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What is an alloy? -

An alloy is made of aluminium or magnesium. These can have different combinations of metals and other materials.

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Popular -

Most new cars come with alloy wheels nowadays and there is also a huge supply of after-market alloy wheels you can buy for your vehicle.

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Pros -

Not only do they look great, alloy wheels also have a wide range of benefits. First, let’s look at some of the pros of having alloy wheels fitted in your car.

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Better handling -

Because they’re harder than steel wheels, alloy wheels improve handling. The extra rigidity will help reduce the force of rolling during cornering, making for a better, more precise driving experience.

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Durability -

Again, alloy wheels are more rigid, meaning that they won’t get damaged as easily as steel wheels if you drive through potholes.

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Improved braking -

Alloy wheels allow for more air circulation, when compared to steel wheels, and this improves the performance of disc brakes.

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Tire options -

Some popular alloy wheel sizes have more tire options to choose from. Take this into account when choosing your new alloys.

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Cons -

Now that we’ve looked at the major pros of alloy wheels, it's time to look at the cons.

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Comfort -

Ride comfort might get slightly compromised with alloy wheels because of their rigidity. Though tires also play an important role here.

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Cost -

Steel wheels are cheaper than alloy wheels. Some alloys can be quite expensive, depending on size, brand, etc.

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Extra costs -

If you buy a new set of alloy wheels, you’ll have to buy new tires too, so take that into account.

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Expensive repair -

Repairing damaged alloy wheels is more expensive than replacing plastics on steel wheels.

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Insurance -

This will depend where you are in the world, but in many countries this is classed as a modification, so you should let your insurance provider know as this can have an impact on your policy and premium.

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I want some! -

Okay, so you want alloy wheels after all. There are a few ways you can find he right ones for your vehicle.

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Finding alloy wheels by size -

Alloy wheels are measured in inches, and sizes vary, depending on the vehicle. Your tires should have an indication of the wheel size on them.

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Finding alloy wheels by vehicle -

A popular way to browse for options, you can simply look up alloy wheels that fit your car’s make and model.

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Finding alloy wheels by registration number -

Many alloy wheel suppliers’ search engines allow you to search by plate number. This way you can’t go wrong in finding alloy wheels that fit your car.

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Next steps -

You’ve now chosen the alloy wheels you want, so what’s next? Well, you have to fit them!

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Fitting -

Depending where you bought your alloys, these are usually delivered to a service partner, such as a local garage.

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Fitting -

Once your new alloy wheels arrive at the garage, you can arrange with them to get them fitted. You can attend the fitting or leave your car there. This will depend on the garage.

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Care -

Now that you have new alloys, it’s probably a good idea to learn how to care for them. Here are a few tips.

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Wheels first -

This is the rule of thumb when it comes to washing your car. You should always start with your wheels. This will avoid brake dust splashing onto your paintwork.

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Remove brake dust -

This is step number one when it comes to cleaning alloys. Brake dust forms every time you hit the breaks. It’s essentially particles of the brake pad.

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Brake dust -

This residue can be quite hard to get rid of. Because it’s produced while your alloys are hot, it just sticks to them. Brake dust can even be corrosive if left on your alloys for a long time.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

A pressure washer is your friend. If you don’t have one, then a hose with as much pressure as possible can be an alternative. This is essential to clean out any debris and dust from your alloys.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

The next step is to scrub the rim with a wash mitt. You can use your regular car shampoo for this.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

Wheel cleaners can be of great help. You can use it prior to washing but also after you’ve done so. Just let the alloys soak for a bit before rinsing.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

If after all of the previous steps you still have some stubborn brake dust on your alloys, then it’s time to use a soft wheel cleaning brush and give them a good scrub.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

Now it’s time to rinse the alloys with a pressure washer or hose and dry them. You can use a microfibre cloth or towel for this.

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How to clean alloy wheels -

This step is optional, but you can apply a wheel sealant. This will help maintain your alloy wheels cleaner for longer and make them easier to clean in the future.

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Don’t forget your tires -

After cleaning everything, you can apply a good tire-dressing product to make the rubber look black and shiny.

Sources: (Holt Lloyd)

See also: Tips and tricks to clean your car like a pro

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