How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

I always drove on steelies during winter time,
but this winter I decided to mount my winter tires on aluminum rims.

I would like to know is there any special way to protect them with some lubricant or spray against chemicals which they use to clean the streets and melt the snow during the winter.

If there is a same or similar thread, that I didn't see, please post the link to it!

Thanks in advance!

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Head over to your local hardware store and pick up a few cans of Plasti-Dip.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

If there is any clearcoat on the wheels, the Plasti-Dip could pull it off when removed. I'd suggest putting multiple layers of wax on the wheels.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Steel rusts. Aluminum doesn't.

Why does Al need protection from salt and cinders?

Besides that, both types of wheels are painted. Paint is the protection.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Aluminum oxidizes, bud (which, technically, is what "rust" is). It ruins the finish of the wheel rather dramatically.

Here's a polished aluminum wheel that has oxidized. And, it will take quite a bit of polishing to get it back to a mirror finish.

https://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y1...2/IMG_1655.jpg


Salt and cinders promote oxidation on almost every metal.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Actually, if you want to get technical, it isn't "rust" if it isn't iron oxide.

Really though, the only practical difference is that rust spreads (which is why it is often called "cancer" on cars), but aluminum oxide is a surface layer that actually protects the underlying metal from further oxidation (it won't spread).

Ignoring that, yes, completely unprotected metal will oxidize. Rather silly to have an unprotected wheel though. A coating of clear would have protected it (which is why most of them come coated). So would an adequate coating of wax.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Guess I know that aluminum does not rust, but I got used rims which have some curb rash where there is no coating. Also on the back of the rim where is the contact surface with the hub is also not coated.
So that's why I asked about protection.
I know that they will not rust and the oxidation will not spread but at least as toyomatt84 said their look will diminish a lot. And he also mentioned oxidation, so I'm not sure why are you arguing?

So the best way is to get a clear coat sprey and sprey them before install them, right?

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Yep, this !

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Well, to be honest, Aluminum can rust. It occurs when the metal is exposed to something that inhibits the aluminum's ability to shield itself (mercury being one of these elements). For more information, feel free to read this article from Popular Science: http://www.popsci.com/scitech/articl...sting-aluminum

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

What kind of wax, particularly will be good protection?

I currently have Turtle Wax for tar removing.
Can I use it?

Thanks in advance!

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

That'd be a question for the Detailing forum, to be honest. I would advise something that is designed for metal use, though.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

О.К.

Thanks a lot guys! :thumbup:

Re: How to protect aluminum rims during winter?
 

:bump:, because was moved from another forum. :-)

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Clear coat...all aluminum rims should have clear coat over them IMO. Makes everything easier.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Is there any way to remove oxidation once it has started on aluminum rims? I just bought my car and the stock rims are in pretty rough shape around the centre caps.

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

just wash the wheels every other day. unprotected wheels can get pits in them and corrosion can happen. keep them waxed and wash them good. you'll be fine

Re: How to protect your aluminum rims during winter?
 

Any wax will do, just apply and wipe off do it every few weeks.