Alloy Wheels are definitely "in" these days. Those bling-bling wheels you see on most vehicles today are all alloy wheels and they are gaining more fans and popularity everyday.

So what exactly are alloy wheels and how are they different from normal wheels?

Are alloy wheels better than normal wheels?

These are the types of questions I intend to answer in this article.

Alloy Wheels perform the same function in automobiles as the normal steel ones but there are certain added features in alloy wheels that make them different and arguably better.

Compared to wheels made of steel, alloy wheels are composed of aluminum or magnesium alloys making them stronger and durable, lighter in weight, better in performance and most importantly, stylish. These wheels are manufactured either by the process of casting or by forging of metal alloys.

Forged alloy wheels are lighter and much more durable than cast alloy wheels but they are a little hard on the pocket. Forged alloy wheels are usually the preferred choice for high-performance sports cars but that does not mean you can’t fit them on any other car. Comparatively, cast aluminum alloys are heavier but they are cheaper and yet have almost the same styling as that of forged alloys.

There is however another type of stylish alloy wheels called Mag-Wheels. Magnesium alloy wheels or mag-wheels are whole magnesium cast or forged wheels used in racing cars as they are the lightest alloy wheels available. Mag-wheels are high on performance as well as on styling.

Unmatched style is probably the main reason why most people now prefer alloy wheels for their vehicle. There is no doubt that alloy wheels make the vehicle look posh and increase its cosmetic appeal but there are two other definite advantages of fitting your car with alloy wheels instead of the normal steel wheels:

• Alloy wheels are lighter, that means your vehicle has less unsprung mass. This means your vehicle handles better and there is improved road grip on most terrains. A lighter vehicle will obviously perform better on the mileage count as well.

• Alloy wheels are also good in terms of balancing. Your vehicle balances well reducing stress on other parts of your car like the suspension and the axles.

Besides that, did we discuss the style that alloy wheels add to your vehicle?

You no longer require those fuzzy hub-caps and you can definitely avoid displaying those ugly looking steel rims. No matter how elegant your car looks, if the wheels are not up to the mark, it may be a case of "bride without the ornaments". And indeed, wheels are ornaments, the ones to be proudly displayed. Alloy wheels maintain their luster for years (if maintained properly) and shine with that metal-chrome finish, enough to make your neighbors burn with envy.

A fact worth considering is that used alloy wheels and rims are available in the market at one-third the price of brand new ones. You get the style and features of alloy wheels without spending much.

With all this information at hand, I am sure you are equipped to search for the best alloy wheels for your car and tread the roads in style.

James Rodham

Quality Auto Parts