Why is magnesium used in wheels if it’s so dangerous?
This is similar to the “why did they put a volatile and combustible gas into zeppelins” question often asked. The answer is better in the case of magnesium wheels. In the case of zeppelins it was just cheaper to use hydrogen instead of the safer helium. Magnesium on the other hand is a light weight, extremely strong alloying agent which can be used to make wheels that have the best strength to weigh ratios out there. The downside is that if the oxidized surfaces can be pierced, magnesium combusts in the presence of open flames. Essentially, if you crash your car and it catches on fire, your magnesium wheels will burn a hole through the road and into the earth beneath it. So drive safely!
