If you have looking to get a new set of wheels for your vehicle, you may be dazzled by all of the options presented to you. After all, there are some cool aftermarket options available that will truly elevate your ride.
But sometimes simple is better. Take the Steele, for instance. What are steeles and why would you choose these wheels?
In this guide, I evaluate why steel wheels are popular, I also examine the main differences between Steele and other wheels; by the end of this article you will see some approximate prices for different types of wheels.
What are Steeles?
Steeles is a term for steel wheels. Most steel wheels come with covers or hubcaps on top. They don’t get more basic than this. The wheels are made of steel billets that are pressed with hydraulic machines.
The cheapest wheels on the market are steel and alloy is the second cheapest. Also, Steele are well-known and can be found on a number of vehicles.
Pros of Steeles
#1. Low-Cost.
Steel wheels are less expensive options than the other varieties. They are easy to manufacture and can be dressed up with a basic set of hubcaps or wheel covers.
Steel wheels have been a standard item on practically all economy cars for decades. Steel wheels will be found standard equipment on many other budget-conscious car choices.
#2. Rugged.
Steel is made from iron and carbon, which makes it harder than most other options. Steel wheels are often designed for winter travel due to this attribute.
Steel is often found on off-road vehicles for the same reason. Plus, if your steel wheels happen to get damaged during your off-road outings, it is generally a cheaper replacement.
Cons of Steele
#1. Heavier.
Better durability and strength = more weight, so when comparing aluminum wheels or alloy wheels to steel wheels, they will be heavier.
Heavier, steel wheels can also make handling more cumbersome. You may notice a difference when negotiating sharp turns or any other difficult types of maneuvers.
#2. Lack of Design.
This offers little flexibility in design options. So, there is not a whole lot design-wise to choose from because of how they are produced.
In fact, the only design that can be made with the steel wheels is putting holes in the face of the wheel for cooling while braking.
Finding steel wheels in various sizes is going to be a challenge as well. If you want larger diameters, you will be hard-pressed to find they come in steel.
Can you put hubcaps on the wheel, or paint the metal where it looks nice? Yes. Just be careful because if the wheels are not painted the right way, they will rust.
Steeles vs. Alloys
Alloy wheels contain aluminum, giving them greater appeal. Alloy wheels are also lighter due to the metal mix.
What does this mean? More agility, better handling, and wider choices of sizes—including wheels that are up to 20 inches!
The steel wheel will be bulkier, and it won’t look nearly as nice. However, it will likely be cheaper and is marketed more toward the costs-conscious consumer.
Steeles vs. Chrome
Chrome wheels may be the most attractive out of the three. They have a mirror-like shine on them and you have to admit it is very hard to deny the head-turning ability of a sleek set of chrome wheels.
There’s more than just aesthetic appearance with chrome wheels, they also provide protection. Because the chrome is simply a protective coating on the wheels, oxidation is lessened. The wheels will not rust as easily as an uncoated wheel.
Chrome wheels also take a hit well off-roading, providing some level of strength when compared with alloy wheels, but probably not as tough as steel. You can even find some chrome wheels priced reasonably lower, therefore, priced lower than you might think.
On the downside, you may find it extremely hard to keep chrome wheels looking good. You will have to clean them regularly to prevent flaking the finish off. You need to polish them and not let salt or brake dust sit on the chrome surface.
Moreover, they tend to be heavy and may hurt performance. Chrome wheels are heavy because they have multiple metal components, such as copper and nickel, layered on the base material.
Only then is the chrome plating applied. With all those metals, chrome wheels can be the heaviest.
How Much Do Steel Wheels Cost?
If you need to get a steel wheel, the cost will be about $45 to $90 depending on the size you need. If you are purchasing a tire too, the total cost would increase appropriately.
Alloy wheels will be slightly more expensive, but not by a lot. Alloy wheels start around $50 per wheel, thus an affordable set can still be purchased.
On the other hand, you can easily spend much more on a quality set of chrome wheels. Chrome wheels can start at $100 per wheel, but there are some designs that may cost thousands.
So while you will have a more stylish look, there are not many more reasons to justify the cost of chrome wheels. Ultimately, what is best for you will come down to your driving habits, your financial limits, and your aesthetics preference.