Since that first wooden wheel changed the world, man has been improving upon the concept with many different materials and ideas. History shows us, that the first successful wheels were not actually solid, but were made from boards, fastened together and then the edges were rounded. The theory is that a solid wheel was just not strong enough to support any real weight, for long distances, over difficult ground. Many millennia later, someone dreamed of the incredible spoked wheel, which is essentially the basis for every wheel invented since.



The first innovative idea to improve a wheel came by wrapping an iron band around the wooden wheels used on carts and wagons. And then, the pneumatic tire was invented, and in some form or another, has continued to take us to the roads today. The improvements engineered for tires, as well as for rims has continued through the years, with the inventions and enhancements of nylon, cord, rubber, and other materials tried out for different types of tires. The actual rim or wheel has been experimented with and altered in design and material as the world discovered steel, iron, and aluminum, and variations of these metals, and also different types of plastics. Though for the record, plastics are not yet considered suitable for structure of a rim, but mostly for cosmetic purpose, to cover the rim and improve the appearance.

What is the difference between alloy and aluminum?

In truth, nothing at all. Alloy is honestly just a shorter, alternate word for aluminum. So, don't be confused by the references to aluminum rim or alloy wheel, they are not separate entities, only different names to call the same thing. (Just in case anyone else wasn't really sure about that). By the way, once upon a time, rim and wheel were different things, but now are the same.

The alloy wheel versus the steel wheel.

The most popular choice of wheels today, is the alloy wheel or the aluminum rim if you'd rather. And not only because they are so much prettier than steel rims, though they really are. However, the real reason that alloy is so much more popular, is because it is so much lighter, and structurally stronger. Steel wheels and hubcaps are heavy, and when riding in a car that has them, you feel every bump in the road. Aluminum wheels make for a much smoother ride; actually, it can feel like gliding over the road. That is why most luxury automobiles have them now. Race cars use alloy wheels because they are lighter weight, cause less tire stress, and have much better balance; all of which tends to be beneficial for increased speed. The biggest concern that people have with alloy wheels, is the cost. Steel wheels are definitely less expensive to manufacture, so they are of course more affordable. In the long run however, the price you pay is offset by the fact that you are getting more for your money.