Are you unsure what wheels your car needs?
Your car wheels are an important element of your car and have a big impact on the look and feel of how it drives. You want to make sure you choose the right wheel type to fit your needs. But with so many choices out there, it can be hard to know which is best.
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Keep reading for our guide to the different types of car wheels so you can make the right choice.
Conventional Steel Wheels
The most common type of car wheels is the standard steel rim wheel. They’ve been in use since cars first came on the scene and quality has improved over the years.
They’re usually made from pressed steel sheets forged into the required shape. They’re cheap to make and buy but they can cost in other ways. For example, fuel consumption increases due to their weight. You can find out more here at: Ozzytyres.com.au.
Modern Alloy Wheels
To reduce the weight and add more strength a lot of modern wheels consist of lightweight alloys. Most contain aluminum because it has a great strength-to-weight ratio. Added in for more strength are materials like:
- Magnesium
- Nickel
- Titanium
These wheels are lighter and more fuel-efficient. They’re also better at conducting heat so can be more effective at removing breaking heat. While more expensive than steel, the cost usually pays for itself due to fuel savings.
Forged vs Cast Wheels
There are two main ways to make wheel rims. The first is forging them from pieces of hot metal. They’re pressed into shape and heat-welded from a few separate pieces.
You can also cast them from molten metal that you force into a mold of the shape you want. Steel rims usually use the method of forging to make them.
Alloy wheels usually use the latter and tend to be cheaper due to cast wheels being easier to make. Though this depends on the materials.
Forged rims are often stronger though due to the materials they’re made from. Both will handle most types of car tires. The process of casting can introduce flaws and weaknesses. This can undermine the structural integrity of cast rims.
The process of making forged rims from metal pieces has ways of reducing these flaws in the metal. Hot-pressing them to their shape will also provide better internal structure. This is in comparison with the turbulent flow of using cast metal.
Chrome-Coated Wheels
For most cheap wheels they’re painted to stop corrosion from setting in. Some keep their natural surface even if corrosion-resistant materials make up the rim.
For more expensive options they’ll use chromium to protect from corrosion. This provides a surface layer of extra protection for the wheel.
Chrome wheels are also desirable due to the shine the chrome gives them. It makes them look smart and fashionable, adding a touch of class to any car. For people who care about how their car looks, they’re often the top choice.
Types of Car Wheels: Know Your Options
So, there you have it! Now you know the difference between these types of car wheels you’ll be able to work out what is right for you.
If you’re on a budget but don’t want to compromise on strength, then standard steel is for you. They won’t cost as much for the initial outlay but watch out for increased fuel consumption. If you can afford to spend a little more at the time of replacing, then alloy is a better choice.
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