Many new cars now come with alloy wheels as standard. Whilst these were once seen as a more luxurious ‘add on’ feature on a motor vehicle, it’s now the case that they often come as the pre-chosen option for manufacturers when building the car.
So what are the benefits of alloy wheels?
A nicer look
Alloy wheel are far nicer to look at than hubcaps or steel wheels, and give the car are more rounded, sleeker look overall. Whilst hubcaps can be a bit unsightly and make the wheels seem like a separate entity from the car somehow, alloys make them appear as a real integral part of the vehicle’s design. The downside to this is that they are far more expensive to replace – whilst alloy wheel repair can be carried out, it can be expensive depending on the extent of the damage. On the other hand, replacement hubcaps can be bought for as little as £20-£30.
Much lighter
In comparison to wheels that are made from steel, alloy metals are a far lighter material. As the wheels are not supported by the suspension of the vehicle, it means that a heavier weight can really have a negative impact on the performance of the car. Therefore, those with alloy wheels will enjoy better road handling and cornering grip and be far more enjoyable to drive.
Improves fuel economy
The improved weight of the car with alloy wheels also means that you will be using less fuel when you drive. The fact that they are lighter means that it takes less energy from the car to start spinning the wheels, which, when connected to the road, moves the vehicle in a forward direction. The fact that you can get up to speed easier (though you may not even realise it) is helping you to save money on petrol in the long run, which almost helps to justify any increase in cost you have had to pay to get a vehicle with them on. It’s particularly beneficial for cars which are driven regularly in urban areas where the chances of having to stop and start many times due to traffic lights and junctions greatly increase.
Better build quality
Alloys aren’t more expensive and fitted to higher-end cars as standard for nothing. The metal used for these wheels may be much lighter than steel, but is far stronger and can withstand far greater impacts. The fact that they will undoubtedly last you longer is another reason why any extra price incurred will be justified to the savvy buyer.
Retains the vehicle’s value
Everyone knows about how much a car depreciates in value over time. Those fitted with alloy wheels however will hold their value for longer and therefore you will find that you get more money back for the vehicle if you ever plan to sell it on in the future. This goes for car garages and for private buyers, both of whom may like the fact that the car has alloys for different reasons.
