Wheel made from an alloy of magnesium and aluminum is known as mag wheel and tyre. These wheels provide more strength and are lighter than steel ones. These improved cosmetic appearance wheels have better heat conduction. Wheels made up of non-ferrous alloys are known as mag wheels. Magnesium wheels popularly known as mag wheels were the first die cast wheels produced. The wheels generally used for racing gained popularity in 1960s, which lead to development of other die cast wheels especially aluminum alloys. As time progressed, these alloy wheels became synonymous with die cast wheels made from any alloys like aluminum to plastic wheels. Pure Magnesium wheels suffer many problems so they are found only in classic cars.
Another wheel type which is a craze among vehicle enthusiasts is custom wheels. These wheels that have been modified or have replaced the manufacturer’s standards are known as custom wheels.Customers customize their wheels for numerous reasons like
· Lighter, stronger wheels are preferred by competition fan.
· Larger and more distinctive wheels are selected by appearance devotee.
The most desirable characteristic of custom wheels vary with owner’s use. An automobile racer would go for a light wheel while a drag racer would prefer a wide width tyre for a good grip. A participant in a rally would want strength for wheels while a street driver would look for mileage and visual appeal. An auto crossing racer or a touring car driver would opt for less width tyre for better cornering performance. These wheels are gaining popularity because of increase in rim size, some going for 30 inch diameter wheels. These options of wheels come in a variety of finishes like chrome, polished and painted. Chrome finished wheels are chosen for their traditional chrome plating and PVD (physical vapour deposition) which protect from oxidation.