TRUCK/SUV
JEEP
TOWING
WHEELS
TIRES
PROMOS
☰
MENU
MY GARAGE
 
 
 
 
+ Add Vehicle
 
 
813-769-2451
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 5:00pm EST
813-769-2451
HELP
My Account
Shipping
Tracking
Refunds/Returns
Warranty
Site Policy
About Us
Contact Us
CART
View Cart
Checkout
SEARCH
  
testLogin
Existing Account:
For returning customers, please enter your email and password to log in to your account.
Forgot Password?
Logging-in please wait...
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
×
Search 4WheelOnline
Articles and Reviews
Truck and SUV Articles and Reviews
Aftermarket Product Manufacturer Articles and Reviews
Wheel Manufacturer Articles and Reviews
XD Wheels Articles and Reviews
Why XD Aluminum Wheels are Better Than Steel
Silver, Brushed
 
Change Vehicle
Select Vehicle:
Note: Due to the number of combinations, this feature will not apply to wheel and tire fitments.
Optional:
Extended:
Why XD Aluminum Wheels are Better Than Steel
Generally speaking, aluminum is between five and seven times more expensive than steel. So it should be know surprise that automotive manufacturers regularly choose to put steel wheels on our cars rather than the more expensive alternative. It wasn’t until the 1960s that alloy, magnesium and aluminum wheels became the preferred choices of racers and enthusiasts. By the 1970s, all the major car brands were offering lighter wheels on their cars.
Alloy wheels are made out of a blend of aluminum and other metals to bring down the cost of wheels. Aluminum is a notoriously expensive metal and by mixing it together with other metals you can still make a strong wheel while bring the weight down. However, a
pure aluminum wheel
will generally be lighter and higher quality than any alloy blended wheel.
Recently,
XD Rims
, a high-end wheel company, came out with a brand new wheel line, the XD Series Rims, that is shaking up the truck world. Originally, XD made race wheels out of steel in the early 1980s then moved up to alloy. Now, with the XD Series Wheels, off-roaders can appreciate the saved weight savings and strength of the new
XD Series
. These stylish wheels use a large diameter and top-quality aluminum, which are then finished in chrome or gloss paint.
Aluminum Wheels Save You $$$
When you start shaving pounds off your car, truck or SUV, you will start to notice some subtle performance changes. Being lightweight will help your ride get off the line faster and give you the illusion that you gained some horsepower.
At the Gas Pump:
If you’re like me, you drive your truck a lot. Unfortunately, this means spending some big bucks at the gas station. According to some drivers, they have noticed a small bump in gas mileage when switching to aluminum wheels. Drivers have reported a nearly one mile-per-gallon increase, which adds up to a lot of cash at the end of the year.
At the Brake Shop:
A heavier wheel means more rotating mass. In short – a steel wheel is harder to stop than an aluminum one. Brake pads, rotors and drums will all be happier and last longer with a lighter aluminum wheel.
On The Off-Road:
Aluminum wheels now dominate the automotive aftermarket. If you’re a serious off-roader and need to run larger tires, you may have trouble finding a steel wheel that is 19’’ or 20’’. KMC’s XD series are offered in various lug patterns and a dozen different size options. For bad boys, consider lifting up your ride and going with their largest wheel, a 24’’ chrome and black monster.
The Downfalls of Aluminum Wheels
When you’re shopping for wheels, there you can have a serious case of “sticker shock.” It’s not uncommon for a quality wheel set to run into the thousands of dollars, and that’s before you even buy tires for them. However, it’s important to remember that wheels and tires are the only things that keep your vehicle connected to the road, so it’s the one thing you don’t want to skimp out on.
Aluminum wheels are more expensive than steel one because of metal prices, so if you’re pockets are tight, it may be in your best interest to keep steel ones until you can save up. Also, aluminum can be expensive to repair. If you plan on running a low-profile tire and live in an area with potholes, drive carefully or make sure you buy an
extremely durable wheel
.
Steel wheels can usually be bent back into place if they’re damaged, but a cheaper aluminum wheel will crack under extreme use, make repair nearly impossible.
For a bit more cash on the initial investment, a quality aluminum wheel is worth it to drivers who care about looks and performance. The lighter wheels make steering a pleasure, which is great for drivers with big rigs. Plus, with more and more companies producing quality aluminum and alloy wheels, it makes it very hard to go back to steel.
If you have any questions about which aluminum wheels are right for you, give 4WheelOnline a call at 813-769-2451. They’re more than happy to answer any questions on your wheel needs.
By Sean Bowes
There are no products available for your selected application. Please clear the filter or choose a new application.
Trucks / SUV
Exterior Accessories
Exterior Accessories
Shop All »
Automotive Shop Equipment
Air Compressors
Locks & Security
Multiple Use Tools
Shop Storage & Tool Box
Shop More »
Exterior Styling
Air Dams
Billet Grilles
Bumper Covers
Pocket Fenders
Roll Pans
SUV Spoilers
Shop More »
Mud Flaps
Go Industries
Owens Mud Flaps
Plasticolor Mud Flaps
Putco
RBP Rolling Big Power
Rock Tamers Dually Mud Flaps
Auto Emblem
Shop More »
Grille Inserts
Go Industries
Good Hood
Kelderman
Putco
RBP
Rigid Industries
Smittybilt
T-Rex
Shop More »
Interior Accessories
Interior Accessories
Shop All »
Floor Protection
Floor Mats & Liners
Door Sill Protectors
Jeep Floor Boards
Shop More »
Steering Wheels
Security System
Installation Kits
Horn Buttons
Shop More »
Automotive Gauges
Gauge Faces
Exotic Gauges
Gauge Kits
Shop More »
Interior Trim
Dinan
Putco
Smittybilt
Shop More »
Bumpers, Grille Guards & Bull Bars
Bumpers, Grille Guards & Bull Bars
Shop All »
Bumpers
Addictive Desert Designs
ARB
Fab Fours
Go Rhino
N-FAB
Smittybilt
Tough Country
Westin
Shop More »
Grille Guards
Aries Automotive
Factory Outlet
Go Industries
Go Rhino
Onki
Tough Country
Warn
Westin Automotive
Shop More »
Bull Bars
ARB
Aries
Factory Outlet
Go Industries
Go Rhino
Smittybilt
Westin
Shop More »
Bug Shields & Visors
Bug Shields & Visors
Spoilers & Diffusers
Akrapovic
Good Hood
Vorsteiner
Shop More »
Hood Shields & Bug Deflectors
AVS Auto Ventshade
Lund Truck Accessories
Putco
Stampede Truck Accessories
Westin Automotive
Shop More »
Vent Visors
AVS Auto Ventshade
Factory Outlet
Lund Truck Accessories
Premium Accessories
Putco
Stampede Truck Accessories
Westin Automotive
Shop More »
Cargo Management
Cargo Management
Shop All »
Bed Cargo Management
Bed Slide
SlideZilla
BedXtender
Lund
Shop More »
Roof Racks
ARB
Lund
ProRac
Smittybilt
Shop More »
Cargo Carriers
Lund
Smittybilt
Surco
Warrior Products
Shop More »
Drivetrain, Differentials & Brakes
Drivetrain, Differentials & Brakes
Axle Components
Axle Shafts
Differential Covers
Differentials
Rings & Pinions
Install & Overhaul Kits
Locking Hubs
Shop More »
Brakes
Banks Power
Crown Automotive
Baer
SSBC
Shop More »
Fender Flares
Fender Flares
Shop All »
Bolt Style Fender Flares
Bushwacker Bolt Style
Prestige RX Rivet
G2 Pocket-N-Bolt
Shop More »
OEM Fender Flares
Prestige SX OEM
Premium OEM
G2 OEM
Shop More »
Wide Style Fender Flares
Bushwacker Extend-a-Fender
TruEdge Extendz - Painted
Shop More »
Lighted Fender Flares
Premium Textured Pocket-n-Bolt
Premium Smooth Pocket-n-Bolt
Premium Textured Round
Premium Smooth Round
Shop More »
Street Style Fender Flares
G2 Street
TruEdge Street
Shop More »
Brands
Aries Automotive
Bushwacker
G2
Poison Spyder
Prestige
Rampage
Smittybilt
Superlift
TrueEdge
Warn
Headache Racks
Headache Racks
Shop All »
Cab Racks
Addictive Desert Designs
BackRack
Fab Fours
Go Industries
Shop More »
Lighted Headache Racks
BackRack
B&W Hitches
Go Industries
Shop More »
Louvered Headache Racks
Aries Automotive
BackRack
B&W Hitches
Go Industries
Premium Accessories
Westin Automotive
Shop More »
Mesh Headache Racks
BackRack
Putco
Shop More »
Lighting & LEDs
Lighting, LEDs & Accessories
Shop All »
Headlights
KC HiLiTes
Oracle
Delta Lights
Recon Lights
Rigid industries
Shop More »
Electrical Components
Controllers / Remotes / Dimmers
Relays
Shop More »
Light Bars
KC HiLiTes
PIAA Lights
Rigid Industries
Shop More »
Emergency & Work Lights
JW Speaker
Truck-Lite
KC HiLites
Westin
Shop More »
Interior Lights
Delta
Recon
Truck-Lite
Shop More »
Truck Bed Lights
Access
Recon
Shop More »
Nerf Bars & Running Boards
Nerf Bars & Running Boards
Shop All »
Power Running Boards
AMP Research
Bestop Powerboard NX
Bestop Powerboard
Shop More »
Running Boards
Premium
Romik
Westin
Shop More »
Side Steps
AMP Research
Go Rhino
Shop More »
Hitch Steps
Go Rhino
Lund
Romik
Shop More »
Nerf Bars
Round Nerf Bars
Oval Nerf Bars
Wheel-2-Wheel Nerf Bars
Running Boards
Powered Running Boards
Step Nerf Bars
Truck Steps
Hitch Steps
Shop More »
Performance & Diesel
Performance & Diesel Parts
Air Intakes & Filters
AFE Stage 1
AFE Stage 2
Volant
Takeda
Shop More »
Batteries
Chargers & Tenders
Jump Starters
Battery / Charger Components
Performance Exhausts
Dynomax
MagnaFlow
RBP
MBRP
Borla
Gibson
Flowmaster
Shop More »
Diesel Exhaust
Banks Power
MBRP
MagnaFlow
Performance Electronics
Diablosport
Hypertech
Edge
Jet
Superchips
AFE Scorcher
Shop More »
Diesel Performance
Airdog
Banks Power Tuners
Banks Power Exhaust
Magnaflow
FASS
MBRP
Shop More »
Boosters
Nitrous Oxide Systems
Turbos
Suspensions & Shocks
Suspensions & Shocks
Suspension Lift Kits
Pro Comp
Fabtech
Rancho
Skyjacker
Tuff Country
Shop More »
Lowering Kits
Ground Force
Traxda
Shop More »
Leveling Kits
Front Leveling
Rear Leveling
Lift Blocks & U-Bolts
Shop More »
Body Lift Kits
Daystar
JKS Manufacturing
Skyjacker
Warrior Products
Shop More »
Truck Shocks
Bilstein
Daystar
Fabtech
FOX Shocks
JKS Manufacturing
King Shocks
Pro Comp
Rancho
ReadyLift
Rock Krawler
Rubicon Express
Skyjacker
Superlift
Tuff Country
Shop More Brands »
Tonneau Covers
Tonneau Covers
Shop All »
Folding Tonneau Covers
Extang Trifecta
UnderCover Flex
Premium
Tonno Pro
Shop More »
Retractable Tonneau Covers
Roll-N-Lock
Retrax
Truck Covers USA
Shop More »
Hard Tonneau Covers
Premium
Tonno Pro
Torza Hard Hat
Undercover Flex
Shop More »
Heavy Duty Tonneau Covers
Diamondback
Retrax
Roll-N-Lock
Shop More »
Roll Up Tonneau Covers
Premium
Tonno Pro
Bestop EZ
Shop More »
Brands
Extang
Undercover
BAKFlip
Access
Lund
Roll N Lock
TruXedo
TonnoPro
Truck Bed & Accessories
Truck Bed & Accessories
Shop All »
Bed Rails
Stake Pocket Bed Rails
Universal Bed Rails
Black Bed Rails
Chrome Bed Rails
Stainless Steel Bed Rails
Shop More »
Tailgates & Accessories
5th Wheel Tailgates
Tailgate Locks
Shop More »
Bed Rail Caps
Bushwacker
Lund
Putco
Rampage
Westin
Shop More »
Bed Management
UnderCover Swing Case
Roll N Lock Cargo Manager
Shop More »
Bed Mats & Liners
Al's Liner
BedRug Bed Mats
BedRug Bed Liner
Access Bed Mats
Shop More »
Truck Bed Super Top
Truck Utility Racks
BAKFlip
Fab Fours
Fabtech
Go Rhino
Smittybilt Contractor
Smittybilt Defender
TracRac
Shop More »
Wheels & Tires
Wheels & Tires
Wheel and Tire Packages
Check Out Our NEW Easy-to-Use Wheel and Tire Package Configurator.
Get Free Mounting, Free Balancing and a Free Install Kit - All with Free Shipping!
Try It Now! »
All Wheels
Jeep Wheels
Car Wheels
SUV Wheels
Truck Wheels
Dually Wheels
Trailer Wheels
Shop More »
Truck Tires
Dick Cepek
Falken
Mickey Thompson
Nitto
Super Swamper
Toyo
Shop More »
Winches, Recovery & Plows
Winches, Recovery & Plows
Shop All »
Winches
8,000lb Self Recovery Winches
9,000lb to 9,500lb Self Recovery Winches
Heavy Duty Winches (10,000+ lbs.)
Electric AC Winches
Utility & Trailer Winches
ATV Winches
Shop More »
Winch Accessories
Air Compressors
Hi-Lift Jacks
RotopaX
Monster Hooks
Winch Remote Controls
Winch Fairleads
Winch Snatch Blocks
Winch Accessory Kits
Shop More »
Winch Lines, Cables, Ropes
Bubba Ropes
Factor 55
Shock Straps
Mile Marker Synthetic
Mile Marker Replacement
Smittybilt Synthetic
Shop More »
Winch Brands
DV8 Off-Road
Factor 55
Fishbone Offroad
Mile Marker
Monster Hooks
N-Fab
Poison Spyder
Premium Accessories
Recon
Rubicon Express
ShockStrap
Skyjacker
Smittybilt
Superwinch
Warn
Warrior Products
Westin
Shop More »
Other Sections
Truck and SUV
Towing
Jeep
Wheels
Tires
Promos
Account Information
Promos & Specials
Truck Articles & Reviews
Privacy Policy
My Account
Returns
Warranty Info
Tracking Info
Price Quotes / Match