Any owner of a car at least once thought about which wheels would be optimal for his "iron horse". Of course, cast models will provide the car with a bright memorable look. However, experts say that stamped wheels have their own advantages, and the choice should be based on personal feelings. Let's do a little comparative analysis of "casting" and "stamping." Perhaps this will help form your own opinion on this issue.
Manufacturing Methods and Materials
Alloy wheels are called because of the method of their manufacture. The molten metal is poured into the prepared form. Alloys based on aluminum or magnesium are used as the material. Stamped discs are composed of two elements. They are connected by spot welding. The material used is sheet steel. Stamped wheels have a lower cost than alloy wheels. The composition of the material from which they are made determines their basic distinctive properties.
Characteristic differences of alloy wheels
As already mentioned, for many motorists a decisive factor when buying alloy wheels is an attractive appearance. This is not their only advantage. The metals used in the manufacture can reduce the final weight of the product. This gives a small fuel economy when driving. In addition, the lightweight wheel quickly returns to its original position after contact with bumps in the road surface. As a result, the handling of the car is improved. However, it is very difficult to notice such improvements, and only a professional driver can do it. Cast wheels also have disadvantages. They have a more fragile structure than stamped discs. The steel is deformed from the impact, and the cast disc may crack or form a chip. Hidden cracks are a danger to the driver and passengers. Such a cast disk can simply crack when it hits a road pit and cause an accident. You can restore the cast wheel. Such services are available at some repair shops. However, if the hardness of the disk is damaged, then such a product cannot be repaired.
What are characteristic of stamped discs?
It is these wheels that car manufacturers most often install on their products. Although they do not belong to the pride of artists, designers, many consider them quite practical. The most common in Russia since the days of the Soviet automobile industry are stamped wheels R13. However, some motorists are confident that a larger radius increases the controllability and patency of the car. Therefore, they try to maximize the size of the wheels. Stamped wheels R14 on the VAZ help in this case find the perfect way out. Speaking about the advantages of steel wheels, it is necessary to note their high maintainability. Dents on the disc are easy to straighten. In addition, the rim of the disk is able to partially extinguish the force from a strong blow, which a rigid cast structure cannot do. This has a positive effect on the condition of the chassis of the car. The negative points include the fact that stamped discs are subject to corrosion and require careful care.