Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels: Which is Better?

Car enthusiasts will have come across the decision between choosing alloy wheels or steel wheels. These are the two most common types of wheel you can get your hands on, and for many, it’s a toss-up that can leave you clueless.

That’s the reason for this article. We want to explore our knowledge of wheels and lay out the difference between alloys and steel wheels. We will evaluate various factors such as performance, durability and cost to determine which type of wheel is ultimately the better option.

What Are Steel Wheels?

While alloy wheels are forged from a mixture of metals such as aluminium and magnesium, steel wheels are composed of just one element: steel. The first mass-market cars, such as the Ford Model T, used steel wheels and their tough yet flexible characteristics made them a great fit as the wheel of choice for the iconic Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor. Today, they are still used as entry-level wheels for affordable compact hatchbacks, saloons and SUVs. If a vehicle has plastic hub caps or wheel trims, it’s likely that it’ll have steel wheels behind the trim.

Comparing Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels

By breaking down the pros and cons of alloy wheels and steel wheels, we can start to see which is the better option for you. This section dives into each aspect to consider when deciding on your new set of wheels, from performance to fuel economy to cost, and pits the two wheel types against each other to see which comes out on top.

Performance

One key advantage of alloy wheels is that they are much lighter than steel wheels, and the effect of having a lightweight set of boots is twofold. Firstly, having less unsprung weight to control means that the handling is improved. Secondly, the lighter frame puts less strain on the suspension and improves acceleration. If you’re looking for dynamic drive, alloy wheels are your best bet.

Fuel Economy

The aforementioned lightness of alloy wheels also provides benefits when it comes to fuel economy. Alloy wheels lower the unsprung mass of your vehicle by around 20kg compared to steel wheels, and this means less power is used moving the vehicle. Alloys shave off fuel consumption, and when fuel prices are at such a premium, every little helps.

Long-Term Durability

Steel wheels have a reputation for being tough, durable and easy to repair. Sure enough, alloy wheels don’t have the flexibility that steel wheels have and this heightens the chances of alloys bending or cracking. However, alloy wheels can easily be repaired by reshaping the alloy back into its original strong position. This requires specialist equipment, but at LK Performance’s state-of-the-art fitting centre, we have all the facilities needed to restore the integrity and strength of a bent alloy wheel, so you needn’t worry.

However, the reputation steel wheels have for being durable quickly falls apart when considering rust and corrosion. Because alloy wheels are made of a mixture of elements, the strong bond means it has excellent corrosion resistance. On the other hand, though the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor used steel wheels, the company had to recall over 100,000 cars because of wheels that rusted prematurely. Steel wheels are more prone to rusting on the surface when facing tough weather conditions or grit, which is a huge negative.

Looks

As a general rule of thumb, alloys are more eye-catching and will suit a wider range of vehicles. There is a growing trend of steel wheels being used for their rugged and vintage aesthetic, but if you prefer to have a modern and luxurious look on your vehicle, alloys are the better choice for you. Ultimately, it is a matter of personal preference.

Price

Looking at the price tag alone, alloy wheels are more expensive than steel wheels. But when the benefits are this comprehensive against steel, we’re sure that most believe that they outweigh the cost. Plus, with LK Performance’s extensive range of alloy wheels, you’re sure to find a set that fits your budget. We stock world-class alloy wheel brands that have unshakable pedigree, from the polished industrial designs of Romac to the more traditional sports designs of Fox Racing alloy wheels. Whichever you choose, you can get it fitted professionally for free at LK Performance.

Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels: The Final Verdict

It’s a small wonder why alloy wheels are the preferred choice for high-spec compact and midsize hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Compared to steel wheels, alloy rims outclass in every aspect and will leave a leaving a lasting positive impact on your vehicle. From performance to durability to even style, alloy wheels are undeniably a more advantageous choice when deciding on what to put inside your tyres.

If you’re searching for a new set of alloys, we stock hundreds of types of quality alloy wheels from the finest aftermarket wheel-smiths in the world. LK Performance is home to a range of sizes that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle no matter how large or nimble it is. It’s all there on our online store for your choosing.

We recognise that it can be daunting to find out which wheels fit your vehicle model exactly, which is why our site uses a free online fitment checker that automatically filters out the alloys that don’t fit your wheelbase across the site. Best of all, if you buy with us, you are entitled to our wheel and tyre fitting service, so you can save the hassle and leave it to our exceptional fitting team. Browse our store today and you could be driving in a gleaming new set of alloy wheels that will change how you see your vehicle.