TRUCK/SUV
JEEP
TOWING
WHEELS
TIRES
PROMOS
☰
MENU
813-769-2451
Monday - Friday:
9:00am - 6:00pm EST
813-769-2451
HELP
My Account
Shipping
Tracking
Refunds/Returns
Warranty
Site Policy
About Us
Contact Us
CART
View Cart
Checkout
SEARCH
Close
  
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
$300-$400
 
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.
TOWING
Towing Accessories
Towing Accessories
Shop All »
Mudflaps
Tube Covers
Trailer Wiring Kits
Brake Controllers
Truck Leveling Kits
Towing Ball Mounts
Towing Ball Mounts
Shop All »
B&W Heavy Duty Ball Mounts
Diversi-Tech Ball Mounts
Reese Class V Ball Mounts
Tow Ready Ball Mounts
Draw-Tite Ball Mounts
Blue Ox Drop Receivers
Towing Hitch Balls
Towing Hitch Balls
Shop All »
B&W Hitch Balls
Trimax Tow Balls
Tow Ready Hitch Balls
Blue Ox Hitch Balls
Towing Hitches
Towing Hitches
Shop All »
Class I Hitches
Class II Hitches
Class III and IV Hitches
Class V Hitches
Gooseneck Hitches
Front Mount Receivers
5th Wheel Hitch
5th Wheel Hitch
Shop All »
Reese 5th Wheel Hitches
B&W 5th Wheel Hitches
5th Wheel Tailgates
5th Wheel Tailgates
Shop All »
Advance Manufacturing
Custom Flow Tailgates
Go Industries
Louvered V-Gate Tailgates Black Top
Go Industries
V-Gate Tailgates Stainless
Go Industries
White Painted V-Gate Tailgates
Brake Controllers
Brake Controllers
Shop All »
Blue Ox Brake Controllers
Tekonsha Brake Controllers
Tow Ready Brake Controller Wiring Adaptors
Draw-Tite Activator Brake Controllers
Westin Brake Controllers
Front Mount Receivers
Front Mount Receivers
Shop All »
Draw-Tite Front Mount Receiver
Front Mount Receiver Accessories
Gooseneck Hitches
Gooseneck Hitches
Shop All »
B&W Turnoverball
Gooseneck Hitch
Reese
Gooseneck Hitches
Gooseneck Rails
Gooseneck Rails
Shop All »
Draw-Tite
Gooseneck Rail Kit
Reese
Signature Series Rail Kits
Hitch Accessories
Hitch Accessories
Shop All »
Brands
Bestop
Blue Ox
B&W Hitches
Daystar
Draw-Tite
Factor 55
Hidden Hitch
Lund Truck Accessories
Mile Marker
Monster Hooks
ProRac Cargo Management
Rampage
Reese Trailer Hitch
Smittybilt
Surco Racks and Accessories
TeleSwivel
Tow Ready
Trimax Locks
Warn
Westin Automotive
Towing Locks & Security
Towing Locks & Security
Shop All »
Master Lock Security
Xena Security Systems
Blue Ox Locks
Trimax Locks
Bolt Security
Trailer Wiring Kits
Trailer Wiring Kits
Shop All »
Hoppy Tee Connector Trailer Wiring
Tow Ready Wiring Harnesses
Blue Ox Lighting/Wiring Kits
Wheels & Tires
Wheels & Tires
Shop All Towing Wheels
Shop All Towing Tires
Shop All Towing Sections
»
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