Generally known as mag wheels, these are basically wheels made from an alloy of magnesium. Used mostly for racing cars, those wheels are also the current craze as they improve the cosmetic appearance of the vehicle.
Normally, automotive wheels are made from steel. Some are lighter for the same strength as steel wheels. In addition, wheels reduce the un-sprung weight or the weight of the suspension, wheels and components directly connected to them. This directly results in an improved grip and indirectly in lesser fuel consumption.
Depending upon size, a typical automotive mag wheel weighs anything between 5 and 9kgs. Those for cars are produced by hot forging a magnesium alloy while for motorcycles cast magnesium disks are used.
They are expensive than steel and normally not included as standard equipment. Initially it was something that the rich wanted to flaunt. However, since 2000 of them have become very popular and are being offered as optional add-ons as well as part of standard equipment in some economy and subcompact cars. Though technically they cannot be termed as mag wheels, alloy wheels are also made from an alloy of aluminium.
The biggest advantage of mag ones is corrosion resistance and cosmetic appearance. This allows bare metal finishes and eliminates the need for painting or wheel covers. They are also available in intricate designs.
However, some of them carry the risk of corrosion due to a galvanic reaction similar to the one used in batteries to generate voltage. Unless proper preventive measures are taken, this may lead to air leaking from tyres. Mag wheels are also difficult to repair
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