Aluminium alloys are characterized by excellent mechanical, physically - chemical and technological properties, which represent the foundation for wide application in automotive industry . Todays’ vehicles contain around 140 kg of aluminium alloys (engine head and block, bearing support, gear box, wheels etc.). In despite of more and more compl ex geometry of parts and assembl ies, th e use is in constant growth , due to innovative casting technologies. With increasing ratio of aluminium alloys parts (and other light metals and materials), performances, safety and environmental sustainability of vehicle also increase. Casting geometry influences the selection of corresponding alloy, machining and demanded/achieved properties such as corrosion resistance; high temperature resistance, strength, hardness etc., Therefore, beside addition of main alloying element Si, also secondary alloying or trace elements such as Mg are added. Within this paper it was proven that different cooling rates and heat treatment have significant influence on achieved casting properties. The development of microstructure and its features related to different solidification conditions have indicate the process management, and particularly influence on mechanical properties. Microstructural analysis has indicated the presence of following microstructural consti tuents: primary aluminium (- Al), eutectic (-Al+β- Si), intermetallic iron phase Al 5FeSi i Al 8FeMg 3Si 6 and secondary eutectic phase -Al+Mg2Si. In heat treated samples, the higher tendency toward forming complex intermetallic Al 8FeMg 3Si 6 phase was observed, which along with Mg precipitation, affects posi tively on mechanical properties. Sph eroidi z ing of primary aluminium and its coarsening , have a positive effect on mechanical properties. Microstructural features have been imposed as a preliminary indicator of processes, and represent the base for predicti on of achieved casting properties.