Alloy versus Steel?

[Colleen Young]

Hi there, I was wondering if someone can offer me some advice.

I was thinking of purchasing a Honda CRV. However, I read in some consumer report that the Bridgestone wheels that come with the CRV are rather poor. Is this true?

Also, is an alloy wheel that much better than an aluminum?

Thank you,

C.Y.

[SpeedyV6]

The main benefit from switching to an alloy wheel of the same size is that doing so reduces a vehicle's unsprung weight [unsprung weight is weight that is not suspended above a vehicle's springs].

The reduction in unsprung weight makes a vehicle more responsive and, in theory, enhances the ride. Also you can upsize to a larger diameter wheel and lower profile tires which should be able to grip the road better. One of the tradeoff's with a lower profile tire is that the sidewall is stiffer and permits less deflection and doesn't deform as readily (hence the improved handling and responsiveness) but it results in a slightly stiffer ride. Also if the sidewall width is too narrow it's easy to damage your rims over deep potholes.

Normally steel wheels would be stiffer than aluminum wheels albeit heavier. Also the wheel's construction matters. A cast aluminum wheel is cheapest but can usually suffice for most uses. If your going off road or racing a wheel carved from a solid billet of forged metal is strongest. And there are two and three piece wheels which combine lightness with enhanced strength but they are very expensive.

[Cy@tirerack]

An alloy wheels is made from aluminum so believe your asking about alloy vs steel, right?

If so the main advantage is the weight saving as the other post pointed out. Depending on the difference there may be a small advantage in fuel economy with the lighter aluminum alloy wheel.


As for Bridgestone Dueler D684HT that's standard on the CRV, we have done extensive testing on the tire but we have gathered about 3.9 million miles of user survey data, see:

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DY2&...ler+H%2FT+D684


Cy@tirerack.com
Performance Specialist
Moderator www.automotiveforums.com. To place an order please call 888 541 1777 Ext. 622 or for internet orders through www.tirerack.com please mention my name in the previous contact field directly above the Place Order button on the Order Summary page for quick, efficient & professional service.

[akina_speedstars]

Bottom line for a Honda CR-V, if you don't like the look of a steel wheel, you can get alloy wheels. It's a luxury option, plus there are a variety of options to choose from to get aftermarket rims for a CR-V. There are people, like me, who end up buying a second set of wheels that are alloy and store the steel wheels just in case 1. someone steals the alloy rims and you need to put the steel ones back or 2. you want to use them in the winter time.

You don't have multiple tire options from the factory so you can either use the Bridgestones that come with them until they wear out or get a different set of tires of your liking and try to sell the Bridgestones.

[454Casull]

Steel is an alloy, and so is the aluminum used in wheels (elemental aluminum is too soft to be used).

Oh, and I didn't know Bridgestone made wheels.