The benefits of aluminium wheels

One of the things that makes sports and luxury cars stand apart are the alloy rims. They're lightweight and strong, and look more attractive because of the bare metal finish. These alloys are actually aluminium or magnesium alloys. Mag wheels made by the top branded manufacturers are forged and not cast, and can be credited as part for the performance gap between ordinary cars and the ones used for racing. Hence, this article will show the benefits of aluminium wheels.

Lightweight

Lightweight aluminium wheels provides many benefits. One benefit is that the lower overall vehicle weight reduces fuel consumption. Also, wheels are rotating mass which makes them unsprung weight. This means that a 1 lb weight reduction in a rotating wheel is equivalent to an 8 lb reduction in the vehicle's static weight. The lighter wheels allow the suspension to track the terrain better. It adds to the grip, providing more acceleration speed.

Heat conduction

Given the improved heat conductivity and dissipation of the heat from the friction between the tires and the road , the brakes lose heat faster and work better, especially when the vehicle is being pushed to the limit in high-speed race cars. It also reduces the chances of the brakes failing due to over-heating.

Style

Mag wheels don't need paint coats or wheel covers, leaving a bare metal finish that makes it look a lot better than an ordinary car. Companies like Rota and Eagle Wheels have earned much money making and selling these wheels for motorsports. One aspect of style is that using a brand name adds value to the car. Wheel manufacturers like Centerline make it a point to note that they design and forge the wheels themselves in their own plant, as opposed to the generic and cheap imported cast wheels found on ordinary cars.

Strong

One reason why alloy wheels are tested to the limit at motorsports is because it highlights how tough they are. If wheels made by Rota rims or Konig wheels can survive the stress and wear and tear of motorsports, then consumers will know that it should be good enough for them too. In fact, this demonstration of toughness at motorsports is used by the wheel manufacturers to market their bigger 20" alloy wheels to large SUV owners and truck drivers. They're lighter and stronger and more attractive, and alloy rims are being increasingly seen on ordinary vehicles. This mass market appeal is reducing the costs for alloy wheels, and it will likely be even more affordable in the near future.