, allowing the brakes of the car to run cooler.
High Initial Purchase Cost: An alloy wheel is 2-3 times more expensive compared to a similar steel wheel. Also, alloy wheels cannot be repaired and they usually crack under high impact. As such, any damage to alloy wheels usually end up in replacement.
Needs Wheel Balancing Checks: An alloy wheel does not allow you to use clip-on wheel balancing weights. Instead one needs to use stick-on weights on the inside of the rim, which are more likely to fall off than clip-on weights.
PCD: PCD stands for pitch circle diameter. This is the distance of the wheel bolts or studs from the centre point or axle of the wheel. It also accounts for how many holes or studs that you have on the rim.
Rim width: When purchasing a new alloy wheel, it is important to keep an eye on the width of the alloy wheel rim. Apart from having to buy new tyres, wider rims can also foul with the fender, steering rod or suspension components.
Upsizing: When you are upsizing your tyres, you usually can go in for wider alloys to accommodate the wider tyres. However, don't change the overall diameter of the tyre and alloy combination because this will change odometer readings on your car as well as affect handling adversely.
Thoughts: There are plenty of rumours and confusion regarding alloy wheels in cars. The above article will help you choose the right type of alloy wheel for your new or old car.
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