| We frequently see and hear car advertisements | | | | they are the correct size there shouldn't be any |
| boasting all sorts of fancy features - a major one | | | | need to. |
| being alloy wheels. But what exactly are they and | | | | To keep your alloy wheels in good condition and |
| how do they differ from "normal" wheels? Alloy | | | | to maximise their lifespan, constant maintenance |
| wheels are made from aluminium or magnesium | | | | is required. An accumulation of dirt and dust from |
| (also referred to as "mags" or mag wheels) and | | | | the road can make alloys prone to galvanic |
| sometimes a mixture of the two, while regular or | | | | corrosion, so regular cleaning is a must if you |
| standard wheels are made of steel. | | | | want them to remain intact. |
| The main performance difference between the | | | | Maintaining your alloy wheels |
| two is that alloy wheels are a lot lighter than | | | | • Before fitting your alloys, coat them |
| standard steel wheels, thus, giving the car with | | | | with a few protective layers of car polish. |
| alloy wheels smoother and more controllable | | | | • Wash your wheels regularly with soap, |
| steering and braking. Other performance benefits | | | | warm water and a soft sponge. Anything harsher, |
| include alloy wheel's ability to conduct heat better | | | | such as buffers or heavy duty acidic cleaners |
| than steel wheels, which can lower the risk of | | | | could damage the surface. |
| brake failure. Alloys are also widely considered to | | | | • Always rinse your alloys with clean |
| be much better looking than steel wheels. | | | | water and low pressure. |
| Alloy wheels are staple inclusions in most | | | | • Avoid taking your vehicle to a car |
| upmarket car brands; however, they are not a | | | | wash. If it must be done, make sure you warn |
| common feature on many others. To buy a set | | | | the staff not to use any abrasive cleaners. Also |
| of alloy wheels can be expensive, especially when | | | | let them know that they should only use a soft |
| compared to the much lower price of steel | | | | cloth or sponge when wiping the wheels down. |
| wheels. There is no real price range as cost is | | | | Popular alloy wheel brands operating within |
| dependent on the vehicle brand, model, wheel size | | | | Australia include Advanti Wheels, CSA Wheels, |
| and quality. Purchasing a second hand set is an | | | | Enkei Wheels, Mangels Wheels, Petrol Wheels, |
| alternative if you don't want to pay full price. | | | | Prestige Wheels, Prodrive Wheels, ROH Wheels |
| Depending on the size of your alloy wheels, you | | | | and Speedy Wheels amongst others. |
| may need to purchase new tyres. However, if | | | | |