Alloy wheels came into the regular motoring world from the racetrack, but they have quickly become a popular option when it comes to car customisation and improvement. |And there is a good reason for this: alloy wheels can actually contribute to your car safety, especially on longer journeys – for example, along the Larne coast, enjoying the beautiful sights of the Irish landscape. Let’s take a look at how they do this.
More Responsive
Alloy wheels are made from – as the name implies – alloys of various metals, including aluminium and magnesium, which are both much lighter than steel. This means that alloy wheels mainly help your driving by being considerably lighter than their steel counterparts, and this weight reduction instantly helps your car to run more smoothly. It offers a more comfortable ride, but also allows the car to respond to your brakes and steering more readily. This immediately makes you feel like a better driver as the car seems to now respond to your lightest touch. This improved responsiveness helps you to avoid tricky situations on the road, thanks to better reaction times when you need to swerve or brake. If you want your drive to feel effortless, shop alloy wheels in Larne at Tyre Safety Centre and you’ll soon feel like the best driver in the world!
Less Unsprung Weight
Another advantage of the lighter weight of the wheels comes from the fact that the wheels are unsprung weight – not sitting on top of the suspension system, which would otherwise spread the weight more evenly over the whole chassis. Reducing the unsprung weight has a lightening effect on the rest of the vehicle, reducing wear and tear on all the moving parts, which ensures your car remains in great condition for longer.
Reduced Fuel Consumption
When your car weighs less, it needs less fuel to operate, and this helps you to complete long journeys in less time. This leaves you less fatigued and therefore at a reduced risk of getting into an accident. The lower fuel bill helps too, as it means there is more money left in your pocket for the fun things in life!
There’s a Psychological Advantage Too
Alloys look good, and that is the main reason they made the jump from the racing world to regular commuting. But, when your car looks stylish and sleek – something that you can be proud of – you will subconsciously be aware of this and take greater care when driving, so as not to scratch or dent the vehicle. This final point might seem like a superficial and insignificant factor, but it can be enough to make you think twice about attempting risky manoeuvres or heading onto poorly maintained roads – and that might be enough to add a sorely needed degree or two of safety to your latest travels!