Most motorcycles, cars or trucks now have a selection of alloys wheels to choose from. The materials used in the construction of these wheels may be either magnesium or aluminum alloys or, ever more frequently, a combination of the two. The wheels are much lighter without losing any of their strength. Besides looking good, they are very good conductors of heat.

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.

Braking systems may be improved because of the heat dissipation qualities of the alloys. Carrying away the heat generated by the brakes in unfavorable conditions, may prevent brake failures because of overheating.

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 wheel and tire pacakages covers then becomes necessary to improve the wheels appearance.

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.

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.

Being a valuable, expensive accessory, they have become a target of thieves, which has prompted manufacturers to come up with methods of protection such as locks on the wheel nuts. These can only be removed by way of a specially fitting key. Most of the wheels produced are cast but a great many are forged. Forging produces a lighter and stronger product, but they are a lot more expensive.