Wheels Guide Austria 2026: Alloy vs Steel & Tips
Everything about wheels: Alloy vs steel rims, finding the right size, understanding offset and buying wheels at great prices. Now with up to 20% discount!
Rims are more than just a visual highlight for your car. They influence driving behavior, fuel consumption, and safety. In this guide, you will learn everything about alloy wheels, steel rims, and what to look for when buying in Austria.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Reifen.at. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are subject to change. This is not a buying recommendation.
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* Promotion at Reifen.at, availability may varyWheel Types Overview
Alloy Wheels (Light Alloy)
Alloy wheels are the most popular choice for passenger cars and offer numerous advantages:
| Property | Alloy Wheels |
|---|---|
| Weight | Light (approx. 20-30% lighter than steel) |
| Appearance | Wide variety of designs available |
| Heat Dissipation | Very good (important for brakes) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Good (with coating) |
| Price | Medium to high |
| Recommended For | Summer, sporty driving |
Steel Wheels
Steel wheels are the classic, robust choice:
| Property | Steel Wheels |
|---|---|
| Weight | Heavier than alloy |
| Appearance | Simple (often with hubcaps) |
| Durability | Very high (bends instead of breaks) |
| Corrosion Resistance | Medium (can rust) |
| Price | Affordable |
| Recommended For | Winter, everyday vehicles |
Forged Wheels
The premium option for highest demands:
| Property | Forged Wheels |
|---|---|
| Weight | Lightest |
| Strength | Highest load capacity |
| Price | Premium (very expensive) |
| Recommended For | Sports cars, tuning |
Comparison: Alloy vs. Steel
| Criterion | Alloy Wheels | Steel Wheels |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | ✓ Lighter | ○ Heavier |
| Design Variety | ✓ Very large | ○ Limited |
| Durability | ○ Can crack | ✓ Very robust |
| Winter Suitability | ○ Conditional | ✓ Ideal |
| Price (Set of 4) | €400-2,000+ | €150-400 |
| Fuel Consumption | ✓ Lower | ○ Higher |
💡 Tip: Many drivers use alloy wheels in summer and steel wheels in winter. This protects your high-quality alloy wheels from road salt and grit.
Understanding Wheel Size
Decoding Wheel Designation
A typical wheel designation like 7.5J x 17 H2 ET45 5x112 means:
| Code | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | Wheel width in inches | 7.5 inches wide |
| J | Rim flange profile | Standard for passenger cars |
| 17 | Wheel diameter in inches | 17 inch diameter |
| H2 | Hump (tire bead holder) | Double-sided hump |
| ET45 | Offset in mm | 45 mm outward |
| 5x112 | Bolt pattern | 5 bolts, 112 mm diameter |
Understanding Offset (ET)
The offset is particularly important for appearance and driving safety:
| ET Value | Meaning | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|
| High ET (e.g., ET50) | Wheel sits further in | Less sporty |
| Low ET (e.g., ET35) | Wheel sits further out | Wider, sportier look |
⚠️ Warning: An offset that's too low can cause wheels to protrude beyond the fenders – this is not permitted in Austria and can cause problems during vehicle inspection (§57a)!
Where to Find the Right Wheel Size
The wheel sizes approved for your vehicle can be found in:
- Vehicle registration document (Part I) under point 15
- COC papers (Certificate of Conformity)
- ABE or TÜV approval for the wheels
- Online configurators with vehicle selection
Buying Wheels Online
What to Consider When Buying
| Criterion | Importance | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Bolt Pattern | Critical | Must match exactly |
| Center Bore | Critical | Hub rings if needed |
| Offset (ET) | Important | Within tolerance range |
| Load Rating | Important | At least like original |
| ABE/Certificate | Critical | For registration/inspection |
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* Affiliate link to Reifen.atPrice Overview 2025
Prices vary depending on material, size, and manufacturer:
| Wheel Type | Price per Wheel | Set of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Steel Wheels | €40-100 | €160-400 |
| Budget Alloy | €80-150 | €320-600 |
| Mid-range Alloy | €150-300 | €600-1,200 |
| Premium Alloy | €300-500+ | €1,200-2,000+ |
| Forged Wheels | €500-2,000+ | €2,000-8,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I drive larger wheels than original?
Yes, larger wheels are often possible. However, the size must be registered in the vehicle documents or covered by a certificate. Important: The overall diameter (wheel + tire) should remain similar.
Do I need new wheel bolts for new wheels?
Often yes. Alloy wheels often require different bolts than steel wheels (tapered vs. ball seat). Matching bolts are usually included or must be purchased separately.
What are hub rings and do I need them?
Hub rings compensate for the difference between wheel hub and vehicle hub. They're important for vibration-free running and are needed when the wheel's center bore is larger than the vehicle's.
How do I recognize damaged wheels?
Watch for:
- Visible cracks or deformations
- Uneven tire wear
- Vibrations while driving
- Slow air loss
Is wheel repair worthwhile?
For light scratches: Yes, often more cost-effective than buying new. For structural damage (cracks, severe deformation): No, not recommended for safety reasons.
Checklist: Buying Wheels
Use this checklist before buying:
- ✅ Determine correct size from vehicle documents
- ✅ Check bolt pattern and center bore
- ✅ Offset (ET) within permitted range
- ✅ ABE or certificate available
- ✅ Load rating sufficient
- ✅ Matching wheel bolts/hub rings
- ✅ Compare prices from different vendors
- ✅ Plan for mounting service
Conclusion
Choosing the right wheels affects your vehicle's appearance, driving characteristics, and safety. When buying, pay attention to the correct size, necessary certificates, and quality. An online price comparison helps find the best deal.
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* Affiliate link to Reifen.atLast Updated: November 2025. All information is general and subject to change. For registrations and technical approvals, please consult the vehicle documents and official inspection stations. This guide is for informational purposes only.
Disclaimer and Legal Information
No Financial or Legal Advice: The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. It does not replace individual consultation with a professional expert.
No Warranty for Accuracy and Timeliness: Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the information. Prices, terms, and services may change at any time. Please verify all information directly with the respective provider.
No Recommendations: The mentioned products, services, or providers do not constitute a personal recommendation. The selection was made for informational purposes. Every decision is your own responsibility.
Liability Disclaimer: We assume no liability for damages or losses that could arise from the use of the information provided. This applies in particular to financial decisions based on this information.
External Links: For content of external websites we link to, their operators are exclusively responsible.
Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.
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