Alloy wheels are lighter and stronger than standard wheels due to the materials used in their construction. Made from a mixture of aluminum and magnesium, they provide an improved way of dissipating heat from both friction and engines. They have also become very popular because vehicle owners like the look that enhances the visual aspect of their transportation choice.

The lighter features have improved handling, they handle bumps in the ground and uneven surfaces better, which is an advantage of having alloy wheels fitted. With improved surface handling, they provide a smooth ride for car occupants. The weight reduction helps with better fuel consumption and the brakes will work better.

Alloy wheels are usually sold with a bare metal finish that is then coated with paint. To care for your alloy wheels, you must take back the wheels after five years. Any longer than this and your rims can corrode. Intricate patterns and designs can be used in the manufacture of alloy wheels and eliminate the need for hubcaps traditionally used with standard wheels.

Due to the materials used in the manufacture of alloy wheels, they are more expensive to purchase than standard steel wheels. This usually means that they are not fixed on a new car, but must be purchased after owning the car. However, high-end luxury car manufacturers have now realized that they have become a highly desirable addition to motor vehicles and include them from new. Locks have also been added to prevent thieves from trying to steal the tires.

The method of manufacturing the rims also influences the price, most are cast but they can also be forged and although this makes them lighter it also makes them a bit more expensive. Some drivers like to put bigger types in their cars because they think this makes the vehicle look better, but so far there is no evidence that this affects performance on the road.

Many drivers see alloy wheels as a status symbol, believing they indicate signs of wealth and luxury. Within the world of pop culture a vocabulary of slang has developed that refers to wheels and how to identify them. With such a wide variety of designs and styles, owners can achieve individuality while enjoying the benefits that alloy wheels provide.

In the world of motorsports, alloy wheels have become part of the established standard on competitive cars. They are lighter and stronger and will generally be of the forged variety. There has been a problem in auto racing that materials in the rim can ignite if a tire blows out and the rim scratches the track, when on fire it is difficult to extinguish.