Info Sought About Alloy Wheels

[MyToyotaAvensis]

Dear All,

I have absolutely no idea as to whats the difference between alloy wheels and normal wheels.

Can abybody explain why one is better than the other. I am nearing a tyre change and was thinking that if the tyres are different for normal wheels and alloy wheels, it may be worth looking to change both now.

I have a W reg (2000) Toyota Avensis GLS.

Thanks,

[Norbreck21a]

Alloy wheels vs. Steel Wheels.

Purely cosmetic. Apparently there is supposed to be a slight saving in weight with alloys, but I've never really noticed any. alloys are only for good looks.

There is also no difference between tyres for alloys vs. Steel wheel sfor a given size. By that I mean if you had 15" Steel Wheels with wheel trims fitted to your car, with say Pirelli (or any other makes) 195x60x 15 tyres, and then you wanted to change the steel wheels to Alloy type, provided the Alloy wheels were the same size as the steel's then the tyres would be a straight swap.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Andrew

[animaal]

Can abybody explain why one is better than the other. I am nearing a tyre change and was thinking that if the tyres are different for normal wheels and alloy wheels, it may be worth looking to change both now.

Well, if you're prone to scraping your tyres/wheels on the kerb when you're parking, then alloys will quickly become very ugly (ahem, don't ask me how I know ). The plastic wheel trims that go onto steel wheels should be cheaper to replace.

[Desmond22]

One other thing - alloys are prone to corrosion especially from salt or sea air so they need well protecting. Driving through the surf is not recommended! :D

[MyToyotaAvensis]

Thanks all for the information guys.

[JAHill]

I've been told that you can fit larger brakes with alloys and also that the lower "rolling weight" of alloys means you expend slightly less energy to get the vehicle moving.

Being a keen cyclist, I can understand where the argument for less weight is coming from but the energy saving is probably negligable. As for the larger brakes? I don't know to be honest.

Still, I've got steels and until I need to replace the tyres, they're staying. ;)

Cheers,

Jim

[sjrainsford]

At the end of the day, how big your brakes can be depends on how much room you have inside your wheel. The bigger the wheel diameter, the more room you have for bigger disks/pads. Unless you want wider kit, which just depends on the style of the wheel itself.

You will find that in some instances, steel wheels can be lighter than alloy ones!