We all love a snazzy set of rims but have you ever wondered what Are The Pros And Cons of Aftermarket Alloy Wheels? We tell you in our guide here
Alloy wheels or Mag Wheels are a compound that is comprised of either aluminium or magnesium and sometimes both as well. Traditionally, alloy wheels were used for high-speed cars, mostly race cars. But now it has tricked down to some of the most affordable cars in the Indian automotive market, for example, the recently launched Tata Punch.
The advantage that an alloy wheel enjoys over traditional steel wheels is that its lighter, stronger, and it improves the ride quality as well as the fuel efficiency. Besides, cars that come fitted with alloy wheels is most of the time top-of-the-range models. You can also buy one from the aftermarket, as it is available from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), like Daimler, Audi, and BMW, to name a few. Imported brands like, BBS, OZ Alloys, Norbett or Momo Alloy, also offer some lucrative and good-looking products.
But aside from these notable manufacturers, there are many replica alloys available in the market that could hamper your car. these alloy wheels cannot be trusted, so lets find out about them vis-a-vis the pros and cons
Pros
- Aftermarket Alloys are Visually Diverse
One of the prime reasons why most customers settle or buy aftermarket alloys is because it makes their car visually more appealing. Sometimes, customers tend to buy a base model and then, later on, modify or upgrade with aftermarket products, and a good set of alloy wheels features first in their shopping list. And since the aftermarket is filled with diverse and cool collections, it becomes all the more enticing to go for them.
- Alloy wheels dissipate heat better
One of the prime reasons why most racing teams used to race on alloy wheels was because they would dissipate heat better. This ensured that the brake performance stayed effective with temperatures at optimal levels. Unlike, what happens in conventional steel wheels where the brakes dont receive the required ventilation, so they dissipate the heat slower, which affects the performance in the long run.
- Performance and Fuel Economy of a car increases
Since alloy wheels are lighter than steel wheels, the performance of a car automatically becomes better. Especially when it comes to its suspension settings, the light weight decreases the unsprung weight that in effect transmits less inertia to the springs. This allows the suspension to grip and follow the terrain more effectively. And since light wheels mean the car is pulling less weight, it also further reduces the fuel consumption.
- Corrosion Resistant increases Tyre Life
One of the most important properties of aluminium is that it can withstand corrosion and rust, longer and better than steel. Thus alloy wheels or aluminium alloys have a comparatively longer shelf life. Furthermore, the heat dissipation property of alloy wheels further increases the tyres life as well, because tyres usually tend to wear out when heated, and alloys keep them cooler.
- Better Tyre Options
One of the biggest advantages of buying aftermarket alloys is that it expands the range of tyre options. Aside from the fact, that most alloy wheels are available with tubeless tires, some are wide, and some are performance-oriented. Either way, getting the right alloys for your car from a wide variety of options helps the case, especially if you have a fixed agenda with your car upgrade.
Cons
- Rims are Not Strong
One of the most common problems with aftermarket alloy wheels is with the rim. Reputable alloy wheels manufacturers devote a lot of time and resources to ensure that the rims can sustain a certain weight so that it does not break when it goes through a pothole at high speeds. But some aftermarket alloy wheel companies have weak rims that crack open and that causes tyres to burst at high speeds.
- The danger of air leak
Since the rims are not properly built, there will always be a chance that air will leak over time. This becomes a very dangerous situation, especially for inflated tires, which will eventually burst under pressure.
- Maximum load unpredictable
As we mentioned before, the build quality of rims, especially from unreputable manufacturers is not reliable and their maximum load is unpredictable. This makes it extremely dicy in certain situations, especially when the rims break in the middle of the road, due to high impact. In such situations, you will be required to change the whole set, and until then your car is as good as static. Thus, leaving you stranded in the middle of the road.
- Insurance doesnt cover aftermarket alloys
When a car gets insured, it usually does so keeping in mind its stock specifics. If you purchase aftermarket alloys, insurance companies turn a blind eye to this modification. This means, in case of accidents due to the failure of the alloy wheels, the insurance companies reserve the right to reject that claim, thereby forcing you to pay a hefty bill.
- Escape from Warranty
The same goes with warranty offers since most of them are made by keeping in mind the stock condition of a car. So, if you equip aftermarket alloy wheels to your car, then there might be premature wear and tear of the tyres or the suspension might get affected. In such cases, since you have already modified the car, most auto manufacturers will refuse to provide the warranty.
So, what are your views on our guide on the pros and cons of alloy wheels? Do let us know through the comments section below. Join our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group to know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride and much more! Also, you can subscribe to our Youtube channel for video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles.
