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Almost any vehicle on the road today can be fitted with black alloy wheels. The alloys used in the construction of the wheels, is usually either aluminum or magnesium and sometimes both. This results in a product which is lighter but loses none of its strength. These metals are good conductors of heat and have an appealing look.

Lighter wheels have the effect of improving the road handling capabilities of a vehicle by reducing its unsprung mass thus lowering the suspension to enable the tires to grip better. Alloy compositions are not always lighter however, than their counterparts in steel. An overall reduction of the vehicle mass may definitely contribute to better fuel utilization.

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.

Because an alloy is a combination of two or more different metals, it is often subjected to galvanic corrosion where the metals react with one another under certain conditions. If not cared for, this may cause air to leak from the tires. When damaged, repairing the alloys may be difficult, but because they cost more, repairing them may prove to be cheaper than replacing them, even if they are badly damaged. This, of course, will depend how the owner feels.

The alloy wheel costs more to produce than a standard steel pressed wheel, and it is for this reason that they are not fitted as standard equipment on many vehicles. They are often marketed as optional accessories by vehicle dealerships. They are, however, being supplied as standard to a growing list of economy vehicles because they are so popular. They have been fitted as standard to many sports and luxury vehicles with the larger sizes being regarded as a sort of status symbol for the wealthy.

Unfortunately, because they are so valuable, they have been targeted by thieves and this has forced many manufacturers to supply wheel nuts that can be locked which, in turn, requires that a key be carried in order to unlock them. The majority of alloy wheels are cast, but many are forged. The forged wheels tend to be stronger and lighter than the cast type but they are also more expensive.