What are the benefits of an alloy wheel?

[LittleRedDragon]

I am looking for a 2016 onward transporter shuttle. It looks like that most vehicles have steel wheels. They would look much nicer with alloy wheels. However, are there other benefits apart from looking good?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts in advance.

 

[Fluff34567]

A wider choice of tyres but then you need to change the wheel size. If you do change then as long as its an original vw wheel for the transporter you don't need to change the wheel bolts.

 

[Broadside]

I am looking for a 2016 onward transporter shuttle. It looks like that most vehicles have steel wheels. They would look much nicer with alloy wheels. However, are there other benefits apart from looking good?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts in advance.

I bought a Shuttle with steel wheels and set aside £400-£500 to put alloy wheels on it and then sold the steel wheels. It cost me about £350 all in and I got what I wanted.

You will easily find a set of Devonport wheels with delivery mileage tyres for £500, it’s a simple job to fit them yourself.

 

[Allradbus]

You are reducing the unsprung mass which is the main reason lighter rims where developed for racing cars. That they usually look better is a bonus. However, a cheap casted rim can crack on impact and you might get an instant drop in tyre pressure while a forged rim will bend a bit like a steel wheel. That’s why serious off road vehicles would usually have steel rims.

 

[Loz]

They don't rust.

 

[Mooncat]

They don't rust.

But they do corrode!! Avoid any of the diamond cut wheels as they get 'white worm' after a couple of years.

Most people get alloys so they can have larger diameters and widths. It's almost always for aesthetics as they usually end up far more heavy than the stock wheels.

 

[Fluff34567]

And remember to always put a smear of anti seize paste on the wheel to hub contact points!!