What are Lexus wheels made of?
Lexus wheels are primarily aluminum alloy, with forged options available on certain trims; steel wheels are rare on modern passenger models and carbon fiber wheels are not part of standard production. In practice, buyers will mostly encounter cast or forged aluminum wheels on Lexus vehicles.
Understanding the makeup of Lexus wheels requires looking at two factors: the base material and the manufacturing method. The vast majority of Lexus wheels use aluminum alloy, but the way those alloys are formed changes performance and cost. Forged wheels, while more expensive, offer weight savings and greater strength. In some markets or configurations, steel wheels may appear, typically only for winter setups or as a spare, while exotic materials like carbon fiber remain largely outside production offerings.
Common wheel materials used by Lexus
Below is a breakdown of the main materials Lexus uses for its OEM wheels, reflecting standard equipment across the lineup and typical optional upgrades.
- Cast aluminum alloy wheels: The standard and most common type across Lexus models. They are produced by casting molten aluminum into a mold, providing a good balance of cost, durability, and performance.
- Forged aluminum wheels: Lighter and stronger than cast wheels, these are offered on higher-end or sport-oriented trims and packages to improve handling and efficiency.
- Steel wheels: Rare on modern Lexus passenger cars; when present, usually tied to specific regional packages, winter setups, or as a spare wheel kit rather than the primary road wheel.
- Carbon fiber wheels: Not used in current production wheels for mainstream Lexus models. Some high-end concept cars or aftermarket options may explore CFRP, but it is not a factory option.
In summary, expect aluminum alloy wheels as the default, with forged variants available on select trims for performance gains, while steel wheels are uncommon except in special cases or as spares. Carbon fiber remains outside standard production offerings.
Finish and appearance: surface treatments vs material
Finishes apply to the same base material and can alter appearance and corrosion resistance without changing the wheel’s fundamental makeup.
- Machined or polished finishes: Common on many Lexus wheels to highlight the aluminum’s natural look.
- Painted or coated finishes: Silver, gunmetal, black, and other tones are widely used to match vehicle styling.
- Chrome or chrome-like accents: Some models offer chrome-look variations, which are surface treatments rather than different materials.
Finish choices affect aesthetics and protection but do not change the underlying material composition of the wheel.
Why this matters for performance and maintenance: The material and construction influence weight, rigidity, ride quality, and efficiency. Forged wheels are pricier but deliver weight savings and performance benefits; cast aluminum wheels are a versatile, cost-effective choice; steel wheels, when used, are heavier and typically reserved for special packages or winter use.
Summary: For most buyers, Lexus wheels are aluminum alloy, with forged options available on certain trims for those seeking improved performance. Steel wheels are uncommon in modern Lexus passenger cars and carbon fiber wheels are not part of standard production. Always check the exact wheel material and construction for a given model year and trim.
What are Lexus rims made of?
OEM Lexus Wheel Materials
Most OEM Lexus wheels today are made out of steel or an aluminum alloy material. Magnesium wheels are another material; however, no longer produced by original equipment manufacturers, as they are easily flammable. There are differences between the materials and why they certain ones are used.
Can damaged Lexus rims be repaired?
We are proud to offer rim repair services for all Lexus models. This includes scratches, dents, and other rim damage. Our expert rim repair specialist has many years of experience in this genre of car maintenance, and will have your rims looking brand new.
What is the scrap value of an alloy wheel?
The weight of an alloy wheel varies greatly, with some weighing as little as 8kg, so it is difficult to suggest what type of price you can get for each individually. An average price of around £8-10 per wheel is perhaps a safe bet, though.
How to tell if your rim is steel or aluminum?
There. And rub a clean spot on the wheel. If your towel turns. Black it's polished aluminum. And it is not safe for wheel cleaner. If it doesn't turn black you're good to go.
