They look a bit different to ordinary wheels, but I don't understand the fuss over alloy wheels, what makes them so special, apart from looking a bit odd?
2007-09-19 04:18:01 · 21 answers · asked by Jennifer R 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The original reason for them is they are lighter - aluminium and magnesium alloys are lighter than steel.
A lighter wheel means the "unsprung" mass at each corner is lower, which means the wheels have less inertia, and so move in response to steering and bumps with less force - improving the vehicle's ride, and by keeping the tyre in contact with the road more of the time also improving roadholding, as well as improving steering response and reducing steering weight.
However, many people change to alloy wheels for fashion reasons, and fit larger wheels and wider tyres, negating the original benefits of the lighter material weight..
2007-09-19 05:57:50 · answer #1 · answered by Neil 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What? they look a bit odd?!
The most common wheels are cast aluminium. Technically, an alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. These wheels are known for their light weight and strength.In general, alloy wheels are lighter, more attractive, and better at dissipating brake heat that their steel counterparts.
Fitting alloy wheels normally reduces your car's unsprung weight - this means a reduction in rotating mass at the ends of the suspension components, giving you improved steering feel and greater braking response.
The matter is not only in the looks as most people say but also in the car's performance. That is the reason why all sports and tuned cars have them and yes they are SPECIAL - don't be a blockhead saying that car amateurs (me included) make a fuss over alloy wheels. sorry but that was a bit stupid to say.
2007-09-19 07:55:34 · answer #2 · answered by Qt_Mary 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Size for size they are lighter, so I suppose an argument could be put forward that they reduce the unsprung weight of the vehicle, hence reduce the strain (workload) on the suspension system. It might also be that they conduct heat better than steel so might, just might, help in brake cooling on some vehicles. But usually people choose them because they like the look.
PS Some people are suggesting that it's because they allow the fitting of wider tyres. What do they think we did before alloy wheels became commonplace?!
2007-09-19 04:27:09 · answer #3 · answered by avian 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The original was the "mag" wheel. If was really made from magnesium for lighter weight.
They very rarely caught fire, but when they did it was horrific.
The lighter weight wheel reduced the "unsprung weight" ( the weight of tire/wheel/spindle/drum or rotor/brakes) of the suspension thereby improved handling.
The newer alloy wheel are mostly aluminum and serve the same purpose and are not flammable. For most people it is just for looks.
Old Fart Ford Racer
2007-09-19 04:39:42 · answer #4 · answered by a simple man 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Alloy wheels are wider (looking from above) you get more grip on the roads and therefore can corner quicker.
Low profile tires mean the tires are thiner (more wheel rim), which means they don't bend from the wheels nearly as much so cornering is more controled.
Custuom wheels are lighter they make the car much lighter, because when the wheels rotate they weigh twice as much.
They make the car look unique and is often a main accesory in the boy racer style.
2007-09-19 04:27:06 · answer #5 · answered by My pic looks good 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
The main reason is because they are lighter, but this effect can be negated because people tend to fit wheels larger than the original steel ones. It's mostly done to improve the appearance of a car
2007-09-19 04:30:03 · answer #6 · answered by Jaffa Rookie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Go to a store instead of shopping on the net.
2017-03-11 15:15:36 · answer #7 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont get it either, my car has alloys. just happend to be the right price car. I wouldnt pick a car just because it has alloys. the only benefit i see is that now i dont have to tie the plastic hub things on anymore with plastic ties.
2007-09-19 04:30:14 · answer #8 · answered by wonderingstar 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
alloy wheels just look better and when there cleaned there really shiny the plastic ones are crap they're dull and boring it adds a bit of wow to your car instead of a bit of oh.
blondie xx
2007-09-19 04:34:11 · answer #9 · answered by blondie 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Take a lap around the grocery store prior to starting shopping.
2016-04-22 23:09:06 · answer #10 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋