If you have always loved the sleek and stylish appearance of alloy wheels, but refrained from buying them for various reasons such as their expense, their relative lack of durability, or because you feel that it would be a frivolous waste of money, you might be in for a surprise!

Let’s have a look at these (inaccurate) beliefs – perhaps after reading this you will get stylish alloy wheels at The Wheel Guys after all, to enjoy all the features and benefits of alloys first hand!

Disclaimer: This post is a collaboration

Are Alloy Wheels Expensive?

Alloy wheels not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your car but also contribute to a more comfortable road journey by reducing the unsprung weight of the vehicle, which can improve handling and ride quality. The price of alloy wheels has reduced over time until they are not all that much more than their steel counterparts, so yes, alloy wheels are a little more expensive than steel wheels, but the corresponding claim, that alloy wheels are weaker and more prone to breakage (cracking and distorting) are no longer true.

Alloy wheels should last just as long (if not longer – see the next point) as steel wheels, and the cost difference is small enough for stepping up to alloys to be very tempting indeed to drivers who want to ‘bling up’ their car a bit.

Are There Any Advantages to Fitting Alloys Wheels?

Alloy wheels were first seen on racetracks – and that was definitely not just because they looked good! They did look good, but alloys imparted many advantages to cars that were fitted with them: the reduction in sprung weight meant that race cars could more easily get up to speed, and that they would respond much quicker to the steering wheel and brakes, both essential advantages when travelling at lethally high speeds around a circuit!

But there are more advantages too: fitting alloys to your car will give you those advantages, but also reduce your fuel bill (as long as you’re not whizzing around town as fast as race cars do) and lessen the load on your suspension system, as you drive from your South Croydon home to beautiful Newcastle Upon Tyne to admire the many bridges spanning the river, the imposing docks and thriving restaurant and night-life.

The lighter weight and superior design of alloy wheels help smooth out the bumps and vibrations of the road, ensuring a more pleasant journey all the way to your destination. Additionally, their enhanced heat dissipation reduces the risk of brake overheating, providing safer and more reliable performance during long drives.

How Do Alloys Make My Road Journeys More Comfortable?

Comfort on the road isn’t just about plush seats or good suspension; the type of wheels you choose can make a big difference. Alloy wheels, with their lighter construction, help minimize the strain on your vehicle and improve the overall driving experience. This lighter weight enhances ride smoothness, particularly when navigating rough or uneven terrain.

The main difference between alloy wheels and steel wheels is, as stated earlier, the reduction in weight. However, the weight of the wheels is unsprung, which is to say that none of the weight is supported by the suspension system. This is an important fact: sprung weight is spread evenly over all four wheels, by the suspension, whereas unsprung weight (such as the wheels) presses down directly onto the ground and therefore the wheels must be moved and manipulated with more effort than any weight that is supported and evenly distributed by the suspension.

It is said that a few pounds of unsprung weight can have more impact that two or three times that amount of sprung weight, so the reduction of even a few pounds can have a dramatic effect on your ride, making it infinitely more comfortable for you and your passengers.