Are steel wheels more often out-of-round than alloy wheels? Have heard that steel wheels cause tire wear by being harder to balance than alloy, aluninum.

Because of the way there are made, steel wheels are generally worse for both trueness and balance. As a result, it might be said that theyare a bit more prone to irregular wear.

However, they are not any harder to balance, and in some respects easier as the alloy wheels sometimes take some unusual wheel weights and may not stay on if the wrong ones are used.

Also, it is my experience that alignment is much more of a factor. Modern radial tires do not like to be more than 1/32nd of an inch off the toe in spec PER SIDE. (about 0.06 degrees). This is half the tolerance as published by most vehicle manufacturers. So I wouldn't shy away from steel wheels.

One other tidbit - many aftermarket alloy wheels are now made in China and the quality is spotty.

Hope this helps.

There are many variations in quality when it comes to steel wheels as well. We see a lot of places selling multi-lug hole 'universal fit' steel wheels. Make sure the wheels you purchase are designed for the car/truck you are using them on. Even if the bolt pattern is the same, the load rating can vary quite a bit depending on the vehicle. For example some Toyota Camry wheels can bolt up to a Sienna minivan but don't have nearly the same load rating you would need for the Sienna. That's a failure waiting to happen. You can see all of the O.E. quality or better wheels we stock here on our website:
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DY6&url=/wheels/index.jsp

Are there any variations in the spacing of holes with the different manufacturers. or is it all universal for both 4 and 5 hole the distance between the holes. or are there varing measurements for the spacing?

There are many variations used by vehicle makers. Depending on the car a four lug can be a 4-100, 4-108, 4-114.3, etc... Five lug cars can be 5-100, 5-114.3, 5-120, etc....

how do i find out my own cars sizing and then the sizing for the wheels? i have a 97 sentra gxe and it is 4 lug but i cant find the measure of the lug variation.

Your car has a 4-100 bolt pattern.

thanks. what is the most standard bolt pattern that wheel manufacturer use for 4 lug pattern? will i have a hard time finding a wheel to fit this size?

are the size of the center bore and the offset important? i am really new at this so i am trying to learn as much as possible.

The main problem, there is no 'standard' four lug pattern. You need to get something specific to the car. The wheels need to fit snugly on the center of the axle hubs or you will have vibration and possible lug/wheel failure. That's why center bore is very important. The offset determines where the tire/wheel ends up in relation to the fenders or the suspension in the wheel wells. It will also effect suspension/alignment.

i have been lookin around on the internet at tire and wheel shops and they have the thing where you plug in the model of the car...are these right or are they just throwing rims in there? like tirerack.com or tires.com