Alloy wheels are wheels made from an alloy of aluminum or magnesium, which are mixtures of a metal and other elements. They are typically lighter than steel wheels, which gives them a performance advantage, as they are often several pounds lighter per wheel. This means less weight, quicker acceleration, and stopping, as well as less strain on suspension components. In extreme driving conditions, alloy wheels are better able to dissipate heat away from brake components than their steel counterparts. Alloy wheels also provide better heat conduction and often produce improved cosmetic appearance over steel wheels.
Although steel is the most common material used in wheel production, the term "alloy wheel" is usually reserved for wheels made from nonferrous alloys. The earliest light-alloy wheels were made of magnesium alloys, which lost favor on common vehicles but remained popular through the 1960s, albeit in very limited numbers. In the mid-to-late 1960s, aluminum-casting refinements allowed the manufacture of safer wheels that were not as brittle. Until this time, most aluminum wheels suffered from low ductility.
In summary, alloy wheels are a type of wheel made from a mixture of metals, such as aluminum or magnesium, that offer several advantages over steel wheels, including lighter weight, better heat conduction, and improved cosmetic appearance.
