Do I need alloy wheels?

nishantgandhi · 22nd July 2009, 11:49

I have a Getz running on stock OEM steel rims. At about 24k kms, I switched to Michelin XM1+ tubeless tyres. This was in Sep last year. Saifee Tyres suggested that I can continue using my steel rims as they were not bent or rusted.

After about 3 months (Dec 2008), one tyre started loosing air. I got it checked, there was no puncture. However, the valve was leaking, so I got it replaced. The puncture repair guy said that this happens when 'black Japan' has not been applied while setting the valve in at the time of tire install.

Now just last week, the same tire started loosing air again. I got it checked yesterday (Jul 2009). No puncture again, but valve was leaking (again!).

This time I got a close inspection at the place where the valve is set in the rim. The circumfrence was slightly rusted. The repair guy sandpapered it and applied some anti rust treatment (WD40 I guess!) and has assured that the problem wont arise again.

I want to know what can be done to avoid such an issue in future? Are alloy wheels the only way out?

hillram · 22nd July 2009, 12:25

Getz looks good on alloys,which are like jewels to your car.
Dont go for aura.try Neo wheels or there are many imported ones like Plati,League.
Ultimate alloys are OZ wheels,which cost a bomb..but worthy.

pullikutty · 22nd July 2009, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

I have a Getz running on stock OEM steel rims. At about 24k kms, I switched to Michelin XM1+ tubeless tyres. This was in Sep last year. Saifee Tyres suggested that I can continue using my steel rims as they were not bent or rusted.

After about 3 months (Dec 2008), one tyre started loosing air. I got it checked, there was no puncture. However, the valve was leaking, so I got it replaced. The puncture repair guy said that this happens when 'black Japan' has not been applied while setting the valve in at the time of tire install.

Now just last week, the same tire started loosing air again. I got it checked yesterday (Jul 2009). No puncture again, but valve was leaking (again!).

This time I got a close inspection at the place where the valve is set in the rim. The circumfrence was slightly rusted. The repair guy sandpapered it and applied some anti rust treatment (WD40 I guess!) and has assured that the problem wont arise again.

I want to know what can be done to avoid such an issue in future? Are alloy wheels the only way out?

Plz help me in this issue I am also planning to fit Michelin XM1+ tyres on my new Ritz VXI stock steel Rims. So whether this same issue will arise or should i go for a Alloy wheels... I know alloy will be gr8 but i dont have that much budget to spent so please help me in this issue or should i stick on to the stock tyres and steel rims.I dont know whether they(stock) are tubeless tyres or not.....

nishantgandhi · 22nd July 2009, 13:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by hillram

Getz looks good on alloys,which are like jewels to your car.
Dont go for aura.try Neo wheels or there are many imported ones like Plati,League.
Ultimate alloys are OZ wheels,which cost a bomb..but worthy.

I know the cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels.

But my question was - Do I NEED alloys for the specific problem that I described?

sumeethaldankar · 22nd July 2009, 13:41

Try getting a new steel rim and see if it solves the purpose.replace the one you suspect with the spare wheel and see.
Alloys are not needed but recommended for tubeless tires.Most new cars today come with tubeless tires and not all of them have alloys do they.

iraghava · 22nd July 2009, 20:31

Nishant I don't know about you but most humans don't need alloy wheels. Their cars do though.

Technocrat · 22nd July 2009, 21:03

LOL Ishaan

Nishant - Please try putting that tyre on the stepney to see if the rim is faulty. If you really needed them then this would have happened on all rims besides its much cheaper to replace steel rims

filcord · 22nd July 2009, 21:35

Just replace the rim with a new one. Maybe someone at the local Hyundai will know the latest fellow to trade in his steel wheels for alloys, you should be able to get one cheap.
When I changed the tyres on the Getz, I wanted to go tubeless, but my steel rims were too rusted to allow it. Also I could not get any used rims, new ones were costing more than 1k each. So I stayed with tubed tyres.

ridinthru' · 22nd July 2009, 21:52

Folks,

I'm a newbie around had a similar question on alloys, someone is selling 13" inch after market alloys along with Goodyear G series 155/55/13 wheels which have done around 20,000 kms on the meter currently fitted in his Alto. Since I've got an Alto too, I'm interested in the purchase but am not sure of what the right amount should be for the deal. I would appreciate some gyan from the vintage around here!!!

Vid6639 · 22nd July 2009, 21:58

I had the same problem on the alloy wheels of my Lancer. Sandpaper and WD40 did the trick. The valve was refitted and hasn't leaked ever since.

By the way, the getz 13" steel rims cost around Rs.650 or so. So you can change them as well.

HappyWheels · 22nd July 2009, 22:33

Nishant,

Am running tubeless on stock steel rims for the last 1+ years; the rims are 4+ years. I have not noticed the issue that you have mentioned.

So, no you do not need alloys for the issue mentioned (I mean, your car).

sukiwa · 23rd July 2009, 10:09

Recollect persons at tyre shops applying some solution on tubeless tyre valve while fixing it onto steel rim/alloy; was told that this ensures firm fixing of valve with wheel and prevents air leakage. Have seen this at three different tyre shops in pune; two of them being Michelin dealers.

@ nishantgandhi & pullikutty : Absolutely no problem in using steel rims for tubeless tyres. Have been using them for more than 18 months on santro & no issues with it. Opt for alloys if you have vitamin M.

@ ridinthru' : would get better response if posted in relevant Alto thread. Anyways, don't think 155/55R13 is correct upgrade for Alto. And do we really get a tyre in that size? Was it a typo or did you mean 155/65R13?

As far as I know, alto stock size is 145/80R12. Before opting for that deal, you should check whether do you want move to 13" tyres & wheels?

WasavaTyres · 23rd July 2009, 11:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by iraghava

Nishant I don't know about you but most humans don't need alloy wheels. Their cars do though.

Guru Gyan

Nishat with the monsoon ripping apart most roads I would recommend you go in for a set of good alloys if you have the dough to spare. 'coz this will recur everytime you happen to get a rim bent.

Hillram : Why should he not go for Aura ?? They're well built and superbly finished alloys. The only issue being hunting for a replacement wheel if go forbid he manages to damage one beyond repair as they've shut production.

Nikhilb2008 · 23rd July 2009, 12:21

I say if you have the budget, alloy wheels are the way to go. Otherwise, just get a Hyundai steel rim and be happy!

sgiitk · 23rd July 2009, 14:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by nishantgandhi

I know the cosmetic benefit of alloy wheels.

But my question was - Do I NEED alloys for the specific problem that I described?

There are two benefits of alloys in addition to cosmetics:

1. Reduction in unsprung mass. Leads to better road holding and improved behaviour over bumps.

2. Stiffer: Less prone to getting misshapen in rough roads.

22nd July 2009, 11:49	#1
nishantgandhi Senior - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mumbai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 156 Times	Do I need alloy wheels? I have a Getz running on stock OEM steel rims. At about 24k kms, I switched to Michelin XM1+ tubeless tyres. This was in Sep last year. Saifee Tyres suggested that I can continue using my steel rims as they were not bent or rusted. After about 3 months (Dec 2008), one tyre started loosing air. I got it checked, there was no puncture. However, the valve was leaking, so I got it replaced. The puncture repair guy said that this happens when 'black Japan' has not been applied while setting the valve in at the time of tire install. Now just last week, the same tire started loosing air again. I got it checked yesterday (Jul 2009). No puncture again, but valve was leaking (again!). This time I got a close inspection at the place where the valve is set in the rim. The circumfrence was slightly rusted. The repair guy sandpapered it and applied some anti rust treatment (WD40 I guess!) and has assured that the problem wont arise again. I want to know what can be done to avoid such an issue in future? Are alloy wheels the only way out? Last edited by nishantgandhi : 22nd July 2009 at 11:50.
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 12:25	#2
hillram Senior - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 2,941 Thanked: 1,329 Times View My Garage	Getz looks good on alloys,which are like jewels to your car. Dont go for aura.try Neo wheels or there are many imported ones like Plati,League. Ultimate alloys are OZ wheels,which cost a bomb..but worthy.
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 13:41	#5
sumeethaldankar Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,142 Thanked: 3,665 Times View My Garage	Try getting a new steel rim and see if it solves the purpose.replace the one you suspect with the spare wheel and see. Alloys are not needed but recommended for tubeless tires.Most new cars today come with tubeless tires and not all of them have alloys do they. Last edited by sumeethaldankar : 22nd July 2009 at 13:42.
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 20:31	#6
iraghava Senior - BHPian Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bhaiyyaland Posts: 7,997 Thanked: 281 Times View My Garage	Nishant I don't know about you but most humans don't need alloy wheels. Their cars do though.
	(1) Thanks

22nd July 2009, 21:03	#7
Technocrat Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: GTA Posts: 14,770 Thanked: 2,705 Times	LOL Ishaan Nishant - Please try putting that tyre on the stepney to see if the rim is faulty. If you really needed them then this would have happened on all rims besides its much cheaper to replace steel rims
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 21:35	#8
filcord BHPian Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: goa Posts: 997 Thanked: 68 Times	Just replace the rim with a new one. Maybe someone at the local Hyundai will know the latest fellow to trade in his steel wheels for alloys, you should be able to get one cheap. When I changed the tyres on the Getz, I wanted to go tubeless, but my steel rims were too rusted to allow it. Also I could not get any used rims, new ones were costing more than 1k each. So I stayed with tubed tyres.
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 21:52	#9
ridinthru' BANNED Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: roaming Posts: 134 Thanked: 20 Times	Folks, I'm a newbie around had a similar question on alloys, someone is selling 13" inch after market alloys along with Goodyear G series 155/55/13 wheels which have done around 20,000 kms on the meter currently fitted in his Alto. Since I've got an Alto too, I'm interested in the purchase but am not sure of what the right amount should be for the deal. I would appreciate some gyan from the vintage around here!!!
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 21:58	#10
Vid6639 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 17,709 Thanked: 44,137 Times View My Garage	I had the same problem on the alloy wheels of my Lancer. Sandpaper and WD40 did the trick. The valve was refitted and hasn't leaked ever since. By the way, the getz 13" steel rims cost around Rs.650 or so. So you can change them as well.
	() Thanks

22nd July 2009, 22:33	#11
HappyWheels Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 4,145 Thanked: 571 Times	Nishant, Am running tubeless on stock steel rims for the last 1+ years; the rims are 4+ years. I have not noticed the issue that you have mentioned. So, no you do not need alloys for the issue mentioned (I mean, your car).
	() Thanks

23rd July 2009, 10:09	#12
sukiwa Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: pune Posts: 2,397 Thanked: 2,736 Times	Recollect persons at tyre shops applying some solution on tubeless tyre valve while fixing it onto steel rim/alloy; was told that this ensures firm fixing of valve with wheel and prevents air leakage. Have seen this at three different tyre shops in pune; two of them being Michelin dealers. @ nishantgandhi & pullikutty : Absolutely no problem in using steel rims for tubeless tyres. Have been using them for more than 18 months on santro & no issues with it. Opt for alloys if you have vitamin M. @ ridinthru' : would get better response if posted in relevant Alto thread. Anyways, don't think 155/55R13 is correct upgrade for Alto. And do we really get a tyre in that size? Was it a typo or did you mean 155/65R13? As far as I know, alto stock size is 145/80R12. Before opting for that deal, you should check whether do you want move to 13" tyres & wheels?
	() Thanks

23rd July 2009, 12:21	#14
Nikhilb2008 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bangalore Posts: 5,195 Thanked: 10,177 Times	I say if you have the budget, alloy wheels are the way to go. Otherwise, just get a Hyundai steel rim and be happy!
	() Thanks