What are car tire weights made out of?

Car tire weights are typically made of either lead or steel. Lead weights are more common, as they are cheaper and easier to mold into the desired shape. However, steel weights are becoming more popular, as they are more environmentally friendly and do not pose the same health risks as lead weights.

Lead weights are made from a mixture of lead and tin, with a small amount of antimony added to increase the hardness. The lead is smelted and then mixed with the tin and antimony, and the molten metal is poured into molds to form the weights.

Steel weights are made from a variety of steel alloys, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel. The steel is heated and then rolled into sheets or strips, which are then cut into the desired shape. The weights are then plated with a protective coating, such as zinc or chrome, to prevent corrosion.

Car tire weights are attached to the inside of the wheel rim to help balance the wheel. This is important because an unbalanced wheel can cause the car to vibrate, which can lead to premature tire wear and suspension damage.