subject: Car Basics [print this page] Alloy wheels are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium and are also known as rims. They are light and improve the looks of the car but are not corrosion or scratch resistant. Alloy wheel repairs are more difficult than steel wheel repairs. Though alloy wheels are more expensive, of late they have become more common and are preferred to steel wheels. Alloy wheels are preferred because car owners believe that these lighter, visually larger wheels on their cars result in increased performance, handling and suspension.
