{"id":94992,"date":"2023-10-20T07:32:04","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T14:32:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogv2prod.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=94992"},"modified":"2024-01-03T19:49:29","modified_gmt":"2024-01-04T03:49:29","slug":"the-pros-and-cons-of-different-types-of-wheels","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carparts.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-different-types-of-wheels\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Wheels"},"content":{"rendered":"\nReading Time: <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n

Upgrading your vehicle’s wheels is one of the most common modifications out there, but with all the options on the market, where do you even begin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning about the different types of wheels<\/a> is a great place to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Types of Car Wheels Based on Material<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re thinking of upgrading your wheels, consider choosing among the different types of wheels based on their material, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alloy Wheels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alloy wheels might not be the cheapest choice out there, but that doesn’t mean you should write them off. After all, they’re one of the most common wheel types out there for a reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the long run, alloy wheels can help you save a little money on fuel over time compared to other wheel types. Alloy wheels are typically lighter than other types, so your vehicle will likely consume less fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But don’t expect to see an increase you can measure. The difference will be very slight, but alloy wheels are, according to some sources, 40% lighter than steel wheels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, alloy wheels aren’t the strongest type out there. They’re more prone to cracking and bending, which can be a dealbreaker for some.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note, however, that many new vehicles come with alloy wheels that last the entire life of the vehicle without a single bend or crack. Any wheel can be damaged by the trauma of running over curbs and through potholes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steel Wheels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re looking for the cheapest option on the market, then you don’t have to look any further than steel wheels. They’re the go-to option for many, mostly because of how affordable they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, steel wheels aren’t cheap, they’re just cheaper than alloy wheels. New stamped steel wheels can cost as little as $70, but some are as high as $150 depending on the vendor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"steel
Steel wheels for vehicles will typically have holes like the ones on the left. This makes the wheel lighter without compromising the strength of the wheel. Meanwhile, old-fashioned steel wheels look more like the wheel on the right. | Image Source: Richard McCuistian<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Of course, steel wheels aren’t just more affordable. They’re stronger than most wheel types, so they’re a lot less resistant to bending or cracking.<\/p>\n\n\n