An alloy wheel is manufactured from non-ferrous metals to reduce unsprung weight and improve brake cooling compared to traditional stamped steel wheels. They can be cast for mass production or forged for high-performance applications requiring extreme strength. While they offer superior aesthetics and handling, alloys are brittle and prone to cracking or bending when striking potholes.
The customer hit a curb hard enough to bend the control arm and crack the front right alloy wheel.
When mounting tires on alloys, always use a plastic duckhead on the tire machine and non-marring sockets to avoid scratching the clear coat.
Also heard as
- alloys
- mag wheel
Related terms
Mag wheel
An aftermarket or high-performance vehicle wheel originally cast from a magnesium alloy.
Split rim
A multi-piece heavy-duty wheel assembly designed to lock a tire bead in place using a removable outer ring.
Disk wheel
A solid wheel design that uses a continuous metal center rather than individual spokes.