Your car wheels face a tough life. Every day, they battle against dirt, brake dust, road salt, and chemicals. Without proper care, these elements can cause serious alloy damage over time. Regular wheel cleaning isn’t just about keeping wheels shiny – it’s essential for preventing costly alloy wheel repairs down the road.

 

Understanding Alloy Wheel Vulnerabilities

Alloy wheels are made from a mixture of aluminium and other metals. They’re lighter and better looking than steel wheels, but more vulnerable to alloy wheel damage. Their porous nature means they can absorb contaminants from the environment, which accelerates the corrosion process if left untreated.

When dirt and road salt sit on your wheels too long, they start eating away at the protective coating. Once this coating is damaged, the metal underneath becomes exposed and can corrode. According to research, the corrosive effects of road salt on vehicles contribute to approximately $5 billion in annual repairs in the United States.

Brake dust is particularly harmful. This dark substance comes from your brake pads and contains metal particles. When wet, it becomes highly corrosive. The longer it stays on your wheels, the more damage to alloy wheels it can cause.

 

How Often Should You Clean Your Wheels?

For most drivers, cleaning your alloy wheels once every two weeks works well. You might need to clean them more often if:

• You drive in areas with salted roads
• You live near the sea (salt air causes corrosion)
• You do lots of stop-start driving (creates more brake dust)
• You’ve recently been hitting a pothole (check for damage)

 

The Correct Way to Clean Alloy Wheels

Proper wheel cleaning technique matters. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Start with cool wheels. Never clean hot wheels, as the wheel cleaner can dry too quickly and damage the finish.
2. Rinse first. Spray with water to remove loose dirt and brake dust before scrubbing.
3. Use a proper wheel cleaner. Choose a pH-neutral cleaner made for alloy wheels. Harsh cleaners can damage diamond cut alloys.
4. Apply with a wheel brush. Use a soft wheel brush to gently clean all areas. Avoid wire brushes that can scratch the alloy.
5. Clean wheels and tyres separately. Use different brushes and products. Apply tyre dressing only after cleaning.
6. Rinse thoroughly and dry properly. Use a microfibre towel to dry each car wheel completely to prevent water spots.
7. Apply a protective sealant. This provides extra protection against brake dust and makes future cleaning easier.

 

Signs Your Alloys Need Professional Attention

Even with regular cleaning, alloy wheels can still get damaged. Watch for these signs that indicate you need help from a specialist like Alloy Fix:

• Flaking or peeling lacquer: The first sign that your wheel’s protective coating is failing.
• White or cloudy patches: These indicate corrosion underneath.
• Kerbed alloy: Scrapes from hitting kerbs can expose the alloy to corrosion.
• Buckled wheel: Hitting a pothole can bend your wheel, affecting how your car drives.
• Bead corrosion: Occurs at the contact point between the tyre and wheel rim, often leading to air leaks.

 

Professional Wheel Refurbishment

If the extent of the damage is significant, our high quality alloy wheel repair service can restore your wheels. At Alloy Fix, we offer alloy wheel refurbishments with powder coating and diamond cut alloys services that come with a unique 3-year warranty.

During the repair alloy wheels process, damaged wheels are stripped to bare metal, repaired, and refinished. Powder coating creates a durable surface resistant to chips and scratches. Diamond cutting produces a smooth, reflective finish with a protective clear coat.

 

Prevention is Better Than Cure

While our expert team can repair 99% of all buckles and welds, preventing alloy damage is always best. Regular wheel cleaning breaks the corrosion cycle before it can progress to more serious stages.

Well-maintained wheels not only look better but are safer and help maintain your vehicle’s value. When it comes to alloy wheels, a small investment in regular cleaning prevents expensive damage down the road.

 

FAQs About Alloy Wheel Cleaning and Maintenance

 

Can I use household cleaners on my alloy wheels?

No, avoid household cleaners, especially those with acids or strong alkaline ingredients. These can damage the protective coating. Always use a proper wheel cleaner designed for alloy wheels, which is pH-neutral and safe for all finishes.

 

How do I know if my alloy wheels need repair?

Look for flaking lacquer, white spots, pitting, or visible corrosion. If your wheels have kerb damage or deep scratches, get them refurbished before corrosion sets in. Our technicians at Alloy Fix can assess any alloy wheel damage and recommend the best alloy repair options.

 

Will wheel cleaning regularly void my warranty?

No, proper cleaning won’t void your warranty. In fact, regular maintenance is encouraged by specialists like Alloy Fix. However, harsh chemicals or abrasive methods could damage your wheels and affect warranty coverage. Follow recommended cleaning practices to keep your wheels and tyres protected by our 3-year guarantee on powder coating and diamond cut services.

 

At Alloy Fix, we’re committed to providing high quality alloy wheel refurbishments. For information about our alloy wheel repair service or advice on wheel care, contact our friendly team today.