Aluminum rims vs steel - facts and myths
The advantages of aluminum wheels are in the appearance and better handling of the car. Disadvantages - many drivers talk about the higher price and susceptibility to damage. They are right?
Ronal's Rafal Romanski is trying to debunk the myths about aluminum and steel rims.
Aluminum rims have a short lifespan and are too soft for our roads.
Rafal Romanski: It's a myth. Steel discs are even softer and more prone to damage, and the regeneration process is cheaper and easier. Plasticity in the case of aluminum wheels is their advantage, not a disadvantage. With a slight impact, the rim is deformed, but not broken. Thanks to this, the air from the tire does not escape as quickly, and therefore we are less susceptible to sudden changes in the track.
The quality of discs from well-known manufacturers is confirmed, among other things, by numerous endurance tests. Before being put into production, each prototype undergoes rigorous testing in factories, such as impact testing, flexural fatigue testing, or load simulation.
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In addition, the discs are X-rayed, which guarantees the detection of material defects at the manufacturing stage. Of course, not only the prototype units are subjected to detailed tests: the production of each batch of rims is accompanied by a certain control process and mandatory x-rays and leak tests.
Aluminum rims are lighter than steel rims.
This is a myth that I encounter quite often. Due to the manufacturing process and design requirements of an aluminum rim, it contains more material and as a result may weigh slightly more than a steel rim.
Currently, in the production of aluminum wheels of the highest quality, Flow-Forming technology is used, which consists in rolling the wheels after casting. Thanks to this, it is possible to achieve not only a low weight of the rim, but also an increased structural strength.
The lightest and strongest discs are made by forging. However, they are much more expensive than traditional alloy wheels.
Alloy wheels improve brake cooling.
Although this is not the main function of the rim, I must agree that it has a significant effect on the ventilation of the brake system. First of all, this is due to the material from which it is made. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat: it absorbs heat from the brake discs and thus contributes to their cooling.
Smaller discs improve driving comfort.
Undoubtedly, the higher the tire profile, the more comfortable the ride, but also the less confident cornering. In connection with the terrible quality of our roads, it is worth mentioning that a larger rim with low profile tires is always more prone to damage, because the rubber does not protect it, as is the case with high profile tires. .
Therefore, when choosing a rim size, we must ask ourselves the question: what is more important to us: appearance or travel comfort? Everyone should find their golden mean (after all, the perception of comfort is a very subjective matter).
Aluminum rims are not recommended for winter.
It is a myth. The main problem is the products that are sprinkled on the surface of the streets in winter and which can contribute to the destruction of the surface of aluminum rims. Remember that mechanical damage accelerates the oxidation of aluminum, which causes degradation of the paintwork. Therefore, it is worth choosing discs from well-known manufacturers that are adapted for operation in winter conditions due to anti-corrosion coatings.
When buying wheels for the winter, pay attention to whether it will be possible to mount snow chains. Not every aluminum rim/tire combination offers this capability.
It is important to choose wheels only from trusted manufacturers, which guarantee not only good casting, but also a properly prepared wheel surface. Also remember about proper care, because this is the main factor that will allow you to enjoy the rim all year round.
Aluminum rims are difficult to clean.
Of course, regular care of aluminum wheels has a significant impact on their durability and service life, so it is worth paying more attention to it. Are discs difficult to clean? I think a lot depends on the design of the rim and our desire. The classic five-spoke shape and smooth surfaces are easier to clean than discs with a so-called spoke pattern or many nooks and crannies.
However, aluminum rim owners should remember that not only the regularity of wheel cleaning is important, but also the quality of the process. Hard-to-reach places on rims are best cleaned by hand. There are many different ways to care for aluminum rims that give your rims that extra shine. However, it is important to follow the instructions for using this tool, as too long exposure to aggressive substances on the disc can damage the paintwork.
Alloy wheels look better.
Aesthetics has always been and will always be an individual matter, but the fact is that alloy wheels give the car a unique, inimitable style. There are many disc options on the market as aluminum itself (as a material) is extremely easy to work with and offers endless design possibilities.
Each car owner can choose a rim according to individual preferences, depending on what effect he wants to achieve. If we focus on classics and elegance, then we will definitely choose wheels with a silver finish. Drivers who value the dynamic, sporty character of the car will choose different color variations. As for patterns and colors, there are no restrictions in this matter.
Installation must be carried out by specialists.
Reputable garages or specialized tire shops usually have the knowledge, professional staff, equipment and facilities that are used to assemble aluminum rims. In fast-fit services, the exchange can be not only reliable, but also express. I would advise you to entrust the assembly of disks to specialists from a trusted workshop who will not damage them when installing aluminum disks.
Feathers are cheaper than alloy wheels.
In many cases, this is a myth. As a rule, alloy wheels are sold with a complete mounting kit. In the case of steel rims, we often have to buy the appropriate bolts or nuts to assemble them. Keeping in mind the aesthetics of the car, we must prepare for the next expense - hubcaps (it can even be more than PLN 600 per set). The price of alloy wheels is mainly determined by the quality.
Expensive products cost even a few, a dozen or so thousand PLN, but many proven products are already available at affordable prices. However, I would caution against cheaper, nice-looking fakes of questionable quality. When buying discs, you should choose branded goods, confirmed by TUV and PIMOT certificates Source: Ronal/Samar.pl
