An Evaluation Of Black Alloy Wheels
A range of black alloy wheels 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.
By using lighter wheels, road handling is improved because the vehicle's unsprung mass is reduced allowing the suspension to sink closer to the road thereby improving tire grip. Quite often, the alloy wheels turn out to be even heavier than the pressed steel type. Fuel consumption can be effectively reduced with a corresponding reduction of the overall weight of a vehicle.
The performance of the braking system can be greatly improved by the efficient removal of heat through the metal alloy composition under difficult driving situations. This, in turn, will reduce the possibility of the brakes failing because they overheat.
The cosmetic attraction of alloy metals can not be overlooked, coupled with the fact that the alloys being used are, in the main, corrosion free. Bare metal finishes, free from paint and wheel covers, are appealing to many vehicle owners. Bold, intricate designs are now a major part of the manufacturing process. Steel wheels on the other hand, are pressed from sheets of metal which are then welded with no attempts being made to dress up the welding. Painting and the fitting of wheels and tires covers then becomes necessary to improve the wheels appearance.
Galvanic corrosion, produced when two metals, such as those in certain alloys, react under certain conditions, is often a problem. If no steps are taken to check the corrosion, this may cause air to leak from the tires. Wheels made from alloys makes repairing them difficult, which is not really the case with the steel type. Because they are more expensive, repairing them usually works out better than replacing them. The decision on whether to repair or replace, rests, of course, with the owner.
Being more expensive than steel, the alloy wheels are not usually included as standard fittings on a new vehicle, but are supplied as optional extras. However due to their increased popularity, more and more economy types of vehicle are now fitting them. Larger, more expensive vehicles have been fitting them for some time now with the larger sizes being particularly popular.
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.
Wheels made from magnesium alloy, often referred to as mags, are often fitted to racing cars in an attempt to improve the vehicles performance. Some aluminum alloy wheels are mistakenly referred to as mags. A number of motorcycle car alloy wheels are cast from magnesium disks.
Published June 29th, 2010
Filed in Auto
