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A range of alloy wheel rims are now available to fit almost any car, truck or motorcycle. The wheels are normally manufactured from an alloy of aluminum, or an alloy of magnesium, or quite often, a combination of both of these metals. This makes the wheel lighter but just as strong. These metals also conduct heat more efficiently and they look good too.

Road handling can be improved through the use of lighter wheels, as this reduces the unsprung mass of the vehicle, keeping the suspension closer to the road, which improves the grip provided by the tires. It should be pointed out that some alloy wheels may be heavier than steel pressings. Reducing the weight of a vehicle overall may also bring down fuel consumption.

The efficiency of braking systems can be raised by the reduction of heat transference brought about by using alloy compositions under adverse driving conditions. The possibility of brake failure as a result of overheating is therefore greatly reduced.

Besides having an attractive appearance, the alloys used in the manufacture of the tires are largely resistant to corrosion which means that they can be used with their natural metal finish and do not have to be painted or be fitted with covers. More intricate patterns can be utilized in the design. This is in stark contrast to pressed sheet steel wheels which are usually welded together with the welds clearly visible and which have to be painted and covered with hub caps to make them more aesthetically pleasing.

An alloy, being a combination of metals, is prone to galvanic corrosion as a result of the metals reacting with each other when specific conditions are experienced. If preventative steps are not taken, this could result in air leaking out of the tires. Repairing damaged alloy wheels could prove to be difficult, but it may be cheaper to have them repaired than to replace them because of the cost factor. Depending on how badly damaged the wheel is and how the owner feels, to repair may be the better option.

Because the alloy types cost more than the steel, they are not normally fitted as standard on new vehicles. More often than not, they can be supplied as an extra option for new vehicle purchasers. Because of their popularity, this type of wheel is now being fitted as standard to a growing number of economically priced vehicles. For many years, high priced sports and luxury vehicles have been fitting them as standard, with exclusive large sizes being the preferred option.

Unfortunately, because they are so valuable, they have been targeted by thieves and this has forced many manufacturers to supply wheel nuts that can be locked which, in turn, requires that a key be carried in order to unlock them. The majority of alloy wheels are cast, but many are forged. The forged wheels tend to be stronger and lighter than the cast type but they are also more expensive.