How the alloy wheels can be distinguished from normal wheel?What difference do alloy wheel make in terms of performance / handling / road grip? Is it worth while to make investment in alloy wheels (in terms of difference in performance)?
Normal wheels are made from a pressed-steel rim, and a pressed-steel centre disc which is welded to the rim. They are cheap, but heavy and generally unattractive, and they are prone to rust. In an impact they tend to bend, sometimes making it possible to continue driving after a serious impact (but at greater risk, so drive carefully). Alloy wheels are made from aluminium alloy, usually cast but sometimes forged. Most are made in one piece, but some can be made of three separate parts bolted together at the rim (lots of tiny bolts around the wheel rim). They are generally more attractive, lighter and less prone to rust. Cast wheels can fracture in a severe impact. The light weight can give benefits in roadholding and handling because of the reduced unsprung mass of the wheel assembly. This means the wheel needs less energy to move in response to bumps, so improving the ride and keeping the tyre in contact with the road surface for a greater time. However this benefit can be lost if the wheel is bigger than the standard, or the suspension is stiffened from standard.
