Differences Between Steel and Aluminum Grille Guards

Are you considering investing in a grille guard for your truck or the trucks in your fleet? When you make the decision to purchase a grille guard, you may have to decide on what material you want your grille guard to be manufactured from — and the choice is most likely between steel and aluminum. We hope that this breakdown of the differences between steel and aluminum grille guards will help you find the perfect fit.

Steel Grille Guards vs Aluminum Grille Guards

RIGGUARD — like many grille guard manufacturers — provides potential buyers with different materials to choose from. RIGGUARD provides customers with a trio of material options, that include steel, stainless steel, and reinforced aluminum, with a variety of finishes that will provide protection from corrosion and add style to your truck. With that being said — each material has its own list of pros and cons that you need to consider. 

Here is a better look at the pros and cons of steel grille guards vs aluminum grille guards:

Pros and Cons of Steel Grille Guards

When it comes to grille guards, steel may be the most common material used in their construction. It is strong, durable, and readily available when compared to materials like aluminum or reinforced aluminum. These factors make steel grille guards a great option for many owner-operators and fleet owners. 

Pros of Steel Grille Guards 

• Strong and Durable — Steel provides the strength and durability that you need to protect the vital components of your truck from damage.
• Resistant to Damage — When compared to other materials, steel can withstand a massive amount of pressure and damage without bending or breaking.
• Availability — In addition to its strength and durability, steel is more readily available than materials like aluminum.
• Lower Costs — Due to its increased availability, steel grille guards tend to be more affordable than grille guards manufactured with other materials.

Cons of Steel Grille Guards

• Heavier — Steel is a heavy material and heavier than other materials like aluminum, which can have a negative impact on fuel economy and the durability of your truck.
• Corrosion — When compared to materials like aluminum or reinforced aluminum, steel is more likely to rust, but that can be countered by employing stainless steel or a powder coat finish.  

Pros and Cons of Aluminum Grille Guards

Aluminum is another common material used in the production of semi truck grille guards. It is lightweight and resistant to rust, which makes it a great option to protect your truck’s vital components from damage without impacting efficiency. 

Pros of Aluminum Grille Guards

• Resistance to Rust — Aluminum is not prone to rust like steel, which makes it a great option for trucks that operate in parts of the country where snow and road salt are common.
• Lightweight — If you are looking for a lightweight grille guard that provides the added protection you need, aluminum may be the right material for your truck and may promote improved fuel economy. 

Cons of Aluminum Grille Guards

• Higher Costs — The limited availability of aluminum as a material means that it has a higher cost than steel. 
• Durability — Aluminum lacks the strength and durability of steel, and is more likely to bend, flex, or break. Reinforced aluminum used by RIGGUARD improves the level of protection provided by the grille guard.
• Less Protection — When compared to steel, aluminum does not provide the same degree of protection in the event of a high-speed collision. 

READ MORE: Will Semi Truck Grille Guards Prevent Downtime?

Learn more about the differences between steel and aluminum grille guards with this comparison created by RIGGUARD that highlights the pros and cons of each grille guard material. Contact RIGGUARD today for more information on our semi truck grille guards and to request a quote!