Corrosion of alloy wheels: how to prevent and how to get rid of it

Even if you take good care of your wheels and clean them regularly, you cannot be 100% protected from corrosion. 

In this article, we will explain why even alloy wheels sometimes oxidize, how to minimize the chances of corrosion, and what to do if the trouble does happen.

Oxidation of alloy wheels: the main causes 

Corrosion is the oxidation of metal. Regardless of the cost, all types of discs are subject to it. Alloy wheels do not rust from moisture, but they actively react with road chemicals, which are sprinkled on roads in winter to resist icing.

Also, discs can oxidize from improperly selected care products or if acids come into contact with the metal. For example, brake fluid, because DOT 4, 4+ and 5 contain boric acid, which oxidizes aluminum.

The discs are coated with a protective coating to protect the metal from corrosion. But it is very easy to damage it. For example, if you hit the curb while parking or turning.

How to protect aluminum wheels from corrosion

In order for them to retain an attractive appearance and performance, it is necessary to adhere to simple rules of use and storage.

• Store discs in rooms with a relative humidity of not more than 70%. A regular garage will do, and a heated basement or attic will do. 
• Carry out a visual inspection of the discs at least once a month. Pay particular attention to scuffs and scratches.
• The discs should be washed twice a month. This is especially true in winter, when the influence of harmful reagents on discs is greatest, and motorists often hamper the appearance of the car and do not wash it at all all season.
• Renew the protective coating of the discs once a season. It can be varnish, vinyl or special chemicals, which will create an additional barrier against dust and various oxidants.
• To board disks only at tire shops, where there are all the necessary machines for this. Handicraft boarding is an additional risk. 
• During any repair work, make sure that no third-party fluids get on the discs - especially acid-containing ones like brake fluid or battery electrolyte. 

Such precautions can reduce the risks of oxidation of aluminum discs by an order of magnitude. But let's be honest, only a few adhere to them. This is especially true for the care of discs in winter. 

What to do if there is corrosion on alloy wheels

Oxidation of aluminum discs looks very different from steel ones. They do not have the characteristic red spots that are immediately striking. 

When aluminum alloys rust, they darken or become dull with a rough texture. 

If during examination you notice spots, discoloration or metal structure, the discs need to be rescued urgently. It is extremely difficult and time-consuming to do this on your own without special tools and devices. 

Here's what the service does to save the disc from corrosion:

• Remove the protective coating completely. To assess the degree of damage to the disc, you need to completely get rid of the old paintwork. This is done using sandblasting or special chemistry that removes the varnish, but does not affect the metal.
• Polishes the disc surface. The entire upper damaged layer is removed mechanically - often corrosion of aluminum alloys spreads over the surface, so this does not change the functional properties of the discs. 
• Applies a new paint and varnish and protective coating. It can be a special varnish or a silicate coating. For uniform drying, special dryers are needed, so you won't be able to apply it without smudges on your own. Often several layers are applied.
• Polishes the surface to a mirror finish. The last stage is purely decorative. With its help, the wizard returns an attractive appearance to the disk, which will serve for a long time.

If you want to keep your car rims beautiful, then you need to take care of them regularly. And if corrosion has already happened, experts will help to revive them. Or you can immediately order selection of disks by car brand on avtodiski.net.ua. 

Questions and answers:

What are alloy wheels? Such discs, as their name suggests, are made by casting light alloy metals. These types of discs come in a wide variety of designs.

What is the metal on the alloy wheels? The base of such discs is aluminum or magnesium. In budget alloy wheels, silicon is used as an additive. More expensive models contain other metals.

How to distinguish aluminum from titanium wheels? Compared to aluminum alloys, titanium discs are heavier but lighter than steel forgings. Titans look like stainless steel. Titans can withstand heavy loads.