The Pros and Cons of Alloy Wheels

Pros

Improved Handling

Due to their construction, alloy wheels are more rigid than steel wheels, and this can greatly improve cornering and handling. Because alloys are essentially harder than standard steel wheels, there’s less roll and movement through the corners, so you can expect a tighter, more agile feel on the road.

Durability

Do you have a lot of potholes in your area? While you won’t want to crash through them with a new set of alloys on your car, they’re less likely to cause damage to an alloy wheel than a steel wheel. Again, this comes down to their construction; steel wheels are softer and more likely to bend and buckle when they receive a hard knock, whereas alloys are tougher and should be more durable in the long term.

Improved Disc Brake Performance

A basic steel wheel is a vented cylinder covered with a plastic wheel trim. This is a standard setup on older or inexpensive cars, but it does have its drawbacks. For example, disc brakes don’t receive as much ventilation, so they dissipate heat slower, affecting performance. Alloy wheels allow for better air circulation, improving the performance of disc brakes.

Better Tyre Options

Depending on the alloys you choose, you might find that you have a better range of tyres to choose from when it comes to replacing them. Some wheel sizes have a wider range of tyre options than others.