How to Protect and Care for Alloy Wheels

The condition of your alloy wheels significantly contributes to perfecting your car's look. The smallest scuff or scratch on your alloys can truly take the sheen from your vehicle, making a clean or repair essential to get it back to its best. Maintaining your alloy wheels is crucial to keep their optimum look and use for long periods, but where to start can be a grey area for many drivers. Does this sound like you? You’re not alone.

From brake dust to corrosion and kerb damage, the ways your alloy wheels can suffer markings and breakage can feel never-ending. But look no further. At G-Force Styling, we appreciate the time and effort our customers take to equip their cars with top–quality equipment and accessories. So, we have crafted expert guidance to ensure you can care for and protect your alloys easily and efficiently.

How to protect alloy wheels

With many sources of damage come many methods to protect your alloy wheels. However, before focusing on specific causes of damage, there are several precautions you can take to give your alloys some extra security levels, helping them to stay newer for longer.

Use rim protectors

Using rim protectors on your alloy wheels is a safe and effective way to prevent them from general scrapes and knocks. They are generally plastic or rubber and act as an outer rim to your wheels. Depending on their design or that of your alloys, they sit directly on the edge of your wheel or extend slightly forward.

Available in various colours, from traditional tones of black and silver or vibrant shades, your rim protectors can be an effortless means of accessorisation to give your vehicle a distinctive, sharp look.

How to fit alloy rim protectors

Alloy rim protectors are available in many brands, causing the fitting process to vary. While some are made to sit between your alloy and tyre, self-adhesive designs are also available. If your alloys can accommodate self-adhesive protectors, you can fit them using our step-by-step guidance.

Step 1: Wash your wheels

• Washing your alloy wheels before fitting your rim protectors will maximise their adhesiveness, helping them to last longer. Leaving your wheels will also decrease the quality of their finish.

Step 2: Add primer to your wheels

• Carefully place a primer around the entire edge of your alloy wheels. Ensure you distribute it evenly to avoid any section of your rim protectors from becoming loose.

Step 3: Remove the tape from your rim protector

• Position the rim protector next to your alloy wheels in line with the primer. Gradually remove the backing tape from the protector and stick it to your primer as you expose the material bit by bit. Remove any excess material once the rim protector covers the circumference of your wheel.

Step 4: Leave the rim protector to set

• Do not drive your car for approximately three days, as this may cause the rim protector to come away from your wheels. Allowing it to set over 72 hours will ensure maximum strength and longevity.

Avoid alloy wheel damage while driving

Although it may sound obvious, certain driving hazards will cause damage to your alloy wheels relating to speed, road quality and particular car usage. Always be mindful of your driving style and the journeys you embark on to keep your wheels and vehicle at its best.

• Always stick to the speed limit of every road type you drive on. Higher speed can create damage if you drive over or next to unexpected hazards.

• Stay mindful of the roads. Many roads are prone to potholes and uneven surfaces. Ensure you consistently look for any poor-quality road conditions to avoid them from damaging your alloy wheels. While potholes can cause tyres to puncture or your wheels to crack or lose shape, uneven road surfaces can create impact, sending vibrations through and damaging your wheels. Keep to a slower speed on particularly tough roads.

• Regularly fill your tyres with air to the recommended pressure levels. A properly inflated tyre will minimise impact, creating a safer driving experience. Never go below or exceed the recommended pressure, as this can heighten the potential for damage.

• Avoid overloading your car with too much luggage or other equipment. Excess weight will put added pressure on your wheels, which can strain them and cause cracking. Stay mindful of the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle, as this will affect the overall quality of your driving experience along with the wheels.

Prepare for winter

The colder months will increase the risk of damage to your alloy wheels and the general function of your vehicle. Thorough preparation for the winter and extra diligence when driving will keep your car looking and performing its best.

• Swap your tyres to a style designed to combat wet and icy conditions if possible. As roads are frequently coated with grit, this can negatively impact the quality of your alloys.

• Refrain from driving in snow, ice and torrential rain. The unsteady surfaces caused by winter weather may be too difficult for your wheels to cope with. Avoid putting them under added pressure caused by weather conditions where possible.

• Although we would not usually recommend decreasing tyre pressure, slightly reducing it during the winter will provide protective padding, helping them to operate better in tougher conditions.

Be careful when cleaning

While you should regularly clean your alloy wheels to keep them looking fresh, there are particular precautions you can take to ensure your cleaning process does not jeopardise their quality.

• Clean your alloy wheels frequently using a non-acidic cleaner. Use a sponge rather than a hard-bristled brush to wipe down the surfaces to avoid scratching or scuffing.

• Choose cleaning equipment specifically for alloy wheels; failure to do so can lead to abrasion.

• Layer your wheels with a protective coating or wax. While the coating will stop brake dust and debris build-ups, the wax will provide extra protection and give your alloys a shiny finish.

How to protect alloy wheels from brake dust

A buildup of brake dust presents on the surface of your wheels as a dark colour, affecting their function and display. Brake dust materialises from compounds from the brake pads and rotors, which become more prominent on your alloy wheels over time.

 Not only is brake dust corrosive, causing permanent damage to your alloys, but it also negatively impacts the quality of your brakes. It is, therefore, essential to follow our above guidance for cleaning recommendations and ensure you keep on top of these frequently.

With your alloy wheels cleaned and looking fresh, there are particular measures you can take to minimise the buildup of brake dust and the frequent requirement to clean it:

• Purchase brake dust repellent to give your wheels a protective layer that can last for weeks. Consult a professional before purchase to ensure the repellent is compatible with alloys.

• Install brake dust shields between your wheel rim and brake rotor, as this will decrease the amount that reaches your wheels’ outer area. If you choose this option, stay mindful of your brakes, as a shield can cause them to gain excess heat and reduce their functionality.

• Switch your brake pads to a ceramic design, as these retain quality for longer and reduce noise, helping to minimise the amount of brake dust produced. Although ceramic brake pads are more expensive, their reliability and durability will prove them a great investment. If you drive a high-performance vehicle, note that ceramic brake pads are incompatible with your car.

How to protect alloy wheels from corrosion

Your wheels may suffer from corrosion if they are frequently used in environments with heavy moisture levels or on salted roads. Although alloy wheels may not react to rough terrains as much as standard wheels, they can face corrosion when in contact with iron and if they are not thoroughly cared for.

Moisture and salted roads

Your alloy wheels are prone to interact with chemicals, moisture and road salts, which materialise as small spots on your wheels, also known as ‘pitting’. Prolonging your wheel's exposure to pitting can cause permanent physical damage and tyre leakage. Should you notice pitting on any of your wheels, you should liaise with a professional to ensure successful repair or replacement.

The impact of iron

When your vehicle's brake pad and brake disc come into contact, your car will naturally slow down. However, it is due to this interaction that heat is produced, causing your brake pad to become worn. The more worn down your brake pad, the more iron is produced, which will gradually build up on your wheels. Not only can the iron affect the utility of your wheels, but it can cause your alloys to deteriorate irreparably. Should this damage occur to your vehicle, you should replace your brake pads immediately.

Harsh cleaning products

While we have covered cleaning products, it is important to reinforce the detrimental effects they can have on your alloy wheels if they are incompatible. You should ensure all cleaning solutions are non-acidic or abrasive, as this will cause avoidable damage.

Be mindful of your cleaning equipment; always wipe down your alloys with a sponge or extremely soft brush, as anything too tough will likely scratch your surfaces.

How to protect alloy wheels from kerb damage

Much of our previous guidance goes hand in hand with preventing kerb damage, from installing alloy rim protectors to carefully driving in kerbed or residential areas. However, you can never be too well equipped with advice regarding your safety and car quality.

• Always gauge the distance between your car and the kerb while driving. Your vehicle will suffer significant damage if your wheels touch the roadside at speed; always aim to be at least one metre away from the kerb or any parked cars.

•  Parallel park slowly to avoid impact on your alloy wheels if they hit the curb.

• While newer cars have sensors and cameras installed, you can manually add these to your car to ensure precise parking and safe proximities when driving.

• Regularly check your wheels and look for any damage or marks. Identifying any early mishaps with your alloys increases the chances of easy repairs and avoiding unnecessary expenses.

Purchase your favourite alloy wheels from G-Force Styling!

At G-Force Styling, we are committed to providing you with top-quality alloys to enhance the performance and style of your vehicle. While our black, bronze and dark grey alloys ensure a personal edge to your vehicle, our unbeaten brands from AEZ and Alutec to Fox will keep your car at its best, giving you the confidence to embark on all your driving endeavours.

Browse our impressive range of alloy wheels today and Get a Free Fitting Kit with Every Alloy Purchase!