If you are reading this, the odds are that you love aftermarket wheels and frequently look around for rims and tires for sale!
That last part is quite understandable given that the biggest brands dominating this mini-world of high-grade aftermarket rims charge a pretty large sum of money for most of their products. Brands like Fuel, Forgiato, Enkei, and XD Wheels are just some examples.
But these rims are much more than mere aesthetics, style, and enhancing the appearance of your vehicle to make it look more aggressive. There is a lot going on behind the scenes.
Have you ever considered why some people prefer a certain model over another even though they might be pretty similar? Or why do some clients prefer Wire Wheels over, say, Bassett Racing Wheel?
The answer lies in the manufacturing materials used. The next section deals with that and will clear up some of the doubts you might have had.
What are the most common materials used to make wheels?
The 3 dominant materials that go into the rims and tires for sale you see at your local retailer are:
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Magnesium
Each of these materials has their pros and cons. For an unbiased comparison, let’s quickly run you through them.
Aluminum wheels
Aluminum is the most widely used raw material across the world. The vast majority of all rims (aftermarket or OEM) are made of aluminum.
Pros
- The material of choice for most major manufacturers including XD Wheels, Enkei, American Racing, and so on.
- Styling, one of the pillars of the aftermarket rims market, is easier when the rims are aluminum.
- These rims are very light. That shaves off a few pounds of useless dead-weight from your vehicle and helps increase mileage.
- Finally, since it dominates the manufacturing segment, newer and hardier types of aluminum are entering the mainstream. One great example is the 6061-grade T6 metal that forms extremely durable alloys.
Cons
- They are not nearly as hardy and as capable of absorbing injuries as their steel cousins.
- Also, aluminum alloy rims like Wire Wheels will cost substantially more than a set of equivalent steel rims.
Stainless steel wheels
During the early days of the automobile, steel was the go-to material for every part including the wheels. Steel was inexpensive and the industry produced enough for America’s needs.
Yet, steel wheels have lost their sheen over the decades. You will be hard-pressed to find multiple sets of steel wheels the next time you check out rims and tires for sale.
Pros
- Stainless steel wheels are the toughest rims you will ever find. They are seemingly immune to road damage.
- These rims are the default choices for wheels purpose-built for uber-heavy vehicles. The reason is obvious- steel will not buckle!
- The cheapest aftermarket and custom rims you will find in the United States are all steel models.
Cons
- They do not come in as many styles as aluminum and other alloys do. Remove this pillar- and you destroy the stable of steel rims and tires for sale.
- These are some of the heaviest models available for commercial use. It doesn’t help one bit in cutting down on fuel charges. Environmentalists have often called for banning steel wheels because of this reason.
- Due to their increased weight, these wheels require a significant push from the engine to achieve traction and acceleration. There are reports that steel Wire Wheels and the likes have often damaged the engine or other crucial parts to an extent, mainly due to the extra exercise the parts need to contribute.
Magnesium alloy (Mags) wheels
Magnesium wheels, fondly called Mags, ruled the streets in the ‘50s and the early ‘60s. They were lightweight and attractive alternatives to other alloys. However, the terrible disaster at 1955’s Le Mans racing championships dented their reputation.
Nowadays, magnesium rims and tires for sale are mostly a callback to the nostalgia of the ‘Motorcar Revolution.’ Over time, they have once again regained a small portion of their acceptability.
Pros
- Magnesium XD Wheels or Fuel rims are the lightest of all the materials you see on this page. They help you save a great deal on fuel.
- Thanks to magnesium alloys gaining in popularity, calcium forms a part of the composition. It makes these wheels harder and a lot more durable.
- These wheels look amazing. Then, there’s the exotic and old-school charm that makes a comeback every few years.
- These rims have excellent damping properties that brush away steel and other materials. They are excellent for on-road navigation, which is why they are often found in the collectors’ corner at events where you’ll find rims and tires for sale.
Cons
- Pure magnesium wheels are flammable and are to be used very carefully.
- Hardly as durable as steel or aluminum rims.
- Can be pretty expensive.
A few last words
Before you decide on a set of expensive Wire Wheels, ensure that you are receiving all the bells and whistles (and warranties) that original products come bundled with.
Go for aluminum rims for almost every requirement. Else, steel will be your friend!
