Rajeevraj 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2007 Hi Folks, I have a basic question. I hear a lot about alloy wheels and can recognise alloy wheels when i see them. But question is why exactly are they called alloy wheels? Are they just for appearance or do they help in drivability? How much will alloy wheel set for zen cost (the old one) ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rssh 59 Report post Posted November 5, 2007 Hoey I just came from sai service at lower parel he is offering 17k for AURA alloys (12'') for old zen .Alloy wheels are made of different metals and are mixed to give good strenght. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rugs_tachy 0 Report post Posted November 5, 2007 Hi Rajeev, I m not an expert at this... but hve some basic info on these...An alloy wheel is nothing but a metal (alloy is a metal)... the basic difference wid an alloy and a rim (which i think u hve on a zen) are that since alloy is lighter metal, it brings much more comfort in ur ride and some say it returns higher fuel efficiency.. (but Fuel efficiency i can't comment since it depends on the person's driving habits)... There are a lot of alloy wheels in town.. the basic one (on ur zen's 12 inch wheel) alloy wheel could cost you anywhere between 11000 to 13000 Bucks!! and go upto a Lac Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jithesh 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 The normal wheels on a factory fitted car are mostly steel wheels. They are adequate for the car and steel is relatively cheaper. Alloy wheels are made of metal alloys, mostly alloys of magnesium. They offer the same strength but are lighter. This reduces the unsprung mass to an extent, and thereby marginally improving the performance and efficiency. Alloys are particularly important in larger vehicles like SUVs where there is a marked difference in the weight of the regular steel wheels and alloys. And moreover they look good too, which is a great bonus. The important thing to remember in changing over to alloys is that they should be bought from a reputed manufacturer. There are a lot of cheaper options, but a wheel is definitely a critical component of the car and there should be no compromise made on that. Bad alloy wheels can do more harm than good to a car. People also upsize their wheels, but there is a limit to what size of wheel can fit in a car. Fitting the wrong wheel can dramatically affect the handling of a car and cause serious safety issues. Jitz Jithesh2007-11-11 13:04:59 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carispassion 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 hi rugs, i would like to point out the fact that, 'alloy' actually is a mix of several metals. normally, we use aluminum alloys, for car wheels. aluminum alloy means, the main component is aluminium. aluminum alloys, as you have said have good strength, but low weight. alloy wheels have a number of advantages over steel wheel, the main advantage being 'the looks'... carispassion2007-11-11 13:58:49 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
anjan_c2007 1 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 steel wheel rims are ductile and get deformed upon being subjected to stress and strain. But alloys are very tough, light on weight and can withstand stress and strain better. But alloys are brittle and simply crack or break, after a great impact. And yeah as Jitesh put these are light in weight and so the unsprung mass (the wheel) gets lighter and should theoretically make it more comfortable for occupants, better to handle and also to consume a little less fuel. However there is almost no difference in fuel consumption figures. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harryccc 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 is it good to put on Chromium plated alloys? if no, why? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pra2veen 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 hi rugs' date=' i would like to point out the fact that, 'alloy' actually is a mix of several metals.normally, we use aluminum alloys, for car wheels. aluminum alloy means, the main component is aluminium. aluminum alloys, as you have said have good strength, but low weight. alloy wheels have a number of advantages over steel wheel, the main advantage being 'the looks'... [/quote'] the main advantage being the looks and the lesser weight too.... the steel drums are a lot heavier than the alloys.... only advantage with the steel drums over the alloys is that they are cheaper and u wudn't feel that bad if something happnd to the drum but if something happns to the alloys, it feels so bad...... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
harryccc 0 Report post Posted November 11, 2007 any answers for my query yet??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mndvishnu 0 Report post Posted November 12, 2007 i dont know wether the chromed one is good but i dont like it , i like the oridnary alloys The Bets alloy for Zen would be from the AURA and it will cost 12-15 k rs for basic ones.(set of 4 or 5 ) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arpitag_111 0 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 The only Problem with Chrome Plated alloys is that, these days you cannot get good quality plating as a result the plating starts developing Cracks & Scales after some time, also they have to be kept squeeky clean for that brilliant shine, which is next to impossible in indian driving conditions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arpitag_111 0 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Alloy is a mixture of certain metals, in which the composition of metal is varied according to the use the metal has to be put to. Alloy wheels are lighter than normal steel wheels and are far more stronger which allows it to be formed into various designs. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rssh 59 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 Chrome plate alloys just shine like mirrors and are not made from it but they do get scratched easily. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pryas 0 Report post Posted January 3, 2008 you get AUra alloys for around 12k rs (4 wheels ) Regards, Priya Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sgiitk 0 Report post Posted January 4, 2008 One other point. Alloys conduct heat better so do their (small) bit in keeping the brakes and wheels cooler. I think there was quite a bit of discussion in alloy and tyre configuration also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
