Wheels become an afterthought when it comes to purchasing a new car. But if you choose the wrong wheels, it will dampen your driving experience. Thus, you should know what kind of wheels are available in the market and what their merits and demerits are. You also have to factor in your driving habit and road surface while choosing wheels.
Alloy wheels, for example, gives a fancy look to a car and makes it aesthetically pleasing. There are Alloy Wheels Repair Birmingham that are suitable for winter or reduce carbon footprint. We will provide an overview of the different types of wheels in the market.
What Is An Alloy Wheel?
As you can probably figure out from the name, a wheel made from a combination of metals is called an alloy wheel. The most common metals used are magnesium or aluminium. The former is sometimes called ‘mag wheels’. Even though steel wheels technically falls under the alloy wheel criteria as it has both iron and carbon, we consider wheels created from non-ferrous metals as alloy wheels.
Alloy wheels are popular because of their aesthetic look. The production process leaves room for custom and creative designs in the area of powder coating and painting. Thus, you can choose a style that will go with your vehicle.
They don’t weigh a lot, which leads to less fuel consumption and improved car performance through enhanced braking, accelerating, steering and handling. Alloy wheels are also a better option as they last longer. Plus, they can withstand corrosion and dust. So, you don’t have to repair them as much. You can ask for tips from a professional to reduce the likelihood of damage.
What Is A Steel Wheel?
As you can figure out from the name, this kind of wheel is made from steel. They are very strong and do not easily crack, though you can bend or dent the wheels. You can easily restore them to their original shape by using a hammer. So, they can be repaired without much work.
Steel wheels are inexpensive but heavy. Though they are suitable for snowy or wintry conditions, they are not fuel-efficient because of their weight. Moreover, this can adversely affect the handling, acceleration, and suspension.
These wheels are not as attractive as alloy wheels and have limited designs. Though they offer a variety of options in finishing, alloy wheels have more range. It is why many go for the alloy wheels.
Other Types Of Wheels –
Steel wheels are very popular, and alloy wheels are rivaling them. But you can find other types of wheels in the market if none of the above options is for you. One such wheel type is aluminium wheels. They are made either by casting or by forging. This manufacturing process makes sure that wheels have reduced cracking and can endure a lot of pressure.
Another variety of wheels is chrome wheels, which is made by adding a lot of chrome coating to aluminium wheels. Besides having an eye-catching appearance, these wheels can withstand all kinds of climatic conditions. Plus, they don’t rust as much a alloy wheels.
Also Read – HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR TYRES?
If you purchase chrome wheels, you have to maintain them more than other types of wheels. You have to dispose of all the debris and regularly clean it to preserve the sparkling look. Moreover, the chrome coating makes these wheels heavier than others.
What Are Diamond Cut Wheels?
Diamond cut wheels are alloy wheels that have a shiny coating. The production process uses a machine lathe to make a cut in the metal. It creates a further edge, giving a slight indented look that gives a shine. As they are visually appealing, car owners often use them to make their cars look fancier.
Diamond cut wheels have all the advantages of alloy wheels, on top of which they offer a personalised look. They come in a variety of colours, from orange to gunmetal grey.
Alloy wheels are resilient, and thus car owners don’t need to repair or replace them regularly. But when it becomes unavoidable, you should consult a professional. Like tyre-fitting, a qualified mechanic can perform vital tasks and advise you about aftercare. Or else, there remains the risk of damaging the wheels.
What Are Custom Wheels?
Custom wheels are those which are created according to the requirements of the customer. Everything – from height, appearance, weight, to size – is made as per the customer’s needs so that they get the desired results.
People often choose custom wheels to upgrade the car’s look and personalise it. The popular choices for custom wheels are steel, chrome, and diamond-cut alloy wheels. These wheels give a unique look to the vehicle that isn’t replicable.
You can use custom wheels to improve your car’s appearance or driving performance. Consult a professional from Car Service Birmingham if you can’t decide which rims will be the best for you. They can also advise you on the wheel type that will be the best for you. No matter what wheels you choose, they all need proper maintenance. Take care of them diligently, and you will surely receive optimum service.
