When did 'alloy' wheels become de rigur for cars, I dont remember them years ago?

Question

I took mine off yesterday to change a wheel and discovered that they are plastic??? I thought they were metal,,, are everyone's plastic??

Answer 1

you might be thinking of the wheeltrim, hope this helps

Answer 2

I guess alloy wheel gained popularity since people (car enthusiasts) started modifying cars. Not sure of the year as such, but I guess it was muscle car modders who unleashed the popularity of these shiny rims-n-stuff at car shows, events and race tracks. More power to them!

Answer 3

first of all ... they are not plastic, you probably have hub caps which are plastic

second of all they became popular when "hot rodders" discovered lighter wheels were easier to accelerate .. so hence sports cars started coming with aluminum rims

then because lighter = mpg they became popular on all vehicles

so there you go

and by the way most "alloy" wheels have a plastic "paint or coating" to prevent corrosion

good question

del