Effect of Wheels Made from Aluminum Sheet on the Properties of Motor Cars.

In this paper the way in which the weight reduction achieved by aluminum sheet wheels affects the properties of motor cars is investigated. It is shown that fuel consumption and performance are only affected to a very small degree and that the fuel saving can scarcely compensate for the extra costs. Clearly weight reduction has advantages, however, through its favorable influence on road behavior such as improved steering, lower body stresses and lower temperature in the running gear. The better corrosion resistance of aluminum wheels is also an advantage. A certain disadvantage of aluminum sheet wheels is the greater susceptibility to imbalance.