Alloy Wheels vs Steel Wheels: Which One Should You Go For?
car&bike Team
1 min read
Nov 26, 2015, 02:53 AM
Some drivers spend quite a good amount of money on alloy wheels for their cars. Is it all about looks, or is there a technical reason behind it?
Steel and alloy wheels are the two most common types of wheels used in cars. There are a few other types like carbon fibre as well, but those are quite rare. The main differences between alloy and steel wheels lie in their durability, strength and appearance.
Lower-priced new cars, and many older cars, come standard with wheels made from steel. Steel is the metal of choice for most parts of a car, as it is cheap and can be made into different shapes quite easily. So it has always been an obvious choice to use for wheels. But more and more cars are now equipped with wheels made from alloys, which are stronger and lighter than steel, and improve the appearance of the car.
Advantages of alloy wheels
Alloy wheels are made of an alloy of light metals, namely aluminium, nickel, magnesium, or a combination of these metals. They offer performance advantages over steel wheels, as they are often several pounds lighter per wheel - less weight means quicker acceleration and faster stopping. Less weight also means less strain on suspension components. In extreme driving conditions, alloy wheels are better able to dissipate heat away from brake components than their steel counterparts.
Benefits of steel wheels
First off, alloy wheels - particularly forged aluminium alloys - are more expensive than steel wheels, mainly because of differences in production techniques. Steel wheels are also more easily repaired than alloys, as steel can often be hammered back into place when bent. On the other hand, alloy wheels tend to break or crack more easily under impact than their steel counterparts.
Cosmetic differences
Visual differences are, for many drivers, the primary factor in whether to purchase steel or alloy wheels. Alloys are more conducive to complex styling of the wheel itself and improve the overall looks of the car.
So should you go for alloy or steel wheels? It's not as simple as making a choice between 'this' or 'that'. A buyer needs to weigh the pros and cons of both types and take personal preferences and the vehicle's needs into consideration before deciding on the best option.
Steel and alloy wheels are the two most common types of wheels used in cars. There are a few other types like carbon fibre as well, but those are quite rare. The main differences between alloy and steel wheels lie in their durability, strength and appearance.
Lower-priced new cars, and many older cars, come standard with wheels made from steel. Steel is the metal of choice for most parts of a car, as it is cheap and can be made into different shapes quite easily. So it has always been an obvious choice to use for wheels. But more and more cars are now equipped with wheels made from alloys, which are stronger and lighter than steel, and improve the appearance of the car.
Advantages of alloy wheels
Alloy wheels are made of an alloy of light metals, namely aluminium, nickel, magnesium, or a combination of these metals. They offer performance advantages over steel wheels, as they are often several pounds lighter per wheel - less weight means quicker acceleration and faster stopping. Less weight also means less strain on suspension components. In extreme driving conditions, alloy wheels are better able to dissipate heat away from brake components than their steel counterparts.
Benefits of steel wheels
First off, alloy wheels - particularly forged aluminium alloys - are more expensive than steel wheels, mainly because of differences in production techniques. Steel wheels are also more easily repaired than alloys, as steel can often be hammered back into place when bent. On the other hand, alloy wheels tend to break or crack more easily under impact than their steel counterparts.
Cosmetic differences
Visual differences are, for many drivers, the primary factor in whether to purchase steel or alloy wheels. Alloys are more conducive to complex styling of the wheel itself and improve the overall looks of the car.
So should you go for alloy or steel wheels? It's not as simple as making a choice between 'this' or 'that'. A buyer needs to weigh the pros and cons of both types and take personal preferences and the vehicle's needs into consideration before deciding on the best option.
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
car&bike Team | Feb 12, 20262026 MG Majestor SUV: In PicturesAlong with the new positioning, the SUV features a heavily updated design and styling; here’s a detailed look at it in pictures.1 min read
car&bike Team | Feb 12, 2026Tata Punch EV Facelift Spotted Ahead Of February 20 LaunchThe Punch EV facelift appears to be identical to the ICE counterpart.4 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Feb 12, 2026MG Majestor SUV Unveiled In India Ahead Of April 2026 LaunchReplacing the Gloster in the lineup, the Majestor will be the new MG flagship SUV in India, and deliveries will begin in the month of May.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Feb 12, 2026Mahindra Eyes Increasing Production Capacity Of ICE & Electric SUVs By Up To 7,000 Units Per Month By Q2 FY2027Carmaker said that currently models such as the Bolero, Bolero Neo and XUV 3XO are being manufactured at peak capacity.3 mins read
Carandbike Team | Feb 11, 2026MG Majestor India Launch Today: What To Expect?Essentially an updated version of the MG Gloster, the new Majestor will be positioned as a more premium derivative, taking on rivals like the Toyota Fortuner.3 mins read
car&bike Team | Feb 12, 2026End Of The Road For Diesel Vehicles? Niti Aayog Pushes For Adoption Of Cleaner FuelsIn its latest report, Niti Aayog has advocated the use of cleaner fuels like CNG while doing a gradual phase out of Diesel technology1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 12, 2026BMW X3 30 xDrive M Sport Review: The Driver’s SUV ReturnsRange-toppingX3 30 xDrive M Sport brings back the fun with 255bhp and genuine enthusiast appeal. Does this performance-focused SUV stand out?5 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 11, 2026Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe Review: The Goldilocks AMG?The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 Coupe is a concoction of hooliganistic performance and everyday usability. Here’s why this Rs 1.5 crore two-door AMG might be the perfect modern sports coupe for India.6 mins read
Girish Karkera | Feb 11, 2026Toyota Ebella EV Review: Compact And Fun-To-Drive With The Promise Of Stress-Free AftersalesNo hiding the fact that it is a clone of the Maruti Suzuki eVitara, but the first all-electric Toyota in India is reasonably well-rounded8 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 10, 2026Tata Punch EV Long Term Review: Small EV With A Big-Hearted PersonalityWith the new Punch EV Facelift just around the corner, we decided to take a look at what it excels at and what could be improved.7 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Feb 4, 2026Volkswagen Tayron R-Line Review: Sensible Flagship For IndiaVolkswagen has introduced a made-in-India flagship SUV that offers space, comfort, performance, and German driving finesse in a practical three-row package. But is the Tayron R-Line good enough?6 mins read