What are the first steps when your car breakdown middle of the road
In a previous blog (link) we pointed out the clear resale value of looking after your alloy wheels. Even if you’re not thinking of selling your car, however, alloy wheel refurbishment can make all the difference.
It’s one way of making sure your alloys still look as good as they day they left the factory. Alloy wheel refurbishment is about fixing the problem, however, while this blog looks at how to prevent your alloy wheels getting damaged in the first place.
Spotting damage to your alloy wheels
There are various ways that your alloy wheels can be damaged, and a number of signs of that damage having taken place:
- Visible damage – look for damage to your alloy wheels such as dents, scuffs and scratches
- Deflating tyres – air escaping from the tyres regularly is a sign that the alloys could be damaged
- Vibrations – damaged alloys often cause unusual vibrations through the steering wheel and even the seat
- Steering – if it takes more effort to turn the steering wheel than it used to then alloy damage could be the reason
- Fuel consumption – using more fuel than usual could be an early sign of alloy damage which isn’t visually apparent yet
- Noises – a rattling or thumping sound when driving could be caused by damaged alloys
Causes of Alloy Wheel Damage and How to Avoid Them
Kerb damage
Kerb damage takes the form of scratches and scuffing to the polished surface of alloy wheels, particularly around the rim. Damage of this kind can greatly reduce the aesthetic appeal of your alloy wheels.
How to avoid
- Drive extra carefully when approaching kerbs or parking in small spaces
- Make full use of any parking aids your car is equipped with, such as cameras activated when reversing and parking sensors
- Think about fitting rim guards or kerb protectors
Scuffs and Scratches
Scratches on the surface of your alloy wheels can be caused by a number of factors such as:
- Poor handling during tyre changes
- Impact from debris in the road
- Poor cleaning techniques and/or materials
How to Avoid
- Don’t clean your alloy wheels with abrasive materials such as wire wool or harsh brushes
- Use a soft micro-fibre cloth and a car wash solution free from abrasives
- If you have to change a tyre, take extra care, and only use tools which won’t scratch the surface of the alloys when operated
Corrosion
Corrosion is trickier to avoid than some of the other forms of damage, especially if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions and regular gritting/salting of the roads. If your alloy wheels are made of aluminium, for example, the metal could react with oxygen to form aluminium oxide. This makes the alloy look weathered and dull.
How to Avoid
- Apply an alloy wheel sealant or coating to protect against salt and moisture impacting
- Thoroughly clean your alloy wheels on a regular basis. Take extra care to work on spots where debris and dirt accumulates, i.e. the valve stem and the lug nuts.
Impact
You can damage your alloy wheels through impact when driving over debris in the road, hitting potholes or colliding with other obstacles such as speed bumps.
How to Avoid
- Moderate your driving style to be more cautious, and try to avoid the kind of hazards that might cause damage
- Keep the pressure of your tyres at the right level. This provides more of a cushion against any impacts.
- Inspect your alloy wheels regularly to spot any potential problems before they become entrenched
Summary
Take the time to understand the reasons why alloy wheels become damaged and your halfway to protecting your own alloys. Combine the right driving habits with regular inspections and cleaning, and your alloy wheels are likely to stay in excellent condition for much longer.
