Subaru Alloy Wheels Vs Steel Wheels
Most cars these days use either alloy wheels or steel wheels. The choice you make for the type of wheel can affect your car's:
- Performance
- Braking distance
- Noise levels
- General driving experience
If you're not sure which type of wheels to get for your Subaru, you came to the right place. This article will discuss the pros and cons to both types of wheels.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
An alloy wheel is a wheel that is made out of an alloy. An alloy is a metal composed of two or more elements that are combined during the manufacturing process. The most common elements in an alloy wheel are aluminum or magnesium, and a high-strength metal, usually nickel.
Alloy wheels are usually made by casting molten metal into shapes that have been created in a metal mold. The wheel is then:
- Cooled
- Machined to its final shape
- Painted (or finished some other way)
- Coated with an anti-corrosive agent
What Are Steel Wheels?
Steel wheels are a type of wheel typically found on less expensive vehicles today. Until alloy wheels became viable, steel wheels were used on all vehicles. To make a steel wheel:
- The center section is cut and then stamped into shape.
- The rim is formed with high pressure rollers that give it it's cross-sectional shape.
- Another set high pressure tool creates the circular shape.
- The two parts are welded together.
- Paint is applied.
The Pros And Cons Of Having Alloy Wheels On Your Car
So, what are the pros of having alloy wheels on your car? First off, alloy wheels are lighter. This means it takes less energy to move them. To be more specific, less energy must be exerted to accelerate the vehicle. This will improve fuel efficiency, and your vehicle will be slightly quicker than one with heavier steel wheels.
Alloy wheels also dissipate heat better than steel. In warm or hot weather, your tires will run cooler. They also help to dissipate heat from braking.
Many drivers would agree that alloy wheels look better than steel wheels. Many different shapes can be made with the casting process. They don't need chrome plating or powder coating, so the surface is usually smooth and shiny. They come with protective coating, meaning alloy wheels don't rust like unprotected steel wheels. You don't have to worry about corrosion protection.
There are a few cons for alloy wheels. Alloys are usually more expensive than steel wheels. Alloy wheels are more easily scratched, and they are harder to repair than steel wheels. It's also easier for alloy wheels to suffer structural damage, such as cracks.
The Pros And Cons Of Having Steel Wheels On Your Car
Steel wheels offer many advantages. For one, steel is comparatively durable and will not scratch, crack, or crush as easily. For this reason, steel wheels can last a long time. That's why many off-road vehicles sport steel wheels. Steel wheels are also a more cost-effective option than alloy wheels.
There are a few drawbacks to steel wheels, though. Steel wheels are more likely to rust and deteriorate than alloy wheels. Steel wheels can be quite a bit heavier for the car than alloy wheels. This extra weight will cause the car to accelerate and brake more slowly than one with alloy wheels. The extra weight will also cause the ride to be slightly worse.
Summing Up: Which Type Of Wheels Is Better For Your Car?
The answer to this question is the purpose of your vehicle, and which factors are most important to you. For example, if you want a fuel efficient car, get alloy wheels.
A general rule of thumb, though, is alloy wheels are better for daily drivers. Steel wheels are better for off-road vehicles. Many Subaru Outback owners upgrade to steel wheels for off-roading purposes. Another general rule of thumb is alloy wheels are better for high performance vehicles.
You Can Buy OEM Alloy Wheels Or OEM Steel Wheels
You don't have to downgrade to aftermarket wheels because Subaru offers both alloy wheels and steel wheels. If you're in the market for OEM wheels but you don't want to pay full price for them, visit our website. We carry many different OEM alloy and steel wheels for a variety of Subaru applications. Look up your Subaru model in our large catalog of wheels to see which OEM options are available for your vehicle!