Alloy wheels - are they a hassle?

marlot

Alloys can also go porous when they get older, and leak the air out of the tyres.

But if you like the look, go for it - they're not that much hassle!

ian103

why add any extras, you are losing out on value for money, have the car as standard from manufacturer (if you add stripes and alloys don't you have to notify the insurer?)

maninthestreet

Had about 6 or 7 cars with alloy wheels, never had a problem with air-loss at all. Kerbing them can cause them damage, but that is the driver's fault. They need to be kept clean to look their best, but they show up brake-dust very easily.

Lum

You can also get tyres with rim protectors to reduce the risk of kerb damage.

It's ok to say "learn to drive better" but it only takes one mistake to catch a curb, that "mistake" can be as simple as being on a single carriageway when the van driver coming the other way doesn't see you and decides to overtake a cyclist, so you choose the curb rather than the head-on collision.

vikingaero

Alloys need to be cleaned regularly to prevent pitting from brake dust and rust from the brake disc. If you live in a flat where it's hard to clean the car regularly then go for steel wheels. If you live/park in town or parallel park against kerbs then again go for steel wheels.

red_eye

mikey72 wrote: »

Alloy wheels always have more problems seizing to the hub, and it's worth checking the price difference in the low profile tyres as opposed to the standard one on steel wheels.

a smear of copper grease on the hub flange will stop alloys from seizing

red_eye

vikingaero wrote: »

Alloys need to be cleaned regularly to prevent pitting from brake dust and rust from the brake disc. If you live in a flat where it's hard to clean the car regularly then go for steel wheels. If you live/park in town or parallel park against kerbs then again go for steel wheels.

alloys dont rust, pitting etc is caused by not washing and who washes the car and leaves wheels dirty?

red_eye

marlot wrote: »

Alloys can also go porous when they get older, and leak the air out of the tyres.

But if you like the look, go for it - they're not that much hassle!

i have seen alloys that are older then me never seen porous alloys:rotfl:

alloys add value to the car, makes it more appeling to potential buyers

mikey72

red_eye wrote: »

a smear of copper grease on the hub flange will stop alloys from seizing

Troweling it on the hub face and the flange never stops mine siezing on. Usually hitting the inside with a lump hammer, while someone kicks the outside with both feet shifts them.

mikey72

red_eye wrote: »

i have seen alloys that are older then me never seen porous alloys:rotfl:

alloys add value to the car, makes it more appeling to potential buyers

Usually they corrode inside the rim, where the bead seats, and lose air there. It goes into a whte furry mess, which a good fitter will clean off. I have had some old alloys I've had to have the tyres off, so I can clean them properly, then get the tyres refitted.