For a long time, many motorists used the same set of wheels to fit and support their summer tires during the summer months, and to have their winter tires mounted on when the cold season was coming. But with the proliferation of alloy wheels, initially on sports cars to save weight, and then on more and more models over time, many owners began to want to have an alloy wheel set specifically dedicated to their winter fitment. And in recent years, thanks to greater availability and lower prices, this type of wheel has become increasingly attractive for riding in lower temperatures. So: in this steel vs. alloy wheel match, what to choose? Blackcircles Canada helps you see more clearly!
Steel rims: for the price first of all, but with significant drawbacks!
Steel rims have long been the alternative of choice for wheels designed to support your winter tires and the cold season’s pangs. They were, and still are, the best alternative if for you price is THE factor that takes precedence over all others. You can indeed find them starting from a hundred dollars on the Internet, even for about fifty dollars when they are on promotion, as it is currently the case at the time of writing this article.
But these have some drawbacks not to be neglected, starting with the fact that they rust. And a steel wheel that rusts can have serious consequences, such as generating potential air leaks, or affecting the balance of your tires, which can pose a problem for your safety. Less serious: steel wheels affect the lines of your car in a significant way, especially if it is a sporty vehicle. Indeed, their design is usually very basic. And if you want to improve it, you will have to go through the purchase square, since you will have to cover them with hubcaps. You might also have to buy them more than once, since at the slightest heavier snowfall, they can come off the wheel!
Alloy wheels: more expensive, but more aesthetic and more durable for the Canadian climate!
Alloy wheels have long been considered a “luxury” for winter fitment in Canada. In fact, they used to be much more expensive but were primarily reserved for sports and/or prestige vehicles, especially to save weight, which is beneficial for the performance of any vehicle. Moreover, with such rims, until recently, it was almost impossible to repair them.
But today, with specialists capable of refurbishing them, a greatly diversified offer and more accessible prices, alloy wheels, although still a little more expensive than their steel equivalents, are becoming a viable alternative in the winter and offer many advantages. In addition to improving your vehicle’s driving pleasure, alloy wheels offer a much more attractive look, which will often be sportier. Your car will therefore look great in both summer and winter! You will also have the opportunity to find THE style that you like the most, as the variety of designs for this type of wheel is immense, both from independent manufacturers and from those offered by your car’s brand.
But the biggest advantage is still the fact that these wheels do not rust. And this is well worth the greater monetary investment at the outset. Indeed, you won’t have to change them, unlike steel wheels, because of rust. You’ll also avoid the damage that rusted steel wheels can cause, such as air leakage or a misalignment between your tires, not to mention the safety risks that this can cause.
Bottom line: Limited by budget? Choice: Steel wheels! The best option? Alloy wheels!
So the choice is clear, but it all depends on your priorities. If for you, price is of primary importance in the short term and aesthetics is secondary for your winter tire assembly, the option that will satisfy you at the time of purchase will be steel wheels. But it is better to invest a few dollars more at the beginning for beautiful alloy wheels that, in addition to adding style to your car during the cold season, do not rust, unlike sheet metal wheels. This will save you a lot of hassles, including potential drops in tire pressure due to leaks. Alloy rims will cost you more, but will look better, be safer, and be more cost-efficient in the long run. That’s our opinion at blackcircles Canada, THE online specialist for all your tire needs!
