Have you ever been tricked by a tire dealer and bought fake tires thinking they were alloy wheels? You are not alone. This is a practice that has become very common as technology evolves. The funny thing is that they look so much alike that you can’t tell which is which. However, you no longer have to worry. Here are the methods you can use to prove that the ones you are buying are actually alloy.

Metal wheels have become over time the best wheels on the market. They are the wheels preferred by many motorists due to their outstanding qualities. You probably have them on your car and can’t replace them with any other type of wheels. Some of the qualities of these wheels that make them stand out in the wheel manufacturing industry include;

Light weight which makes them more efficient.

Force that makes them withstand great pressure and exposure.

good heat dissipation

variety of designs and

great look

These are the main characteristics that make up a good wheel and alloy wheels have them.

Many tire shops have sprung up claiming to sell alloy wheels, but as the technology has improved, so has the awareness of manufacturers making fake wheels. Therefore, a big problem has arisen where motorists have bought alloy wheels but they wear out faster than supposed. Perhaps, you have been a victim.

The big question that every motorist asks is; How can I know that the wheels on my car are actually metal alloy?

There are several proven ways to determine if your vehicle’s wheels are alloy or steel.

· acid test

Metal alloy wheels are made from an alloy of aluminum and another metal. Aluminum is not corrosive unlike magnesium. You have to buy an acid solution for this test and choose a hidden spot at the rear of the wheel. You don’t have to worry when doing this test because if it’s an alloy, corrosion won’t occur. However, if corrosion occurs, the hidden spot will be invisible. Take a certain amount of the acid and apply it to the chosen place. If it’s an alloy wheel, it won’t corrode, but if it isn’t, corrosion will occur. This will show that it is in fact not a metal alloy wheel.

· magnet control

Another method used is magnet checking. Aluminum is not magnetic. Steel, on the other hand, is very magnetic. Get a magnet and bring it close to the alleged alloy wheel. If the magnet sticks, the wheel is steel and not alloy. The reverse will also be true. However, this is not complete proof that the wheel you have is an aluminum alloy rim. This is because magnesium is also non-magnetic. That is why it is necessary to do the litmus test.

· eye check

This is where you use your eyes and whatever knowledge you have to check the wheels. If the rim is completely painted black and doesn’t look like a spare, it’s definitely not an alloy. Another way to tell through a visual check is to check if the wheel has hubcaps. If it is there, this is also not an alloy. Most alloy wheels do not use hubcaps.

There may be other ways to differentiate an alloy wheel from a steel wheel, but these are the most prominent. However, if you are unsure about the wheels after the service, it is always recommended that you visit your car manufacturer or consult your mechanic. Mechanics know a lot. They have been working with fake and real wheels for a long time and can tell the difference with just a visual check.

The above said; Acid test, magnet check and visual check are the methods you can apply to determine if the wheels have alloy. The acid test is the best and most appropriate of the three tests.

Make sure you buy the right alloy wheels next time and enjoy your rides!