Winter looks pretty from the windows; however, the reality is harsh. It is one of the toughest seasons for the car with alloy wheels. Constant exposure to moisture and salt damages the alloy wheels. Some of the damages are invisible, and you might not even notice them until the spring season arrives. What can you do to protect the alloy wheels? The most obvious solution lies with the professionals. Once the winter months are over, get in touch with professional mechanics for alloy wheel refurbishment in Sheffield. They will check for damage and make the necessary changes.
Why is winter tough on alloy wheels?
Road salt and grit
Whenever the temperatures drop, the roads get covered in salt and grit. These materials are harsh on alloy wheels. Salt hastens the corrosion process in the metal alloy wheels. It breaks down the protective layer and clings to the metal. If there are chips or scratches on the wheel, then salt will find its way in and damage the metal.
Exposure to continuous moisture
Rain and snow keep the alloy wheels wet for a long period. When this mixture of dirt and salt is mixed with moisture, it forms grime that permanently sticks to the alloy wheels.
Effect of freezing winter temperatures
Cold weather adversely affects alloy wheels. Alloy wheels are designed to handle temperature changes, but freezing temperatures can harm the alloy surface. Especially if there are tiny cracks on the alloy wheel’s surface, it will expand due to the freeze-thaw cycle. However, this damage does not take place in a single night. It is an ongoing method.
Signs that your alloy wheels are suffering
If you take the alloy wheels to the professionals, then you can get easy fixes within minutes. However, to do so, you need to keep an eye out for signs that your alloy wheel is damaged. Look out for these signs of alloy damage:
- White and chalky patches or patches of early corrosion on the alloy wheel surface
- Discolouration on the wheel’s surface, which doesn’t wash away
- Peeling or bubbling of the lacquer on the wheel
- Deep scratches on the wheel or pitting
If you’re able to identify these early signs of alloy wheel damage, you can easily opt for refurbishment and get them fixed at the earliest.
How to protect alloy wheels in winter?
Wash regularly
The simplest method to protect alloy wheels in winter is to wash them regularly. A quick wash of the wheels helps remove salt and grime and preserves the finish.
Protective sealant
Ask the professionals to apply a protective sealant to the alloy wheels for the winter. This makes it harder for salt and dirt to stick to the alloy wheel surface.
Opt for winter wheels.s
If your alloy wheels are damaged from time to time, it is advisable to replace them with winter wheels. You can use alloy wheels during the other seasons of the year.
Winter weather is tough on alloys, but with a little preventative care, you can keep them in good condition. Do you want to bring your wheels back to life? For alloy wheel refurbishment in Sheffield, contact WheelMaster. We will bring your wheels back to showroom condition. Contact us for more details.