Why many prefer steelies...
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I also favor steel wheels over aluminum alloys in most cases. They are so much more rugged. If they get damaged, bend them back and repaint.
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock
I also favor steel wheels over aluminum alloys in most cases. They are so much more rugged. If they get damaged, bend them back and repaint.
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
+1
Look at what Rally cars use.
I grew up in Finland Rallying Ford Escorts, Fiat 800's and Saab 99's and The toughest wheels for that were alloys.
They held up much better on the very rough hole filled gravel roads we used to race on.
(and the ditches we ended up in too)
I also favor steel wheels over aluminum alloys in most cases. They are so much more rugged. If they get damaged, bend them back and repaint.
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
+1
Look at what Rally cars use.
I grew up in Finland Rallying Ford Escorts, Fiat 800's and Saab 99's and The toughest wheels for that were alloys.
They held up much better on the very rough hole filled gravel roads we used to race on.
(and the ditches we ended up in too)
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Originally Posted By: Stu_Rock
I also favor steel wheels over aluminum alloys in most cases. They are so much more rugged. If they get damaged, bend them back and repaint.
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
I forgot how heavy the larger steelies were.
I also favor steel wheels over aluminum alloys in most cases. They are so much more rugged. If they get damaged, bend them back and repaint.
The one exception would probably be for my Park Avenue. For one, it's a "fancy" car that would look a little odd with steelies. But more importantly, weight is an issue. I tracked down a rare 17 inch steel wheel for a full size spare, and the thing is heavy, whereas the OE alloys are very light. The car otherwise has very low unsprung mass, and I wouldn't want to counteract that with heavy wheels (not to mention the backaches that I would get whenever I'd remove a wheel).
I forgot how heavy the larger steelies were.
I've replaced the steel wheels on two cars now with alloys and won't look back. Granted, NC has good roads. If you can stay out of the potholes, alloy wheels usually have a good unsprung mass advantage.
I always thought cast alloys were easier to balance, and it was BECAUSE steel wheels seem to bend out of shape more easily. Or maybe the two parts of the steel wheel weren't lined up EXACTLY true in the jig when they were welded, etc. I've just had much better luck with cast alloys.
I always thought cast alloys were easier to balance, and it was BECAUSE steel wheels seem to bend out of shape more easily. Or maybe the two parts of the steel wheel weren't lined up EXACTLY true in the jig when they were welded, etc. I've just had much better luck with cast alloys.
Kestas
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We perform kerb crash testing at our facility where a wheel assembly is corner-impacted to test our wheel bearings. The guys who run the testing say that sometimes the aluminum wheels are stronger than the steel wheels.
As far as corrosion, I have experience with both types of wheels. Both corrode at the sealing lip and lose air at the 15-20 year mark.
Aluminum rims have gained popularity because they look better. People pay the premium for vanity. They will never pay for themselves for the weight (and gas) savings. This information is from the Aluminum Association.
I personally prefer steel wheels because of the potholes in Michigan. This state is the worst in the country for road conditions.
As far as corrosion, I have experience with both types of wheels. Both corrode at the sealing lip and lose air at the 15-20 year mark.
Aluminum rims have gained popularity because they look better. People pay the premium for vanity. They will never pay for themselves for the weight (and gas) savings. This information is from the Aluminum Association.
I personally prefer steel wheels because of the potholes in Michigan. This state is the worst in the country for road conditions.
HUGE differences in quality among alloy wheels.
There are cheapos and there are expensive super sweets that are light and strong. You can't lump all the alloys together. Typically the factory alloys are awesome, my car shipped with forged aluminum 20 X 9's that are super light and super strong.
It's the aftermarket mfgr's that scare me. Some make fantastic wheels, but others make pure junk!
There are cheapos and there are expensive super sweets that are light and strong. You can't lump all the alloys together. Typically the factory alloys are awesome, my car shipped with forged aluminum 20 X 9's that are super light and super strong.
It's the aftermarket mfgr's that scare me. Some make fantastic wheels, but others make pure junk!
Kestas
Staff member
There are all kinds of foundry technology to make aluminum alloy wheels. Some are just dumb poured. Others are low-pressure casting, kind of a low-pressure injection molding. Some are bottom-poured. Others are mold evacuated (vacuum?, or argon?) before pouring, which showed the least porosity when I was last involved in castings.
Make sure any alloy wheels you buy are DOT approved.
Make sure any alloy wheels you buy are DOT approved.
I prefer steel wheels. That being said I buy vehicles off the lot so I get what ever I can get the best deal on If they are alloy I guess I end up with them . Alloys are prettier though. I really think the super low profile tires just look stupid.
Quote:
You guys must have terrible roads! I've never even heard of someone bending a wheel on a pothole here.
Yes, the roads are bad in the states.
You guys must have terrible roads! I've never even heard of someone bending a wheel on a pothole here.
Yes, the roads are bad in the states.
Steel wheels are not necessarily stronger than aluminum alloy wheels. Aluminum can have a higher strength/weight ratio. It all depends on the alloy and manufacturing process. Aluminum wheels also can have a tighter true and balance. The ligher weight with less unsprung mass can also improve the ride and the excelleration and braking slightly. Aluminum wheels have everything going for them in my opinion except cost.
Both our cars have steelies, I just bought a set of used 16" steelies with Michelin tires for my Camry.
Kestas
Staff member
For those that think aluminum alloy wheels are superior, why don't police cars use them?
Kestas
Staff member
If cost is a factor, then aluminum alloy wheels aren't all that superior. I guess my point is the main reason we use alloy wheels is for looks. Other factors are just a minor bonus.
Rockauto sells "refurbished" oem wheel covers that are very nice. I bought a set for the pontiac, they are like brand new.
I think they were 65 dollars for the set of 4.
I run steel wheels, my girlfriend likes to hit potholes every winter, and bend up the wheels. I take it to a shop for repair, 15 dollars to repair the wheel, and 10 to remount/balance.
I think they were 65 dollars for the set of 4.
I run steel wheels, my girlfriend likes to hit potholes every winter, and bend up the wheels. I take it to a shop for repair, 15 dollars to repair the wheel, and 10 to remount/balance.
I'm debating on removing the alloy's from the Aspire I just got. They look nice but they're a wider than stock steelies. To me it almost screams theives look at me! If I get lucky one of the pick it yards will have a good full set next time I go. It'll even out if I sell the rims after I get the steelies.
On my Grand Marquis I run the 16" Crown Vic Police steel wheels in the winter (with General Altimax Arctics on all four) and go back to the factory aluminum wheels (also 16" with Michelin Harmonys) in the spring. Up here in NH/Mass, everyone that I talk to prefers using the steel wheels in the winter as we usually get some serious potholes here. I know that the strength of the steels are debatable, but they sure are cheaper to fix or replace and that's reason enough for me.
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