How to choose the perfect alloy wheels for your car: A complete guide

Alloy wheels were once only seen on cars that were considered premium. Today, however, even something as modest as a Maruti Suzuki Wagon R gets the option of alloy wheels. Given that manufacturers are switching to equipping more of their cars with alloy wheels (as opposed to steel wheels), it’s important to understand that their utility goes beyond simply serving as an aesthetic upgrade. The perfect alloy wheel selection will not only elevate the visual appeal of your car, but also improve its performance, handling, and overall driving experience.

Given the number of options available in the market today, picking the right set of alloy wheels can be overwhelming. Help, as they say, is on the way. In our guide to choosing the perfect alloy wheels for your car, we will go over the basics, their advantages and disadvantages, what brands supply them, and their cost, in addition to a few more key points. 

Become a part of the official CARS24 auto community; CLUTCH, where we host lively auto discussions, updates, and more.

Understanding the basics of alloy wheels

Alloy wheels, whether factory-fitted, or equipped as an aftermarket option, are meant to be an upgrade over the more common steel wheels. They’re intended to enhance the visual appeal of the car in question, but, the right alloy wheels also help improve the overall performance of the car, be it in terms of durability, handling, and even fuel economy. Before we dive deeper into how they’re useful, it’s important to understand what exactly alloy wheels are.

What are alloy wheels?

As the name suggests, alloy wheels are typically made from a mixture of a metal and other materials. They are typically stronger, and lighter than steel wheels, which helps improve the handling characteristics and fuel economy.

Alloy wheels can be fitted directly from your car’s manufacturer, or they can be bought separately from a preferred aftermarket car parts shop. 

Why are alloy wheels popular?

It would not be a stretch to suggest that one of the biggest draws about alloy wheels is the aesthetic upgrade they provide over regular steel wheels. The most obvious appeal about alloy wheels is the fact that they can be had in countless combinations of designs, construction, and sizes.

Moreover, alloy wheels are also being recognized for their ability to improve key aspects about the vehicle, such as its handling characteristics, the durability it provides over a steel wheel, and even the increased fuel efficiency alloy wheels promise.

Types of alloy wheels

There are various kinds of alloy wheels on offer today. They are typically a mixture of metal and other elements. The different combinations create varying alloys that have different properties. Each of them has a distinct look and feel, as well as variations in performance.

Aluminium alloys

The most widespread alloys are made with aluminium. The aluminium alloys are lighter than their pure-metal alternatives, but are just as strong. The consensus is that aluminium alloy wheels also tend to look better than other kinds of wheels.

Magnesium alloys

Magnesium alloy wheels are somewhat similar to aluminium alloy wheels: they’re strong, light and aesthetically pleasing. Back in the ‘60s, ‘Mag Wheels’ were on the rise, which were termed as such because the wheels were made entirely from magnesium. The only downside to relying on only magnesium was that the wheels were prone to corrosion that tended to pit and crack over time. Once this became apparent, mag wheels slowly went out of style for mass-production cars, and magnesium alloys came into prominence.

Die casting

Die casting involves putting a metal under intensely high heat. The reason this is a preferred option is that it’s more affordable than other manufacturing methods without affecting quality and corrosion resistance. There are two types of die cast wheels:

1) Low-pressure die casting: In this process, the metal is sealed when heating. The pressurised air then forces the molten metal up a straw-like filler tube into a mould, which then turns into a new solid form to produce an alloy wheel.

2) High-pressure die casting: This process follows a similar flow to low-pressure die casting, where the metal is sealed and poured into a filler tube. The only difference is that a piston pushes the metal into the die quickly under high pressure. Then, once it’s solidified, the alloy wheel is complete.

Forged wheels

Forged wheels are something that’s only seen in high-performance premium vehicles. The reason for that is that the process involved behind forged wheels is labour-intensive and complicated, leading to higher costs. The process involves a mixture of heating, rolling, high pressure, and hammering. Once completed, the alloy’s molecular structure becomes  lighter, stronger, and more solid Forged wheels can be formed in one, two, or three pieces, where the wheel needs to be assembled into the finished product.

Advantages and disadvantages of alloy wheels

Alloy wheels bring with them plenty of advantages. For a start, due to their construction, alloy wheels are more rigid than steel wheels. Better rigidity means there’s less room for flex, so there’s less roll and movement through corners as compared to steel wheels. Overall, this means more predictable handling characteristics for a car.

Alloy wheels are also more durable than steel wheels. The likelihood of sustaining damage when you go over a big pothole is less thanks to an alloy wheel’s structural integrity. There’s also the matter of alloy wheels providing better ventilation and air circulation to disc brakes, thereby improving braking performance to a degree. A typical steel wheel is a vented cylinder covered with a plastic wheel trim, which stifles the amount of air being directed towards the disc brakes comparatively.

That said, alloy wheels aren’t without their flaws. As mentioned earlier, alloy wheels improve handling, but not necessarily the ride comfort. Because they’re more rigid and inflexible, alloy wheels comparatively allow more vibration and tyre noise. Another big disadvantage of alloy wheels is that they’re more expensive than steel wheels. On similar lines, steel wheels will be cheaper to replace in the event of damage taking place.

Best alloy wheels in India

Thanks to the overall demand, there is no shortage of alloy wheel brands in India. Some of the best alloy wheel brands in India are as follows:

1) Neo Wheels: One of the most prominent alloy wheel brands in India is Neo Wheels. They have a wide range of design options in various wheel sizes on offer. Their products’ USPs include ISO 9001:2015 and BIS certifications, and even a limited lifetime structural warranty.
 

2) Borbet: German manufacturer Borbet is another great option that has plenty of alloy wheels on offer. Each Borbet wheel is offered with a two-year warranty on paint and performance, and they even claim that each wheel is individually examined structurally by X-ray.

3) Enkei: Enkei is a renowned Japanese manufacturer of high-quality aluminium alloy wheels that caters to the two-wheeler and four-wheeler market in India. A point to note is that they supply to mass-market brands like Maruti Suzuki, Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki.

4) OZ Racing: The Italian OZ Racing brand has been around since 1971, and shot to fame thanks to its racing ties, which included stints in Formula 1, the WRC, DTM and even IndyCar. Their extensive Indian collection features some very premium, light weight, and high performance alloy wheels.

5) BBS: The American brand, BBS, is known for its lightweight aluminium wheels. They sell their products through authorised dealers, and have been known the world over for their exceptional quality and great performance.

Factors to consider when buying alloy wheels

On the whole, alloy wheels are a great investment for your car if you want an upgrade in terms of aesthetics, performance, and durability. At the same time, it’s important to keep a few crucial points in mind before taking the plunge and upgrading.

1. Wheel size: It’s important to remember that the diameter, width and offset of the alloy wheels you choose will alter your vehicle’s performance, handling, and overall appearance. If not done right, it could negatively impact said factors. It might be tempting to fit larger wheels that give your car a more planted look, but it will also lead to an increase in weight of your vehicle, which will negatively affect fuel economy and acceleration. It’s imperative that you stick to the car manufacturer’s recommended wheel size when carrying out any modifications.

2. Alloy wheel composition: As mentioned earlier, alloy wheels typically consist of aluminium or magnesium. The former tends to be less expensive, which is why they’re widely used. Magnesium wheels generally offer an even lighter and more robust option than aluminium wheels. The trade-off is that magnesium wheels are more susceptible to corrosion, which could reduce its lifespan.

3. Budget constraints: A set of alloy wheels can usually range anywhere between a few thousands all the way into lakhs. The optimal choice of alloys also depends on the buyers budget.

Difference between alloy wheels and steel wheels

Alloy wheels are made from an alloy of metals, typically aluminium or magnesium. On the whole, they are lighter than steel wheels. This leads to improved fuel efficiency, better handling, and enhanced acceleration. Alloy wheels are also known for their aesthetic appeal, offering a wide range of designs and finishes to complement a car's look. However, they are more expensive than steel wheels and are prone to damage from potholes and curbs.

Steel wheels, on the other hand, are made from steel. This makes them more durable and resistant to damage. They are also significantly cheaper than alloy wheels. However, steel wheels are heavier, which can negatively impact a car's performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the consensus is that they are less visually appealing compared to alloy wheels.

If it’s hard to pick between the two, consider the following: if fuel efficiency, handling, and aesthetics are your priorities, and expense isn’t a concern, then alloy wheels make more sense. If budget is a key factor for you, and aesthetics don’t matter as much, steel wheels might be more suitable.

Tips to maintain alloy wheels

As important as it is to pick the right alloy wheels for your car, it’s equally important to maintain them. For the most part, alloy wheels are a component of your car that don't require constant attention, but there are a few things that can be done to keep them at their optimal.

• It’s a good practice to regularly clean your alloy wheels with mild soap water to prevent dirt and grime build-up. Avoid using harsh chemicals for this process, as it may corrode or strip the protective coating on your wheels. 
• You could also consider investing in wheel sealants or ceramic coatings to prolong their life. It’s also a good idea to buff out scratches, scuffs and dent marks by opting for something like a powder coating. 
• Lastly, wheel balancing can help ensure that the tyre and wheel life remains constant among all four corners of the car.

Conclusion

Alloy wheels have the ability to add a lot to your car, not just in terms of aesthetics, but also when it comes to e performance. With more car manufacturers equipping their mass-market cars with alloy wheels, their benefits are being spread to a wider audience.

At the same time, there are also a fair number of aftermarket alloy wheel brands on offer, for those who want to consider an aftermarket switch. While the benefits of alloy wheels are not in doubt, it’s also important to understand what your primary needs are. Steel wheels still have considerable benefits attached to them.

FAQ

Q. Are alloy wheels good for cars?

Yes, alloy wheels are beneficial to cars. They not only provide a visual upgrade, but they also enhance the car's performance.

Q. Which type of alloy wheels are best for a car?

Aluminium alloy wheels are the most commonly used. But for even more lightweight and durable wheels, it’s worthwhile considering magnesium wheels.

Q. What is the average cost of alloy wheels?

Depending on the kind of wheel you consider and the brand, alloy wheels can range from as little as ₹5,000 to as much as ₹1 lakh per wheel.

Q. Are alloy wheels better than steel wheels?

Alloy wheels are lighter, more durable, and provide better performance compared to steel wheels.

Q. Will alloy wheels improve my car’s resale value?

There’s no definitive answer to this, but it’s more than likely that alloy wheels will help with your car’s resale value.