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
Trending News
1 min readTriumph Tracker 400: In Pictures
Latest News
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025KTM 160 Duke With TFT Dash launched At Rs 1.79 LakhThe 5-inch colour TFT dash is borrowed from the 390 Duke and is shared across the brand’s sub-400cc lineup.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 2025Lamborghini Urus Seized By Cops Following Viral Clip Of Speeding On Bandra-Worli Sea LinkThe car was seized after a video of it allegedly overspeeding on the Bandra–Worli Sea Link, where the speed limit is capped at 80 kmph, went viral.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Dec 18, 20252025 Ducati XDiavel V4 India Launch Details RevealedThe new Ducati XDiavel V4 will be launched towards the end of December 2025 and will sit alongside the standard Ducati Diavel V4.3 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Maruti WagonR Swivel Front Seat Kit Launched: Check Price, AvailabilityBangalore-based startup TrueAssist Technology Private Limited has developed a mechanism that allows the front passenger seat to swivel outwards, in a bid to improve accessibility for the aged and persons with disabilities.2 mins read
Amaan Ahmed | Dec 18, 2025Nissan Gravite MPV (Renault Triber Derivative) To Be Launched Early In 2026Nearly seven years on from the launch of the MPV it shares its underpinnings with arrives Nissan's entry-level 7-seat model; to debut in January.2 mins read
Jafar Rizvi | Dec 18, 2025Tata Sierra Pure, Pure+ Variants Explained In PicturesThe Pure trim of the Sierra is priced from Rs 12.49 lakh to Rs 17.49 lakh (ex-showroom), depending on the powertrain option. Here is a breakdown of what it gets.3 mins read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 18, 2025Mercedes-Benz G450d: The Subtle Power of EvolutionThe Mercedes-Benz G 450d evolves subtly with more power, improved efficiency, and modern tech, while staying true to the timeless G-Class design. And character.4 mins read
Janak Sorap | Dec 11, 2025Harley-Davidson X440 T First Ride Review: Smarter and SharperHarley-Davidson has taken the X440 and given it a more focused and engaging twist. The result is the X440 T—essentially the same platform but updated in areas that give the motorcycle more appeal and riders more thrill.5 mins read
Shams Raza Naqvi | Dec 10, 20252025 Mini Cooper Convertible Review: More Colour On Indian RoadsThe updated Mini Cooper Convertible is set to be launched in the Indian market in the next few days. We drive it around Jaisalmer for a quick review.1 min read
Bilal Firfiray | Dec 8, 2025Tata Sierra Review: India’s New Favourite?Marking its return after a few decades, the reborn Sierra has made everyone sit up and take notice. But is it worth the hype?10 mins read
Girish Karkera | Dec 4, 20252026 Honda Prelude First Drive: Domesticated Civic Type RA sporty-looking coupe built to give customers a taste of performance but not at the expense of everyday practicality.5 mins read