Current location:
AUTO BILD INDIA tells you how to keep your car's alloy wheels shining all the way
Alloy wheels make your car look classy and chic. But after a few months, they begin to lose their sparkle and brightness. Reason? Dirt and brake dust tend to build up on alloys and make them look black and dirty. Therefore at every car wash the wheels need to be washed with a high pressure lance and brush separately. Great care is required as the wheels are closest to the road's grit and grime. In order to maintain your wheels, make sure you have the right materials required for cleaning by going to your local automotive store and purchasing a few key items.
But watch out for what you buy. Acidic cleaning agents offer a more powerful cleaning effect but its chemicals can also attack your alloys. It’s better to use acidfree cleaning agents. Never forget to seal the wheels. It helps at the next cleaning and preserves the wheel for one season. Minor scratches and tar spots can also make your alloys look bad but they can be repaired.
Also, before you fit alloy wheels, apply several coats of good polish or wax for better care and protection of the wheels.
One can repair minor scratches with a little practice. There are products available in the market for repair of slight kerb damage as well. Caution a layman can only repair superficial damages to the alloy.
Small damages on the outer rim can cause corrosion. Use sand paper n the affected areas
Apply silver paint and then a clear coat. Use a brush for small pots, a spray for large ones
Wheel cleaners can differ greatly in application and effect. When cleaning wear gloves. With acidic agents also use safety glasses. In case of eye or skin contact rinse with lots of clean water.
The picture above shows what can happen, if a wrong cleaner is applied. Acid based cleaners can damage the varnish layer and ruin the aluminium surface of the wheel completely.
The first step for a shining wheel is washing. The rough mix of brake dust and dirt must be removed, preferably with a pressure washer. Then apply the wheel cleaner on the wheels.
Depending on the degree and type of cleaner, there are different exposure times. If the cleaning agents are aggressive, it can lead to corrosion of the clear coat on the alloy wheel.
If the correct exposure time is over, the dirt should be removed. For removing grit, use a large brush. Use a small brush to remove dirt from where its hard to reach. Then rinse the wheel with clean water.
If the dirt is removed then the next step is to seal the wheels. Such products not only facilitate the cleaning, but also keep the wheel protected by just applying a layer of wax. The effect lasts a maximum of one season.
