aluminum rims. Which alloy or steel rims are best for winter?

This question causes insomnia for many car users. Modern and high-quality branded aluminum wheels will last for many years and will be resistant to various operating conditions.

If in the case of tires the division into winter, summer and all-season tires is obvious, then in the case of disks it is not so simple. First of all, we have to take into account steel and aluminum rims, but it must be emphasized that neither of them is typically winter because we also use steel rims in summer. In summer, winter tires would wear out instantly, and in the case of discs, the season of the year does not really matter, because the ambient temperature does not affect the life of the steel disc.

aluminum rims. Also for the winter!

Aluminum rims, contrary to the myths circulating among drivers, are also resistant to winter conditions and can also be used all-season with the same success as steel rims.

However, it should be remembered that when choosing aluminum rims for a given season, there are at least three important issues to consider that have a huge impact on the life of the rim, often used in difficult winter conditions.

aluminum rims. What should I remember now?

First of all, when choosing aluminum wheels for the winter, you should pay attention to whether they are covered with a plain varnish. Classic silver, black or graphite finish rims work best. A possible contraindication to the use of aluminum rims in winter is their polished (black and silver) version, which, as a result of the technological process, is devoid of protective layers of varnish on the front side of the rim. In this place, a transparent acrylic varnish is applied directly to the aluminum, so damage to it can lead to the start of the process of corrosion of this raw material. This effect is especially noticeable in the case of cheap rims imported from the Far East, which do not technologically meet the high production standards used in European factories.

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Secondly, the aluminum rim must be coated with road salt resistant varnish. By choosing a trusted manufacturer, we can be sure that the discs have passed the appropriate tests in this regard. While aluminum does not corrode like cast iron or steel, oxidation can lead to an undesirable gray coating.

“Aluminum wheels, especially low-quality ones, are especially susceptible to damage during autumn and winter operation. Salt, aggressive chemicals that clear the road or stones, have a very detrimental effect on the surface of the rims. That's why ALCAR alloy wheels are protected by the innovative high-quality SRC coating. The use of SRC on our rims enhances and supports the 'natural defenses' of the rim and protects it from the adverse effects of road salt and scratches on its surface,” says Grzegorz Krzyżanowski, CEO of ALCAR Polska.

Thirdly, you need proper care! To keep the surface of the rims intact, do not forget to remove dirt residues from the rims - road salt or brake dust deposited. If we do not clean our discs, then the dirt will literally stick into them and thereby, of course, damage them. It is also worth noting that it is the salt and slush that lie in the nooks and crannies that most expose the rim to damage to its surface, so it is worth choosing models whose design will not allow dirt to accumulate too easily. Therefore, it is worth recommending models with a simple classical structure with few details.

“Certainly, in this autumn-winter period, which is not easy for disks, it is necessary to frequently and thoroughly wash the entire car body, including disks. This will remove the dirt and visually check the condition of the rims,” adds Krzyzanowski.

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