Alloys

Alloys or alloy wheels are vehicle wheels made from aluminium or magnesium metal alloys. Lighter in weight, alloy wheels are different from standard steel car wheels. Alloy wheels yield increased performance. Being better heat conductors than steel wheels, these wheels considerably improve heat dissipation from the brakes,. This in turn, reduces the chances of brake failure in severe driving conditions. There are many aftermarket parts companies that manufacture alloy wheels. They allow consumers to change the wheels of their cars as per their preference; these are commonly referred to as ‘aftermarket wheels’. Such wheels are more in demand amongst the street racing crowd. Some of the aftermarket wheel brands include BBS, 5Zigen, Volk and Konig.

Magnesium alloy wheels are at times used instead of aluminium or steel wheels on racing cars for greater performance. Also known as ‘mag’ wheels, these alloy wheels are produced by one-step hot forging from magnesium alloys ZK60 and MA-14. For most street vehicles, these wheels are not preferred since they are a little expensive and difficult to recycle. BMW uses aluminium alloy cylinders for many of their motorcycles. Cheap alloy wheels are available on many online sites and automobile parts stores. Also, there are many stores that provide alloy wheel repair facilities.