What's a fair price for scrap alloy wheels compared to standard steel wheels?
Short answer: Alloy wheels typically pay more per wheel than standard steel wheels because aluminium scrap generally has a higher per-kilogram value than steel, though alloy wheels are also usually lighter than steel wheels of a comparable size, so the total value difference per wheel is somewhat less dramatic than the per-kilogram price gap alone would suggest.
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List Free →Why alloy wins on a per-kilogram basis
Aluminium, the base metal in most “alloy” wheels, consistently scraps for more per kilogram than steel, which is why alloy wheels are generally worth more than steel wheels — the material itself is simply more valuable by weight.
Why the weight difference partially offsets that
Alloy wheels are typically lighter than steel wheels of a similar size, which is part of their appeal on a car in the first place — so while the per-kilogram rate favors alloy heavily, the actual weight you’re selling per wheel is usually less than an equivalent steel wheel, narrowing the total dollar gap somewhat.
What else affects the price
Wheel condition — cracks, heavy curb damage, corrosion — whether tyres and valve stems or weights are still attached, and wheel size all affect the final price on top of the base aluminium-versus-steel difference. A clean, larger alloy wheel with attachments removed will price best.
How ScrapTrade Makes This Easier
Listing a set of alloy wheels together on ScrapTrade, noting condition and size, helps buyers who specifically deal in wheel scrap price the batch accurately rather than a generic mixed-wheel guess.
Ready to sell or source vehicle scrap without the guesswork? ScrapTrade connects verified buyers and sellers with escrow-protected payments and transparent weighing.
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