Steel or Alloy Wheels: How To Know Which Have The Best Strength
Steel or Alloy Wheels
Wheel manufacturing methods are a strange world of metallurgy and methods of casting and forging. Hopefully the following information can be very helpful to you in selecting the right wheels for their intended purpose.
Steel Wheel
Production Method: Stamped sheet steel
Wheel Purpose: Simple winter and year-round driving in a touring driving style without aggressive driving
Their Limitations: Will not mount race tires or autocross tires, not safe for autocross or road racing
Gravity Cast Wheel
Production Method: Molten metal is poured into a cast and is forced into the mold via gravity
Wheel Purpose: Full spectrum use (touring, winter, semi-aggressive and mild autocross)
Their Limitations: None, but not as strong as high levels of cast or forged
Example: Sport Edition, American Racing, Ultra
Pressurized Cast Wheel (usually with surface treatment)
Production Method: Metal is kept under pressure to help keep air bubbles out
Wheel Purpose: Standard touring to aggressive driving with racing included
Their Limitations: None, strongest of the cast
Example: Some O.Z. Racing, ASA, some BBS, moda
Forged Wheel
Producteion Method: Forced piece of metal, sometimes semi-molten into a mold
Wheel Purpose: Highest strength for the weight, so usually in extreme performance applications
Their Limitations: The high cost
Example: Some O.Z. Racing, some BBS
Does this all matter? Rimsare an aesthetic statement as much as a functional part of your vehicle, but since most of us don’t race, a forged wheel, or even pressurized cast rims that carries a higher price tag may not be necessary.
Choose which wheels you like on your vehicle. Pick two to three options and from there investigate which of your favorites are constructed using the best methods. Pick by look first if you are a casual driver; because for you and your all-season tires, construction won’t really affect your daily commute.
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February 18, 2011
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