GRPFAN

I'm asking this question not only for Lexus put for all car/truck manufactures:

Are alloy aluminum wheel rims on vehicles a customer rib-off?

Reason I ask is many people I talk to have trouble through the years with oxidation around the "bead" were
over time they have trouble keeping proper psi air pressure in their tires.

I for one own a '00 RX300 and experienced this problem .

Some manufactures today still offer steel rims using hub cabs saving customers $300 to $400
a tire eliminating the grief alloy aluminum offers.

Some say it reduces weight, but at what expense.

Your Thoughts !

Clutchless

Keep anything long enough and it will corrode. They can remove the tire and clean it up then remount. It recently happened to my friend's 2000 Mercury Cougar (made in Germany). No one is going back to steel, it weighs too much thus increasing unsprung weight which adversley affects handling and increases gas consumption. Besides they make more money off higher priced alloy wheels. You only see steel wheels on rental or budget cars.

vlad_a

I believe there are limitations on how wide the steel rim may be, as well as offset.
In my opinion, let's leave steel rims for spares and econoboxes.

IMHO, If anything is a rip-off that would be the TPMS.

GRPFAN

Another plus for alloy aluminum wheels are they can design in every shape and design imaginable.

I just don't agree with the extra cost.

My medical transport company I work for has 35 Chrysler mini vans converted for wheel chairs.
Chrysler does offer steel rims with each new order eliminating the cost of $300-$400 per van.

vlad_a

You can also mend steel rims. It is not always possible with alloys, and more expensive.

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

Steel wheels rust much more than alloy wheels corrode... Neither is immune...

GRPFAN

Good Point........Thanks