What wheels to choose for the winter?
The arrival of winter can entail not only the replacement of tires, but also the need to replace disks. What type of rim is the best choice for this time of year? Below you will learn about the pros and cons of using steel and aluminum rims in winter.
Undoubtedly, Polish drivers most often choose steel wheels for winter. – says Filip Bisek, rim department coordinator at Felgi.pl – However, nothing prevents you from reaching for aluminum wheels. Riding any of these types of discs is just as safe. – explains.
Steel rims are a more economical solution, suitable for people with moderate requirements for the appearance of a car in winter. Remember that steel rims should be handled in the same way as aluminum rims. Carelessness in this matter creates the basis for damage and, as a result, corrosion, which, after its occurrence, will develop rapidly. The worst solution is to install steel rims, on which traces of corrosion are already visible after the previous season. Riding rims in this condition will cause rust to cover most of the rim surface in a very short time. The biggest advantage of steel rims is that they are easier and cheaper to repair, and if it happens that the rims are no longer repairable, then buying another set of steel rims is cheaper than buying a new set of aluminum rims.
Steel rim varnish has the same durability as aluminum rim varnish. However, their design is more prone to deformation than aluminum wheels. Of course, you also have to be careful to only invest in branded products, because Chinese rims are dangerous for us and other road users - they can crack, which creates a high risk of an accident and is life threatening. It is always better to invest in a set of good quality rims than to spend a lot more on repairing a car because of poor quality.
The choice of aluminum rims has two important advantages - the car looks more attractive than on steel rims, and in addition, the right set of aluminum rims can be driven all year round, avoiding the need to buy a second set of steel rims. . Many drivers still believe that aluminum rims are not resistant to a lot of sand and road salt, which are typical for Polish winter streets. This theory is only true for chrome and polished alloy wheels. They are actually covered with a finer protective layer, making them more vulnerable to the adverse effects of winter conditions. They are not suitable for winter installation. The surface of other aluminum rims is just as resistant as the lacquer of steel rims. This is due to the fact that before entering the market, aluminum wheels are aged in salt baths for several hours. These procedures test how the rim behaves in a typical winter aura.
When buying aluminum wheels for the winter, you should choose from simpler designs. The uncomplicated design guarantees easy access to all elements of the rim, and proper care is just as important here as with steel rims. Excessive dirt can scratch the surface of the rim, which can damage the protective layer of the rim and lead to oxidation. When it comes to construction, aluminum rims are more durable than steel rims. Of course, a hard curb impact can damage both steel and aluminum rims, but in everyday life, aluminum rims have a stronger construction.
When choosing wheels for the winter, you must answer the question of whether you care more about the appearance of the car in winter (then you should choose aluminum wheels) or comfort. As for the latter aspect, it is worth investing in feathers in winter and aluminum rims in summer. With two sets of rims (one for winter and one for summer), you will avoid the cost of changing tires, and seasonal tire changes will be much faster. This solution definitely dominates among Polish drivers. The choice is yours.
