Which is better alloy wheels or simple ones. Why alloy wheels are better than stamped ones

Car wheels are an important component general view vehicle, so the presence of original discs immediately catches the eye. Today, picking up such parts is not at all difficult, because manufacturers have made sure that every car owner has a wide range of choices. How not to make a mistake and buy exactly what you need? To do this, you need to understand the main types of discs on the market.

Alloy wheels:

Alloy wheels are in most cases the standard for many modern cars. The fact is that in recent years many automakers have begun to equip their products with such discs in order to attract new buyers to their cars due to stylistic beauty. alloy wheels and their effectiveness. Besides alloy wheels have some operational advantages. Unlike steel wheels, alloy wheels can be cast at the factory in a variety of individual styles, giving each model its own unique style. In recent years, car and wheel manufacturers have begun to use a mixture of two alloys (nickel + aluminum) for the manufacture of light-alloy wheels. Discs made from this material weigh much less than those made from aluminum or steel.

Thanks to the lighter weight, the vehicle accelerates faster and the fuel consumption is reduced. In addition, as a rule, when using light alloy wheels, the driver gets more driving pleasure.

Cast alloy wheels can be polished, painted, matt or chrome-plated. Truth, alloy wheels can be easily subject to external mechanical damage (scratches, oxidation, corrosion, etc.).

Steel rims:

Disks, tires and braking systems are referred to as unsprung masses, since these parts of the car do not belong to the suspension, which plays the role of mitigating impacts coming from irregularities on the road. The mass above the wheels is called the sprung mass. The ratio of sprung to unsprung weight is important. The lower the unsprung weight, the higher the vehicle handling and traction. That is why many automakers in recent years have begun to pay great attention to equipping cars with light alloy wheels, rather than traditional stamped steel wheels.

Which discs are better: aluminum or magnesium?

Light-alloy wheels are cast and forged from aluminum and magnesium alloys. If you arrange the alloy wheels in order of increasing strength, the row will be as follows: cast magnesium - cast aluminum - forged aluminum - forged magnesium (the most durable, most prestigious, most expensive).

Attention!

Cast magnesium wheels- not for Russian roads. The cast magnesium wheel cracks quickly when driving over our bumps.

Buy only disks... passed Russian certification! Imported discs from well-known brands, if not imported from Third World countries, are very good, but many of them are designed for good roads and therefore do not meet Russian requirements for shock loads.

Why are alloy wheels better than steel wheels?

With the growth of aluminum production and the emergence of computer-controlled machining centers, light-alloy wheels became widespread and their advantages over standard steel wheels were felt by ordinary motorists.

Great appearance of the wheels. The designer can create, and the production can bring it to life. Casting technology gives you the freedom to design your wheel.

ADVICE: Wherever you buy discs, remember that discs in the picture, in the window and on a specific car are completely different things. A lot is important here: the color of the car, body kit, etc. Choose 2-3 models of disks, ask the seller to put them next to the car, move 10-15 meters away and only then you will see that it is very possible that the disk that you liked so much in the window does not fit your car at all.

Lightness and strength of the wheel. Light-alloy wheels are lighter than traditional steel rims, since the base of the alloy is aluminum - a light, "winged" metal. The specific weight of the wheel is determined by its design. The strength of the wheel depends on the design, the quality of the alloy and the fulfillment of technological requirements at each stage. The mechanical properties of an aluminum alloy after forging are better than the alloy used for casting wheels, so forged wheels starting at fifteen inches are generally lighter than cast wheels.

What is the advantage of the low weight of the wheel?

A couple of kilograms more, a couple of kilograms less, what's the difference? Big difference. The light-alloy wheel is 20-50% lighter than the steel one. What does this mean for the suspension, for the movement of the car? The car will run smoother, smoother. Since, the less the mass posted on the springs (unsprung mass - tire, wheel, brake disc, pads, etc.), the smoother the car runs, and the faster the vibrations are damped. This means more comfort and less wear on the suspension.

It is known that a laden car runs smoother. Why? Let's remember physics. If two weights are connected with a spring and hit one at a time, then soon both weights will vibrate with the same frequency, determined by the masses of both weights and the stiffness of the spring. And if one weight is light (wheel), the other is heavy (body), then the vibration frequency is largely determined by the mass of the light weight (wheel) and the spring rate.

In the dynamics of the passage of road irregularities, a decrease in wheel weight by one kilogram is equivalent to an increase in sprung weight by 15-20 kg. That is, the comfort increases, as if an additional 60-80 kg were evenly distributed in the body, but in fact the weight of the car slightly decreased, and the acceleration dynamics improved.

Quality.

Even if you do not make a reference to our roads, and this is not very difficult to do, then the quality of the disks should be given special attention. If you want to buy discs cheaper, this is a normal desire, but the discs must be certified, including in Ukraine. When a poor-quality disc falls into a hole, it becomes unusable (bursts, splits, etc.), while a good-quality disc in the worst case will bend and it will be possible to align it.
ADVICE: If financial possibilities permit, buy certified discs of well-known manufacturers: Stilauto, MAK, Artec, Kosei, etc. If financial possibilities are limited, buy discs produced in third countries using German and Italian technology: Dj, Cms, Scud, etc. be sure to ask the seller for the original quality certificate and warranty card. If it's really tight than buying discs from other manufacturers, can you consider used discs as an alternative?

Price.

Unfortunately, in our conditions it is not at all necessary that expensive disks are high-quality disks. To order the stamp "Made in Germany" in Taiwan costs $ 8,000

ADVICE: If the difference in the price of a set of discs is $ 20 - $ 100, depending on the radius of the discs, buy certified discs with a mandatory warranty from the seller, saving $ 20 in the future may cost you more. Remember, the discs must come with new bolts (usually they are longer) and centering inserts. One branded bolt costs $ 1.5 on average.

Difference Between Precast Alloy Wheels and Cast Wheels

Most of the light-alloy wheels in the world are one-piece or one-piece, made by injection molding or die casting. Two-piece alloy wheels consist of two parts - in them the disk and the rim are connected by steel bolts, distributed evenly around the entire circumference of the rim. It is the heads of the fastening bolts that provide the wheel with such an unusual, "thoroughbred" look. It should be borne in mind that in this design, the rim and disc can be manufactured using different technologies. Some companies produce solid rims with false bolts, which serve a purely decorative function. To distinguish one type of rim from another, you should know that a solid-cast rim, unlike a precast rim, on the reverse side has no visible border between the rim and the rim. Composite wheel rims do not have any operational advantages over solid cast wheels. However, false bolts make the assembly discs a little heavier, moreover, these bolts on the road can be twisted and lost.

Can I install light-alloy wheels on my car myself?

In principle, installing light-alloy wheels on a car is not much different from installing steel wheels, and you can do it yourself. But there are a number of reasons why we recommend installing wheels, especially new ones, in specialized service centers... Let's list them:

Tire fitting should be done on good equipment so as not to damage the paint layer.

When balancing a tire on a wheel using Velcro weights, the appropriate balancing machine mode must be selected.

When installing, make sure that the length of the threaded part of the bolt or stud is long enough to secure the wheel. For example, the "native" Zhiguli bolt, with which a steel wheel is screwed, cannot be used - insufficient length of the threaded part, lack of a "skirt". Therefore, light-alloy wheels for Zhiguli, as a rule, are equipped with their own bolts.

When installing the wheels, make sure that nothing interferes with the tight abutment of the mating surfaces of the hub and the wheel. For example, catchers, brake drum screw heads protruding beyond the seating plane, caps from the old steel wheel used in conjunction with light-alloy wheels can interfere with tight closing.

The wheel should be centered on the center hole.

Make sure that the inside of the disc does not rub against the brake elements. If the car uses floating caliper brakes, the distance from the disc to the caliper should be at least 3-5 mm. Otherwise, the caliper may touch the disc after replacing the brake pads.

The tire should not touch the car body at the extreme positions of the steering wheel.

Which wheels are better for the winter - cast or stamped?

Many car enthusiasts believe that it is best to ride on stamped steel wheels in winter. The main arguments are simple - stamped discs are easier to straighten and are not as pathetic as cast or forged ones. And they are cheaper. But it turns out that things are not so simple.

Cast drive

First, stamped discs, other things being equal, are heavier than cast discs. It is clear that the difference is not so significant that it could be considered seriously.

Secondly, stamped discs are much easier to wrinkle. It would seem that the problem is small. Crumpled, you can straighten. But it's not that simple.

Tubeless tires are considered safer than tube tires. When punctured, the air from such tires comes out more slowly, which allows you to brake safely enough, or even continue driving. But only for small punctures. But according to statistics, almost half of the cases of wheel depressurization are not due to punctures, but due to damage to the disks. And in this case, stamped discs with tubeless tires are much more dangerous.

Stamped disc

Let's imagine a situation. Winter road, quite possibly within the city. The road is snowy, under the snow is a pit with sharp edges. Speed ​​- 80 km / h. At this speed we drive up to the pit. We slow down at the last moment, since under the snow the edges of the pit are not visible from afar. In the case of stamped wheels, the rubber breaks through to the disc, its rim is wrinkled, pressure is immediately lost and a car with a damaged front wheel becomes uncontrollable. Further - as usual. If you're lucky - a snowy roadside and the loss of a certain number of nerve cells. If not, then - a reversal, or even a coup.

In the same situation, decent alloy wheels are much more reliable. Their impact resistance is much higher than that of stamping, so they may not suffer at all. But even if their flange cracks, the total area of ​​damage will be much less, since alloy wheels do not like to wrinkle. This means that the tire depressurization will occur much more slowly, which will allow you to have time to somehow react and avoid tragic consequences.

Situations like the one outlined above are especially common on Russian winter tracks, the coverage of which is very deceptive. Therefore, if you are driving in such conditions, then the best option would be to choose the most high profile tires available in standard sizes and alloy wheels.

Today we will analyze the two giants of the market, again "casting" but only in comparison with the so-called "forged" disc. Which one is better, lighter, more reliable. There will definitely be a video version and a vote at the bottom. The information is chewed up in great detail, so read it - I promise it will be interesting ...

In general, I read a lot on the Internet, there are a lot of myths and secrets about each type of disc. Moreover, one can hear from many authoritative sources that alloy and forged wheels are made from ABSOLUTELY different materials, that they have nothing in common. That the difference is simply huge and forged it is some kind of space technology. BUT GUYS, in fact, this is such nonsense! And today I will try to prove it to you.

Material from which they are made

As for forged and cast wheels, these are products similar in material, there are no space technologies here. What I want to say is that both discs are made from an alloy of aluminum, magnesium and a small addition of copper (very small, only 3 to 7%). So in terms of the structure of the metal, they are absolutely the same, of course, each manufacturer has its own formula, but it is never disclosed - it is kept “under seven locks”, because in fact it is a commercial secret.

The initial stage - that is, the melting of aluminum, magnesium (and copper, of course), it is always the same, these are large vats in which this soup is cooked. All the difference appears later, precisely during the manufacturing process. And here the differences are truly global.

Cast drive

As for the alloy wheel, I will not repeat its pros and cons (all this was in the article - about the comparison ""). However, I would like to remind you how it is made.

At the initial stage, as I said, the molten metals (aluminum + magnesium + copper) are freed from slags and poured into large bowls.

Further, from these "bowls" - they are poured into special forms - which, in fact, are already our disc. After the "rough detail", they pull out and grind on special machines - give high-speed and aesthetic characteristics (sometimes paint).

Actually, as you understand - this is a simple casting of metal into molds and then the usual turning, hence the name alloy wheels. Of course, this is very exaggerated, technologies have now stepped forward, but the essence remains the same.

The negative element of this production is end product strength ! But why?

YES everything is simple - "casting" is due to the fact that microbubbles, that is, empty cavities, remain in the material. Of course, these are not "giant" bubbles, do not think! They are really micro - a few microns, but there can be quite a lot of them (do not try to see them, it will still fail). They are formed during metal casting. In the final product, this carries degraded power characteristics. That is, this metal is banal, it can collapse due to these cavities, at maximum loads, because it is not homogeneous.

What the manufacturers do is that they simply increase the walls, make them stronger and thicker. Thus - the "cast" disc can withstand enough heavy loads, and moreover, it is lighter than "stamped", by 20, and sometimes 30%! Although in fairness it is worth noting - now there is a massive "casting" with designer patterns - it weighs about the same as stamping, but this is most likely an exception to the rule.

Forged disc

This is a completely different story. As I said, the initial stage, namely the melting of metals, is the same, but then it is a completely different technology.

Aluminum is poured into special shapes, initially they look like long, hollow pillars (like a very long cylinder). After the "pillar" has cooled down, they begin to saw it into short parts, that is, from one you will get several small cylinders (if you want it looks like cutting a log into logs).

After this "piece" is heated in the oven (not red-hot) and sent under a huge press - squeeze, several times, at a special angle - it is "flattened"! This process is remotely (very remotely) similar to "forging", that is, "metal on an anvil", hence the name forged.

After such a monstrous squeezing, the metal turns out to be fine-grained and fibrous; physically there can be no voids in it, which, upon impact, could lead to cracks or ruptures. But that is not all!

The first stage is the so-called "settling", the "block" is turned into a cake and again sent to the oven, heated. Then the stamp is changed on the press and the so-called "pans" are squeezed out of these cakes, which already vaguely resemble a disk, but without slots and holes.

And only the third time, the shape of the disc is squeezed out of the "pans", all the same on the same press. Here you can already see the "sides" and grooves that any disc has. But again, there are no slots and holes.

After three stages of forging, these blanks are "hardened", heated to 500 degrees and then sharply cooled in water. Thus, the structure of the metal becomes even more fine-grained, and even more durable. There are three such “hardening” stages, after which the disc is also artificially “aged”. That, according to the technology, also enhances it, because internal mechanical stresses are removed.

Then the forging is sent for machining. That is, in the workshop - where physically drills and other cutters will give them the desired look. They are lightened as much as possible, but they also leave stiffeners. After all, if the disc is lightened by 1 kilogram, then up to 60 kilograms more can be loaded into the car.

And then I want to debunk another MYTH - FORGED WHEELS ARE LIMITED IN PICTURE ! Nothing of the kind - just a limited number of companies make them, so the market saturation is NOT SO GREAT! THAT'S ALL! And so you can be knocked out (cut out) any, even more complex drawing than on "casting".

After machining, this is a finished version that will go on sale. BUT at the price they are the most expensive, because the technological process is very complicated.

Pros of forged options :

• Exceptional quality, because there are really a lot of verification stages
• High strength, such discs are superior to all existing counterparts
• Excellent speed characteristics, often do not require balancing
• Weight, 20 - 30% lighter than casting, and up to 60 - 70% lighter than stampings
• Less gas mileage
• Beautiful on the outside, aesthetically pleasing
• They do not rot, and do not rust, for they are made of aluminum and magnesium

Cons of forging :

• Expensive, sometimes twice as expensive as casting
• Hard, if you fly into a hole, it is mainly the tire and suspension that suffers, but not the disc, it practically does not deform

These are all disadvantages, of course there are not many of them, but again the PRICE is the FATEST disadvantage. Therefore, now many people vote with RUBLES for casting, and not for forged options - although the latter are more technologically advanced, lighter, just as beautiful, and so on (I gave you the layout).

Now the video version, we are watching

At this end, I think you liked my article, sincerely your AUTOBLOGGER.

And how to do it correctly - every motorist needs to know all these points. We will help you understand the intricacies and become a real professional in matters related to car rims.

Modern disc range

Steel wheels that have been installed on all cars around the world have a centuries-old history. With the advent of cast models from previous copies, no one was in a hurry to refuse. For alloy wheels are characterized by their advantages, which are expressed in attractiveness and higher reliability. But the high cost spoils everything. The latter have developed forged models that are in many ways superior to their counterparts. But again, the high cost becomes a stumbling block. product makes users think about what is best for their car, what is the difference and which choice will be most appropriate.

Humanity has not yet managed to create ideal rims that could satisfy all the needs of car owners and surpass existing analogues in each of their parameters. Each user has to choose the most appropriate option, analyzing the pros and taking into account the cons.

The stamped steel product is the most affordable option from all the possible suggestions. Aluminum products will cost at least twice as much. Stamped products run the risk of bending when the car passes through the pits. This is their advantage, because the main impact will be on the disc, and not on the body and suspension.

The stamped parts weigh a lot, which creates an obstacle to quick acceleration and good braking. The installation of such an element on the car instantly increases the unsprung mass of the vehicle, which negatively affects the level of passenger comfort and the operation of the suspension. If you think about which disks are better to choose, then this option is most suitable. After all, in winter, no one is chasing dynamics.

There is no need to use high pressure in the production process. The final product is light, but not particularly pliable. Such discs do not bend, but they often crack from impact. The wide variety of design options and the increased number of vents for air ventilation and quick brake cooling are the advantages that set the cast product apart from the stamped product.

In terms of value for money, it is the cast models that take the lead among all available wheels.

There are many similarities between cast and forged wheels. The alloys are the same, but they are processed differently, which makes the forged product extremely strong and even lighter than its cast counterpart. Bend well and rarely crack, but are very expensive. The creation process is complex and lengthy, it consists of two stages (hot stamping and chemical or thermal processing), so manufacturers cannot offer a wide range of design options.

The forged product is not affected by weather conditions, moisture and frost. They do not form on them, therefore, treatment with appropriate protective compounds is not required. For a forged disc to deform, a great deal of force must be applied. He can only bend.

The difference in price is very significant, but you always have to pay for quality.

Distinguishing between forged and alloy wheels

Even though we live in modern world where civilized market relations prevail, but situations are different, so the buyer should be well oriented in the purchased product. And it will not be at all superfluous to know how the cast and forged wheels.

Weight refers to the main parameter that can be guided by. A forged model with a 15-inch diameter will weigh up to 5 kg. But if you take a similar cast wheel, then its weight will increase by 3 kg. Domestic automotive products lend themselves to such a comparison, but if a European cast wheel enters the ring, then its weight will be equal to a forged product from a Russian manufacturer.

Labeling is another parameter that can help you distinguish between two different discs. Forged wheels undergo a stamping process during serial production. Therefore, the markings are depressed. On cast wheels, marking is carried out in a different way, as a result of which the inscription is convex. There are exceptions to this question, but they are rare.

The form wheel rim can also tell you what type it is. Cast models rarely lend themselves to milling, which affects the presence of slightly uneven edges. But forged models go through the turning stage without fail, so the edges are always smooth. Previously, this difference was clearly visible. Now, new equipment and improved technologies make it possible to immediately obtain a smooth cast product, which becomes more difficult to distinguish from a forged counterpart.

The specification appears in a certificate that the disc seller must provide. If the product is forged and released in legal production, then it will be designated as forged. A product manufactured in Chinese and Turkish factories is not always labeled in this way.

We sorted out alloy and forged wheels, but there is another category that remained unexplored. Cast or stamped - what to choose and how to distinguish them from each other. The appearance immediately gives these two varieties of one product. The cast version looks more presentable and solid, the range of design options is rich and varied. Stamping looks unpresentable, however, for such low price hope for something more is not worth it. You can also focus on weight, the differences are not particularly significant, but still.

Here's another topic, we helped you figure it out. Now or to the market you can go with confidence in the right choice which will be easy to do.

The best prices and conditions for the purchase of new cars

Credit 4.5% / Installment / Trade-in / 95% of approvals / Gifts in the salon

Mas Motors

Long ago in the past. Today, no one thinks about how to mothball their car before the onset of spring, and in winter, cars are operated in the same way as in the warm season. However, this does not mean at all that winter operation does not require absolutely any preparation for the coming cold weather, on the contrary, it costs a motorist no less to prepare for winter than for the same conservation. Preparing a car for winter operation provides for a whole range of measures, including:

• Checking the level and condition;
• Stove check;
• Replacing the summer "omyvayka" with a winter one;
• And, of course, changing shoes in.

Last question we have already raised on the pages, but the question of what is better to buy for the winter - alloy wheels or stamped ones, remained unresolved for many. Therefore, today, by popular demand, we decided to figure out what is better - casting or stamping?

First, a few words about what steel and alloy wheels are.

Steel, or as they are also called stamped discs, are made by stamping. That is, they are cut from a solid sheet of solid sheet steel. After that, the individual parts are welded and painted. The stamped discs are distinguished by a budget price, high strength, and resistance to various deformations. Unlike cast analogs, the dents of metal discs are easy to straighten (roll back). Also, the advantages of stamping include resistance to low temperatures.

The disadvantage of stamped discs is their unpresentable appearance and high weight in comparison with alloy discs.

Alloy wheels or "titanes" are made by melting light alloys (aluminum) and casting into molds. This makes them lightweight, durable and very attractive. Some discs are machined from a solid billet of aluminum. The disadvantage of alloy wheels is their instability to shock and damage. After a strong impact, especially at high speed, the disc may deform, crack, or receive numerous chips that cannot be repaired. In addition, despite the numerous denials of fans of casting, alloy wheels are still "afraid" of low temperatures. No, they do not crack from frost like a wet stump, but at subzero temperatures, their strength is significantly reduced and what would cost you a little restoration work in the summer can turn into a complete destruction of the wheel rim in winter.

In general, these two types of discs have been competing with each other for a long time and this is not only a "seasonal aggravation", there are both fans and ardent opponents of both types of discs. Therefore, in order not to take sides, we will try to remain neutral and look at the controversial issue from the point of view of independent experts. In this article, we will look at the clear advantages of cast and stamped wheels, if any, point out the disadvantages, and, as always, leave the choice to you. Only in this case we will focus on winter operation. So let's go ...

As you know, the vast majority of inexpensive cars, despite the popularity of alloy wheels, are equipped with stamped analogs. Someone immediately changes the stamping to casting, someone absolutely does not care what to ride, and someone, like you and I, racks their brains over the question of what is better after all - buy cast or stamped wheels.

The main reasons why stamping is used for the winter

The first reason why stamping is used in winter is budget. Stamped discs due to their low cost, so to speak, "it's not a pity." Even if something happens to the iron "rollers", no one will be very upset. In addition, if you once "changed your shoes" on such disks into winter tires, with the onset of heat you can remove the disks with rubber and postpone until the next cold weather, which is very convenient and profitable considering the cost of tire fitting (2 times a year summer-winter, winter summer). With alloy wheels in this matter, everything is much more complicated. Firstly, the price of alloy wheels, provided that they are of high quality, is quite high and not everyone can afford it, and if you imagine the situation with the purchase of two sets of winter-summer, then it is quite an expensive pleasure. And changing shoes twice a year is also not the best option.

The second reason why it is beneficial or, more correctly, convenient to use stamped wheels in winter is the safety of alloy wheels. The harsh chemicals that are used to treat roads in winter have a negative effect not only on the car body, but also on the wheels. Therefore, it is more expedient and cheaper to "destroy" cheaper stamped discs than expensive cast analogs. In addition, given that in winter there are many hidden pits and ice-covered obstacles on the roads that damage the paintwork of alloy wheels, then it can be concluded that stamped wheels for winter are just the right thing!

The third reason - more open alloy wheels are more forgotten by snow than stamped analogs. Then there is friction, problems with the brakes, etc.

Let's try to justify alloy wheels !?

The fragility of alloy wheels in frost, which we talked about above. In principle, this is true. Really aluminum alloys at subzero temperatures they become more brittle. But if you look at it from the other side, you can note the fact that critical temperatures are characteristic of certain regions in our country, for example, somewhere in Siberia, but even there the temperature does not often drop below -40 ° C. So this argument can be questioned or not taken into account at all.

In winter, due to slippery roads, there is a high probability of a side impact on an obstacle (curb, ice hole, pieces of ice, etc.). After impact, they are often damaged and require expensive repairs or cannot be restored at all. Yes, there is such a thing, but if you live in a city where the roads are at least a little cleaned and treated with reagents, then we can say that the probability of getting into a similar situation is quite small. In addition, in winter, adequate people who take care of themselves and their car do not drive fast, and even if you catch a hole in the road, then most likely the alloy wheel will remain intact after that.

Snow in cast wheels really does not play in favor of alloy wheels, due to their open design, wet snow and frost, which often replaces it, can play a cruel joke if you use cast rollers in winter. However, in most cases, casting manufacturers work on mistakes and modern alloy wheels have a design capable of self-cleaning from snow while the car is moving. In addition, alloy discs are easier to clean from ice and snow than metal ones, in addition, the cooling of the brake elements in cast analogs is much better due to the same open configuration.

Alloy wheels. This item is relevant only if the discs are Chinese or hand-painted. Qualitative branded alloy wheels have a fairly durable paint and varnish coating, as a rule, an order of magnitude higher than the coating of many steel analogs. And if you are not going to drive off-road with thick ice or virgin soil, then in principle you have nothing to fear.

As you can see, both discs have a number of advantages and disadvantages over each other, and some disadvantages, if you look at them from a different angle, may turn out to be just fiction or just a myth. The most important thing is to understand for yourself what will be better for you and your car in a given period of time.

Let's summarize

If you know that your winters are harsh and you will not be driving on the best roads, then perhaps the wiser decision would be put stamping on the winter, they are not so pity in case of damage, they are more hardy and shock-resistant than alloy wheels.

If you have high-quality alloy wheels covered with factory paint, you live in a region where temperatures are too low - a rarity, you move exclusively around the city, where the roads are mostly clean - you can safely use alloy wheels. Careful operation and respect will hardly harm your cast rollers in winter. The only thing worth thinking about is whether it is worth constantly going to the tire service when changing tires, or maybe it is worth buying an additional set of alloy wheels for the winter.

On this, our short opus has come to an end, thank you all for your attention, everyone who wants to add or express their opinion on this matter can do this using the comment form. Until then, and see you next time. Take care of yourself!

Any car owner is faced with the need to purchase - it may be associated with their breakdown, the desire to change the appearance of the vehicle, or with the need quick replacement sets of rubber. The question inevitably arises as to which rims are better - there are many types of products on the automotive component market today. It is worth remembering that strength, reliability and other properties rims depend both on the material used in their manufacture and on the chosen production method.

The question that arises before many motorists: "Which wheels to choose?"

Iron

Budget cars or vehicles in the simplest configurations are usually equipped with stamped steel wheels. Such products are made from conventional rolled metal sheets of a given thickness - the blanks for the rim and hub are hot-pressed and then welded together. The use of steel makes it possible to achieve high strength of the discs, as well as their ductility. It is she who determines the main advantage of such wheels - when hitting a large obstacle or with a strong impact, they bend, but do not burst or crack. Therefore, the stamped disc can be repaired without the use of special equipment - just hit it with a sledgehammer or a heavy hammer.

However, to say which is better - stamped steel wheels or their expensive alternatives will definitely not work. The maintainability and low cost of such automotive components is opposed by a very large weight. An increase in the unsprung masses of a vehicle leads to an increase in the rate of suspension wear, a deterioration in comfort, as well. Most manufacturers try to lighten the forged discs by cutting special holes in them, but even such products weigh 2-3 times more than their light-alloy counterparts.

In addition, steel products are susceptible to corrosion, which can destroy them after 2-3 years of intensive use. They are coated with a primer or a special varnish to resist rust, but this solution is not able to provide ideal protection for the wheels. Finally, it should be noted the primitive design, which is rarely combined with appearance modern car.

Classic casting

Most motorists are faced with a choice of alloy or stamped wheels. If financial resources are available, experts recommend choosing the second option. Light-alloy products are formed by the method of classical casting into a pre-prepared mold. Thanks to this, the border between the rim and the disc is virtually absent - this increases the reliability and durability of the wheel. As a material for the manufacture of alloy wheels, an alloy of aluminum with other metals, for example, magnesium or titanium, is usually used.

In terms of strength, alloy wheels are significantly ahead of stamped steel. The limit of their deformation is much higher - in order to damage a wheel on an alloy base, 3-5 times more impact energy is required. However, the ductility of the alloy of non-ferrous metals is much lower than that of steel, which causes serious difficulties when it is necessary to repair the disc. To repair damage, hot rolling, drawing, argon welding and other methods that require the use of expensive equipment are used. After the discs are restored, the metal loses its original molecular structure, which leads to a significant decrease in the strength of the wheels.

If you want to know how alloy wheels differ from steel, you should know that light alloy products are much lighter. This has a positive effect on the following properties of the car:

• Comfortableness;
• Profitability;
• Reliability and durability of the suspension.

Alloy wheels are not subject to corrosion and other types of damage, even when severely damaged. The only exceptions are products with the use of magnesium - they are destroyed by moisture, which requires the use of multilayer protection. That is why it is recommended to install balancing weights on light-alloy wheels of this type using special polymer glue, and not traditional brackets. An advantage can also be called the geometric accuracy of manufacturing - the tolerances do not exceed 0.1–0.15 mm, which ensures excellent control accuracy of the vehicle.

Maximum strength

However, light-alloy wheels are also available in various forms - if you purchase them in a large store, then after determining the required size, you will be asked if you need forged or alloy wheels? It should be said right away that mechanical forging has nothing to do with manual forging, which can be seen in small enterprises working with metal. In fact, forged wheels are made by stamping a light-alloy blank - the difference from the production of steel wheels is in the use of other shapes and the use of a very high temperature at which the metal is in a semi-liquid state. Forged wheels are also made of non-ferrous metals, but the proportion of high-strength components, such as magnesium or titanium, is much higher.

If casting involves the complete melting of the metal, accompanied by a violation of its molecular structure, then this does not happen during forging. As a result, the wheels receive even greater strength, which determines their reliability and durability. Experts say that hitting a large obstacle is more likely to damage suspension components than a forged wheel. The difference also lies in the mass, which is 5–25% less for products obtained by forging. This reduces fuel consumption, reduces wear rates and improves vehicle comfort.

The only major drawback forged wheels can be called a high cost due to the peculiarities of the production process. It is also worth mentioning that they cannot have a complex design, since the stamping mold imposes its own restrictions on the curvature of the surfaces. This is the answer to the question of how to distinguish forged wheels from cast ones - they have a coarse chopped shape. Despite some design restrictions, forged wheels are a favorite with street racers and tuning fans alike. They are able to improve the dynamic parameters of the car, as well as give it an unusual appearance.

What to choose?

If you're going to drive around good roads, but do not plan to spend a lot of money on equipping the car with new wheels, it is better to give preference to alloy wheels - recently many high-quality inexpensive models have appeared on sale. The best option is discs of Russian, Korean or European production, but it is better to avoid products from Turkey and China. For fans of high-speed driving, we recommend forged wheels, which are distinguished by their low weight and excellent durability. If you often have to drive on bad roads or even leave the asphalt, it is better to purchase stamped steel wheels... Their advantage lies not only in their low price, but also in the possibility self repair after a minor breakdown.