Caring for Alloy Wheels
Alloy rims are usually the original wheels, stock rims, or OEM rims that come from the factory such as Ford, Nissan, Honda, or Toyota. These rims need the most specific care if you want them to continue to look new. Alloy factory original wheels have a brushed finish that looks great, but they do not shine like a chrome finish. A chrome finish has a reflective shine similar to a mirror. Below are a few tips when caring for alloy rims.
- Before you install them, a coat of wax will help protect your alloy rims and make them easier to clean.
- Treat the finish of your rims just as you would treat the finish of your car. Most alloy rims have a painted and/or a clear coat finish. One of the best ways to take care of the rims without damaging their protective finish is by frequently washing them with a mild soap and water solution. Using a tar and bug remover can help to prevent permanent tar staining and periodic waxing will protect the rim’s finish from the elements.
- Never use abrasive cleansers such as steel wool pads, polishing compounds, or acidic cleaners. These items may actually damage your rim’s finish.
- Use caution at automatic car washes. Some washes use acid cleaners either before or during the wash to remove dirt and grime while some use stiff brushes for cleaning rims and tires. Both of these processes could harm your rim’s finish. Ask employees of the car wash about their equipment and procedures before using the automatic car wash.
- Never steam clean your rims. Hot steam can dull the paint and/or damage the clear coat finish of your rims.
- Don’t clean your wheels while they are hot. Wait until they cool off. Water dries much faster at higher temperatures. Cleaning wheels while they are hot could cause your mild soap solution to dry too quickly, leaving spots or a film of soap on your wheels.
- Clean your rims and tires first, one at a time before washing your vehicle. Rims & tires are usually the dirtiest parts of your vehicle and have a variety of surfaces to clean. You should to use the full strength of your hose to initially wash away all loose dirt and also while rinsing off the soap solution. If you clean your rims & tires first, you won’t expose your washed car to the over spray when you rinse them. Cleaning one at a time focuses your attention and helps to prevent the soap from drying on one wheel while you’re cleaning another. Also, be sure to use a separate sponge to wash the rest of your vehicle to prevent scratching the paint from the particles that may have collected on the sponge while washing your wheels.
- Clean your wheels regularly. Remember, they are often the dirtiest part of your vehicle because they are constantly exposed to the elements (corrosive brake dust, ocean and road salt, paint-chipping stones and cinders and sticky tar).
Your new tires & alloy rims are like any other valuable investment. You should protect them by cleaning them as you would the rest of your vehicle. Remember to care for them as you would care for your entire vehicle.
October 13th, 2008 at 4:53 am
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