Alloy wheels are a popular choice in the automotive industry due to their strength, lightweight properties, and cosmetic appeal. They are made from an alloy of aluminum or magnesium, which provides greater strength and better heat conduction compared to steel wheels. This improved heat conduction aids in dissipating heat from the brakes, which enhances braking performance in demanding driving conditions. Alloy wheels are often purchased for their attractive bare-metal finishes, but these need to be sealed with paint or wheel covers to prevent corrosion.

Alloy wheels offer advantages in terms of handling and fuel efficiency. Lighter wheels can improve handling by reducing unsprung mass, allowing suspension to follow the terrain more closely and thus improve grip. A reduction in overall vehicle mass can also help to reduce fuel consumption. However, not all alloy wheels are lighter than their steel equivalents. Alloy wheels are prone to galvanic corrosion, which can cause tires to leak air if preventive measures are not taken. They are more difficult to repair than steel wheels when bent but are generally more resistant to damage due to their strength.

Alloy wheels are more expensive to produce than standard steel wheels and are often not included as standard equipment. They have become more common since 2000, now being offered on economy and subcompact cars compared to a decade earlier. The high cost of alloy wheels makes them attractive to thieves, and automakers often use locking lug nuts or bolts to deter theft. Most alloy wheels are manufactured using casting, but some are forged, which are usually lighter, stronger, and more expensive than cast wheels. Forged wheels can be one-piece or modular, with the latter consisting of multiple parts held together with bolts.