What Are Alloy Wheels?
Alloy wheels are made of materials that make them stronger, more responsive and provide better braking and acceleration than ordinary wheels. In addition, alloy wheels provide a cosmetic enhancement to your vehicle without added hubcaps or wheel covers.
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Materials
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Alloy wheels are made from aluminum blended with materials like magnesium and other non-ferrous metals that help strengthen the aluminum while reducing weight and increasing strength and durability.
Weight
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Because the aluminum used in alloy wheels is lighter than the steel used in other types of wheels, the amount of weight on the car that is not supported above the suspension system is reduced. Since everything on the car below the shocks and struts is susceptible to cornering forces and road shock, having less unsupported weight under the car helps improve turning, slowing and acceleration and reduces slewing, vibration, and wear and tear on the vehicle.
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Strength
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Alloy is significantly stronger than standard steel wheels. When cornering, alloy wheels resist bending, which reduces tire distortion.
Conductivity
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Alloy wheels are good conductors of heat. This feature helps dissipate braking heat more rapidly and reduces the risk of brake fade--the increased loss of brake effectiveness as brakes heat up--in high braking situations.
Air Flow
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Alloy wheels are often constructed so that air flow over the brakes is improved. This increases the cooling effect on brakes and reduces the risk of brake failure in high braking situations.
Corrosion
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Galvanic corrosion can be a problem with alloy wheels. Take appropriate precautions to prevent corrosion, which can cause tire leakage and weakening of the wheel, and necessitate expensive repair work. New alloy wheels have a protective lacquer finish that should be supplemented with high-quality car polish on both sides to help resist corrosion due to road salt, dirt and brake dust.
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