Alloy car wheels are generally made from aluminum or aluminum mixed with another metal like magnesium. Installing a set of alloy wheels on a car is one of the most popular ways of improving a vehicles performance and aesthetics. There are multiple benefits to installing alloy wheels on a car, particularly if the car was using a steel wheel.
One of the main benefits of alloy wheels is the fact that they are generally--but not always--lighter than something like a steel rim. Alloys reduce the unsprung weight of a car's suspension, which is the amount of weight carried by just the suspension. Fitting lighter alloy wheels to a car pays off with an improvement in steering response and agility, particularly during aggressive driving.
Because of their aluminum construction, alloy wheels are also very strong and much more resistant to bending than wheels made of other materials such as steel. Alloy wheels dissipate heat better, which minimizes cracking to the metal. This superior heat dissipation can even promote better braking, since heat around the brakes in minimized. Another aspect that contributes to brake cooling is the open construction of many alloys, where air around the spokes lets more air cool the brakes.
Because of their tremendous popularity, there is an extremely large selection of alloy wheels to choose from. It should be kept in mind though that some cars have unusual bolt patterns and therefore have a limited number of alloy wheels that will fit. But for cars with a common bolt pattern like a VW or Honda there are many choices, from as small as a 13-inch wheel to something as large as an 18-inch or even larger.
Aluminum alloys are better looking than standard steel wheels. They come in a wide variety of finishes, including polished, chromed and painted. You can also order custom alloy wheels from some companies with the finish that you want.
Installing a set of alloy wheels will usually improve the value of your vehicle, or at least its desirability, making it potentially easier to sell. Because alloys have multiple benefits, from increases performance to better looks, they are generally considered a plus when fitted to a car.
