Swopping from alloy rims to steel rims

[agenttech47]

 Hello people i'm interested to know if i can swop from the factory fitted alloys over to steel rims. The current tyre sizes are 195/45/16 and i have a spare wheel which is 195/50/15.  looking at the fiesta studio model which does not come with alloys these are fitted with 15 inch rims.  The question is what repercussions will have if i down sized my wheels for example weight and speedo reading.

 

The reason for this is due to hitting a pot hole on an already repaired alloy wheel which means at least replacing 1 or 2 alloys.  Main dealer quotes 200 in vat per wheel !  For around 300 quid i can get steel rims and tyres and not need to worry too much about the state of the uk roads as steel is more durable.

[Lenny]

On Monday, March 06, 2017 at 8:18 PM, agenttech47 said:

 Hello people i'm interested to know if i can swop from the factory fitted alloys over to steel rims. The current tyre sizes are 195/45/16 and i have a spare wheel which is 195/50/15.  looking at the fiesta studio model which does not come with alloys these are fitted with 15 inch rims.  The question is what repercussions will have if i down sized my wheels for example weight and speedo reading.

 

The reason for this is due to hitting a pot hole on an already repaired alloy wheel which means at least replacing 1 or 2 alloys.  Main dealer quotes 200 in vat per wheel !  For around 300 quid i can get steel rims and tyres and not need to worry too much about the state of the uk roads as steel is more durable.

The Speedo won't be affected because the overall circumference of the wheel will be the same size,

The 15" rim will have more rubber side wall to make it the same size as the 16" 

road noise would be somewhat reduced but handling at high speed or during windy conditions will also be slightly reduced.

you may see an increase in fuel economy if the 15" were alloys, but 15" steel are probably around the same weight as your existing alloys.

The only thing you will need to change is the wheel nuts, 

Alloy wheels take a tapered wheel but which means it's got a cone shape around the nut to recess in to the alloy wheel.

steel rims are flat faced and take nuts which have an outter flange that helps the lip around the bolt holes. 

It is important that you do change the nuts because a steel rim will damage taperd nuts and potentially rattle them loose.

There available on eBay from various suppliers but heres ford prices 

 

Steel Rim Wheel Nut:

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_fiesta_steel_wheel_nuts_from_2008_to_2012_f_1470843.htm

 

Anti Theft Kit for Steel Rim:

http://www.fordpartsuk.com/shop/ford_fiesta_steel_wheel_locking_wheel_nut_kit_f_1118208_c_246.htm