What is an Alloy Wheel? Different Types Explained

Alloy wheels are seen as essential for some drivers, and they are so passionate about them. In the UK, choosing the right alloy wheels means considering factors like cost, durability against road salt, MOT compliance, and fitment for your vehicle.

For those interested in discovering the appeal of alloy wheels, we have crafted a comprehensive guide covering their types, advantages, and disadvantages, providing all the essential information you need for purchasing alloy wheels or a vehicle equipped with them. 

Key Takeaways: What is an Alloy Wheel

• Alloy wheels are lighter, stronger, and more stylish than standard steel wheels.

• Aluminium alloys are affordable; magnesium alloys are lighter but costly.

• Diamond-cut alloys give a premium look but are harder to repair.

• UK MOT rules require alloys to be free from cracks, bends, and corrosion.

• Aftermarket alloys must meet DVLA fitment rules and be declared to insurers.

• Refurbishment in the UK costs around £60–£120 per wheel.

What is an Alloy Wheel?

An alloy wheel is a sophisticated variation of a wheel, they now come as a standard for brand-new cars and top-of-the-range cars. The standard car wheels are made from steel, and this metal can unfortunately bend, causing the wheel to no longer be in a perfect circular shape.

Alloy wheels are made from aluminium and magnesium, which are materials that do not bend as easily as steel. So many car enthusiasts and car buyers prefer to purchase vehicles that have alloy wheels instead of standard wheels, just due to the quality of the wheel.

It is also important to note that alloy wheels are also stronger and lighter than a standard steel wheel, so they make the car perform better, and they can also improve the rate of fuel economy that a car has, and we all know this is very important in today’s world with the rising fuel prices that we are facing.

Why Do Cars Have Alloy Wheels?  

It isn’t essential for cars to have alloy wheels, as standard wheels can work just fine, but car manufacturers chose to develop the wide use of alloy wheels because alloy wheels are of higher quality, and they tend to stay in good condition longer than standard steel wheels. Alloy wheels offer better road grip and balancing.

Types of Alloy Wheels

The types of alloy wheels you can expect to see on different sizes and styles of cars can vary, but the same materials (magnesium and aluminium) are still used to create the alloy wheels we see today.

The different types of alloy wheels are:

1. Aluminium alloys

Aluminium alloy wheels are one of the most popular and commonly manufactured alloy wheels, as they are light and they look similar to a steel wheel, but they are much more durable.

Pros:

• Lightweight, improving fuel efficiency and handling

• Strong enough for most UK road conditions

• Easier and cheaper to manufacture and repair

Cons:

• Can corrode if the protective finish is damaged

• Not as strong as forged or magnesium alloys under extreme stress

2. Magnesium alloys

Magnesium alloys are also a popular type of alloy wheel. This type of alloy shares lots of similarities with aluminium alloys, as they are both light, long-lasting and nice to look at. Magnesium alloys came into prominence in mainstream automotive manufacturing in the 1960s, after they were primarily used for racing cars.

Pros:

• Extremely lightweight, boosting acceleration, braking, and cornering

• Can significantly reduce unsprung weight, improving handling

Cons:

• Expensive compared to aluminium alloys

• Susceptible to corrosion if exposed to moisture or road salt (common in UK winters)

• Requires specialist repair and maintenance

• Rarely used on everyday UK cars

3. Die casting alloys

Die casting alloys is an affordable process of sealing metal on the wheels of a car, to make the quality of the metal higher. This is a good way of editing the wheels you already have, instead of buying a whole new set of wheels, which can often be costly.

Pros:

• Affordable and widely available in the UK

• Lightweight, improving fuel efficiency and handling

• Easy to repair minor scuffs or scratches

Cons:

• Less strong than forged wheels and can crack under severe impact

• Finish may corrode over time if not maintained

4. Diamond-cut Alloy Wheels

Diamond-cut alloy wheels are two-tone and highly polished-faced wheels. It is cut with precision that exposes the bare metal beneath the painted base layer. It really looks beautiful and sharp.

Pros:

• Eye-catching, premium look

• Corrosion-resistant if maintained properly

Cons:

• Can be expensive

• Damage to the polished surface is harder to repair

Table: Types of Alloy Wheels

Type	Main Material	Pros	Cons
Aluminium Alloy	Aluminium mix	Lightweight, fuel-efficient, affordable	Can corrode if coating is damaged
Magnesium Alloy	Magnesium mix	Extremely light, boosts performance	Expensive, prone to corrosion
Die-Cast Alloy	Cast aluminium	Cheap, easy to repair	Weaker than forged, may crack
Diamond-Cut Alloy	Machined and polished aluminium	Premium look, stylish finish	Costly and harder to repair

 

Legal and Safety Considerations

Owning alloy wheels in the UK isn’t just about the looks, but it also has legal and safety rules. And you need to follow to stay compliant:

• MOT requirements state that alloy wheels must be free from cracks, scuffs, and corrosion.
• DVLA rules on tyre and wheel fitment state that tyres must match the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for size, load rating, and speed rating.
• Insurance premiums can be affected if alloys are upgraded.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Diamond Cut Wheels?

Diamond-cut alloy wheels are modern, precision-finished alloys that display a design with razor-sharp edges and a chrome-like finish. The rims are cast and then painted, diamond-cut ones are also machined before the alloy is complete to create its fine, high-end-looking lines and unique design of an alloy wheel.

Diamond-cut alloy wheels are quite a new concept, but they are available on most brand-new cars or high-end vehicles. You can also purchase diamond-cut wheels yourself and replace your existing wheels with your new, improved wheels.

What Happens if You Scuff Diamond-Cut Wheels?

Unfortunately, if you happen to scuff or knock your diamond-cut wheel, it isn’t as easy to repair as a standard alloy wheel because of its intricate detailing. If you’re considering purchasing diamond-cut alloy wheels, it’s crucial to keep in mind the potential for scuffing, as it’s all too easy to do so. However, diamond-cut wheels are very aesthetically pleasing, so any chips or scuffs can be repaired by a diamond-cut wheel specialist.

Where to Buy Alloy Wheels?

You can buy alloy wheels from most good car parts and spares companies. It is important to make sure you purchase the right-sized alloy wheels for your car; otherwise, the wheels will not fit perfectly on your car, and this can obviously be catastrophic. It is also important to think about the types of alloy wheels which may be best suited for your budget and your vehicle.

How much does alloy wheel refurbishment cost?

According to Auto Advisor, the cost of wheel refurbishment in the UK depends on wheel size, damage, and finish. It states that on average, for up to 20-inch wheels, the cost is £60–£106 per wheel, and for 21-inch and larger wheels, the cost is £60–£120. Special finishes like diamond-cut alloys can cost £80–£115 per wheel. However, DIY kits are cheaper (£20–£30), but professional refurbishment ensures a durable finish and is recommended for larger or premium wheels.

How to Repair an Alloy Wheel?

Repairing an alloy wheel depends on the type of wheel and the severity of damage. Minor scuffs can be repaired at home with a DIY kit. It is simple, clean it, then sand, fill and repaint the affected areas. However, bent rims require professional straightening to ensure safe driving and MOT compliance.

Our Final Thoughts

We hope you have enjoyed our article on everything you need to know about alloy wheels. Alloy wheels can definitely enhance the appearance and performance of your vehicle. There are also lots of variations of alloy wheels which suit each individual vehicle. The best thing to do when you are considering buying alloy wheels is to first find out the types of wheels that are compatible with your car and shop around for the best deals and installation of the wheels.

For car-related insights, visit our blog section.