With so many car parts and varying names, it’s not surprising that most people don’t know the difference between rims and mags. Usually, car parts are used interchangeably but that doesn’t mean they serve the same purpose. If you’re looking to be able to distinguish the difference between mags and rims, here’s a bumper lesson in mags vs rims.
What are mags?
Mags (or magnesium wheels) refer to the entire metal section of the car wheel, and in this case, this metal is magnesium. The word ‘mags’ is commonly used to refer to any type of forged wheel without hubcaps, whether it’s made from magnesium or not.
The benefits of mags:
- They are the lightest metallic material available and weigh a lot less than steel or aluminium wheels.
- They have a very high strength to weight ratio. That is the material's strength divided by its density.
- They have a high damping capacity - capable of absorbing vibrations.
What is a rim?
Rims are the cylindrical outer edge of any wheel that supports and seals the tyre to the actual wheel. If we’re talking about a tyre without a tube, a rim would ensure the correct fit between it and the tyre inside that retains the air.
Rims are vital because their condition will impact the safe handling of your car and can become damaged by potholes or pavements. Although they are made from the same material as the rest of the wheel, some are coated with Teflon for an extra layer of protection. Also, the size of the rim determines the size of the tyre as a whole.
Now it’s over to you to decide which is better - mags or rims?
Get your new tyres - mags or rims - fitted today. Whether you need a new set of tyres or a quick repair, contact us today to learn more.
