Are you looking for alloy wheels? It can be difficult to find the right set of alloy wheels, given the variety of make, model, size, shape, and material options.
We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to buying alloy wheels. It includes all the information you need to choose the right wheels for your vehicle. We can help you find the right alloys for your car, no matter what reason you have. Navigate the guide using the links below.
What Are Alloy Wheels?
An alloy wheel is a car wheel made of an alloy such as aluminum or magnesium. They are lighter than standard steel wheels and can be used to improve handling and fuel economy.
Many new cars come standard with alloy wheels, especially top-of-the-range models and premium brands. You can also buy them aftermarket from OEMs (original equipment makers) like Volkswagen and third-party producers such as Proline and Alutec.
Many people purchase alloy wheels to make their cars look sportier. We list some of the benefits that alloy wheels offer, which we will discuss below.
Are Wheels and Rims the same thing?
Although the terms “wheel” and “rim” are often used interchangeably, they are very different. The entire metal structure of the wheel includes the rim, disc and hub. The outer edge that holds the tire in its place is called the rim. It can be made of steel, alloy, or chrome.
Below we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of alloys compared to steel, but first, let’s talk about chrome rims. While chrome may seem like the best option for car wheels, it is important to remember that you will not be getting solid chrome. Chrome rims can be an option. This means you will get an alloy or steel wheel with chrome finishes. The chrome finish is usually reserved for show cars and doesn’t improve performance.
The Pros & Cons of Alloy Wheels
Pros
Improved Handling
Alloy wheels are much more rigid than standard steel wheels. This can improve handling and cornering. You can expect an alloy wheel to feel tighter and more agile on the road, as it is harder than standard steel wheels.
Durability
Are there a lot of potholes around your neighborhood? You won’t want your car to be pushed through potholes with new alloys, but they are less likely to cause damage to alloy wheels than steel wheels. This is due to the way they are made. Steel wheels can bend easily and buckle if they are given a hard knock. Alloys, on the other hand, are stronger and should last longer.
Improved Disc Brake Performance
Basic steel wheels are vented cylinder that is covered with plastic trim. Although this is the most common setup for older cars or cheaper cars, it has its limitations. Disk brakes, for example, don’t get as much ventilation, so heat is dissipated slower. Alloy wheels improve disc brake performance by allowing for more air circulation.
More Tyre Options
You might find you have more options for replacing your tires depending on which alloy you choose. There are different sizes of wheels that offer a greater variety of tire options. Make sure you shop around so you can find the right alloys for your wheel.
Cons
Ride Comfort
Although alloy wheels can improve handling, they may not offer the same ride comfort as standard steel wheels. This is due to alloy being more rigid and less forgiving than steel. You might feel a little more vibration and tire noise.
Price
The most costly modification you can make to your car is alloy wheels. They cost around PS65-PS250 per wheel. However, there are often great deals to be found.
Other Overheads
The cost of tires is another factor to consider when buying alloys. You will need to purchase a new set of tires in addition to the cost of the alloys. This is especially true if the alloys you purchased have large, expensive, low-profile tires. This is something you should think about before making a purchase.
Damage
Steel wheels have the advantage of replacing the plastic trim when it starts to wear or gets scratched. Alloy wheels can be costly to replace. Make sure you don’t bump into curbs if you buy a set.
Insurance
You must inform your insurance company about adding alloy wheels to your vehicle. This is considered a modification. This could impact the price of your insurance, depending on how high you are paying. You could lose your insurance if you don’t tell your insurer.
What Are Alloy Wheels Right for My Car?
Do you want to know which alloy wheels will fit your car? There are several ways to search alloys so that you can quickly find the right model and makes for your vehicle. We will take a look at all the options available when purchasing an alloy wheelset.
Find alloy wheels according to size.
Searching by size will allow you to find a variety of alloys that are compatible with your needs. The sizes of all alloys are listed in inches. The smallest is 10″, and the largest is 30″. To determine the right size alloy for your vehicle, click here.
Find alloy wheels for your vehicle.
It’s easier than ever to find the right alloy wheels to fit your car. Many websites allow you to search by make and model to locate compatible alloys quickly. There are many options for almost all cars. However, it is important to double-check the compatibility and size of your wheels before purchasing.
Find Alloy Wheels by Number
The easiest and most precise way to locate alloy wheels for your car is your car’s registration number. Many mainstream alloy wheel suppliers allow you to enter your reg number and display the sizing information. This allows you to double-check that the wheels are correct quickly.
How To Buy and Fit Alloy Wheels
The next step in alloy shopping is to purchase them and have them fitted. This guide will show you how to order alloy wheels online.
- Search for the best alloy wheels for your car. Please make sure they are the right size and fully compatible.
- Arrange to fit – When you purchase an alloy set, it will not normally be delivered directly to your home. You will arrange for a fitting at a partner service provider, e.g., You will arrange a fitting at a service partner, e.g., a local garage where the alloys can be shipped.
- Attend the fitting – Once you have received confirmation that your alloys have arrived at your garage, bring your car to be fitted. It can take up to an hour, depending on where you are located.
Although this is not true for all alloy wheels, it can give you some insight into what to expect when buying alloy wheels online.
It’s important to take care of alloys once you have invested. This will ensure that they last for a long time and keep their appearance. To remove dirt and prevent corrosion, use an acid-free cleaner such as Ultracare Alloy Cleaner.