What's the Difference Between Steel and Alloy Wheels?

Steel wheels are tough, cheap, and easy to hammer straight — great for work utes. Alloys are lighter, stiffer, and styled but crack rather than bend when abused.

Steel pros

Durability, cost, and resistance to cosmetic damage on gravel.

Alloy pros

Lower unsprung mass improves ride and response; better heat dissipation for brakes on performance cars.

Maintenance

Clean alloys often to prevent clearcoat failure; touch up steel before rust spreads.