The vehicles we drive depend on an enormous number of systems and parts to propel us down the road. Your car’s manufacturer designs each of these components and systems to perform critical responsibilities and work seamlessly with the surrounding parts to keep the engine purring and the wheels rolling. While those stock or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are generally pretty robust and long-lasting, many drivers and auto enthusiasts choose to replace some stock components with aftermarket products. This is either to boost performance capabilities, improve the vehicle’s aesthetics, or a combination of the two.

When it comes to aftermarket car parts, wheels are one of the most popular components for enthusiasts to swap out. Not only can aftermarket wheels vastly improve your vehicle’s style, but, depending on the type of wheels or rims you choose to install, they can also boost your car’s performance. Forged wheels, in comparison to cast wheels, are often picked for their durability and the long-lasting performance they can provide.

While cast wheels are built by pouring molten metal — frequently aluminum — into a mold, which then cools and hardens into a wheel shape, forged wheels are built from one solid piece of metal. A heavy-duty machine repeatedly pounds and presses the blank metal into its shape, resulting in a stronger, more durable wheel when compared with cast versions. If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of forged wheels and whether they’re actually better for your car, stick around. Here’s what you need to know about forged wheels.

As mentioned, forged wheels are made from a solid block or bar of metal, which is frequently aluminum. That block of metal is placed in a several thousand ton press, which hammers and stretches it into a rough wheel shape. The wheels then undergo a heat-treating and machining process to improve strength and add things like lug nut holes and other design features.

In comparison to cast wheels, forged wheels tend to be stronger and longer lasting, thanks to the forging process, which results in extremely robust metal. Forged wheels are also usually lighter weight than cast wheels, making them attractive for performance enthusiasts who want to shave weight off their vehicle in an attempt to boost horsepower output. These beefed-up characteristics make forged wheels ideal for high-stress and demanding driving situations, like hardcore track racing. The forging process makes these rims crack-resistant, which allows them to stand up to the harsh demands of competitive driving.

Cast wheels, on the other hand, are typically much cheaper than forged wheels. As mentioned, they aren’t as strong or long-lasting as forged versions. However, those extra features aren’t usually necessary for most average drivers. If you’re trying to decide between buying a set of forged or cast wheels, you should consider what your plans for the car are. Say you’ll be racing every weekend and want the highest-quality rims that money can buy, forged may be the best route. Now, if you’re simply looking for some flashy new wheels for your daily driver, though, cast rims will most likely handle all of your needs.