How to care for alloy wheels

Attractive wheels play a major role in a car's overall aesthetics. Therefore, if you care about how your car looks, wheel condition is a primary consideration. Yet, as wheel rims have an obvious safety function, they must be in good structural order.

What are alloy wheels?

Alloy wheels are an alternative to steel wheels. Historically, they originate from very light magnesium alloy wheels, used historically in motorsport, but without the cost, flammability and rapid corrosion disadvantages.

The main difference from steel wheels is that 'alloys' are made from a softer aluminium-based material. Lighter wheels reduce the car's unsprung weight, bestowing efficiency and handling benefits.

As the alloy wheel is cast, rather than pressed, designers have greater freedom, hence the wide choice of styles and surface finishes.

How are alloy wheels damaged?

Alloy wheels might look attractive but they are more delicate than steel wheels. Impact damage is a major problem. Striking road furniture, such as potholes, risks bending, or cracking, the wheel rim. Even if a flat tyre does not result, the impact can weaken the wheel severely.

Poor driving can also cause the wheel face to be scraped, or 'kerbed'. This damages not just the protective paint finish but also can remove some of the material. Diamond-cut surfaces are especially vulnerable in this regard.

What is alloy wheel corrosion?

The weather influences alloy wheel life, too. Corrosion (oxidisation) is a chemical reaction that attacks metal surfaces, caused by a combination of oxygen and water but accelerated by salt. Alloy wheel corrosion is a major issue, which is why the wheel surface is painted with clear lacquer paint. Eventually, water creeps beneath this protective layer, causing a white 'spidering' effect to spread, before the finish lifts away.

In typical British weather conditions, alloy wheels have a hard life. This is not only because of our generally temperate climate but also due to the widespread use of salt on wintry roads.

How do I maintain alloy wheels?

Regular cleaning

Keep the wheels clean to remove salty mud and inspect them regularly. An iron fall-out remover is designed to remove hot metallic particles from the brakes, which may have become embedded in the soft lacquer. For more details, see: https://www.motoringassist.com/news/iron-fallout-remover-protecting-your-alloy-wheels-and-more

Use pH-neutral cleaners regularly. Avoid using harsh wheel cleaners, especially those that are acid-based. We also do not advocate you have your car cleaned by an unregulated hand car wash. Such outfits tend not to be trained in the use of specialist chemicals and we have even heard of brick acid being used to clean alloy wheels. While effective, it also damages the lacquer paint finish.

Avoid physical damage

Whenever a tyre is removed, the fitter should check the rim carefully for damage, including scrapes, flat spots and cracks. The tyre valve should also be removed and the aperture checked for corrosion, too.

Apply a sealer

Sealants are available that provide an extra layer of protection against dirt, water and salt. Some of these can be applied by a DIYer after cleaning the wheels. As with any chemical, follow any instructions carefully.

What are the alloy wheel repair options?

Ultimately, wheel rims have a hard life and a repair is likely at some point in the car's life. Should you be proficient with car DIY, you could carry out localised corrosion and superficial impact damage repairs from home. Alternatively, such tasks can be conducted by a professional Smart Repairer. Many professionals can do this at your home, or even from your workplace car park, thus minimising inconvenience.

The third option is a complete wheel refurbishment. While this method involves the most inconvenience and highest cost, it affords the best long-term repair.

What does alloy wheel repair involve?

Full professional refurbishment techniques differ between experts and wheel type, such as whether the alloy wheel is cast, or milled. The time taken also varies but around a week is typical.

As an overview, the wheels are removed from the car. The tyres and tyre pressure valves are then separated from the rim. All paint is stripped from the metal, before being inspected closely for damage. Some imperfections can be repaired, including impact damage.

Yet, if this is impossible and safety is prejudiced, most companies will advise the owner that the wheel cannot be refurbished at this stage. Once the repairs are complete, the rim is painted in the appropriate colour.

Special machining exercises, such as diamond-cutting, follow before the protective clear-coat lacquer is applied. The entire procedure is fairly complex but, if you choose your professional firm wisely, the result is likely to be wheels that are better looking and protected than when they were new.

FAQ

Is it safe to drive with corroded wheels?

Much depends on where the corrosion is situated. Most corrosion is superficial but if it creeps between the rim and tyre, it could cause an air pressure leakage that might be dangerous.

Can corroded alloy wheels be refurbished?

Yes, but this tends to be a task for professionals. Dependent on the damage, you could employ a smart repairer to conduct the work at your home. Full alloy wheel refurbishments will require the tyre to be dismounted and dictate that the car is off the road for at least several days.

Can corrosion be stopped on rims?

Yes, although repairing severely corroded alloy wheels tends to be within the realms of professional painters.

What is the difference between rust and corrosion?

Rust is a type of corrosion that affects iron and steel. Although alloy wheels corrode, 'rust' is a term that is not applicable

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