Alloy wheels look great on any vehicle; they change the vehicle's aesthetics to make it appear more premium and sporty. In addition, they can add value and increase the price of a car. However, this modification is also expensive; some alloys can cost over £1,000 per alloy. If you have alloy wheels, you’ll want to take care of them so you can keep your car looking great and avoid costly repairs. In this article, we have some tips that will help you take care of your alloy wheels.
Regular cleaning
Cleaning your alloys on a regular basis will help to keep them in good condition. Ideally, to keep them in the best possible condition, you should clean them after every car journey, but this isn’t practical or possible for most drivers. Cleaning them once every two weeks is a good rule to keep them in top condition. Always select a dedicated alloy cleaning product when cleaning your wheels. In addition to a reliable cleaning product, you should use a soft bristle cleaning brush for your alloy wheels. This will ensure that when cleaning your alloys, you get in all the holes and clean off all the dirt. Follow the instructions on the cleaning product and clean your alloys before the rest of your car for the best results.
Careful driving
Alloys can be easily damaged by clipping your wheel on the curb when driving or parking. Clipping the curb with your wheels will result in scratches, chips or even cracks. Along with catching the curb, you can damage your alloys by hitting a speed bump or driving over potholes and uneven road surfaces. To protect your car's alloy wheels, you must drive carefully and keep an eye on the road's surface. Always adjust your mirrors when parking to prevent clipping the curb and avoid driving over potholes when you can safely drive around them. Some drivers will go as far as changing their route to avoid roads with potholes or uneven surfaces. If you do get a scratch or dent in your alloy wheels, make sure you address it quickly, some scratches can be easily repaired without needing to replace the alloy.
Wheel sealant
Alloy sealants add a protective layer to the surface of the wheel. This protective layer prevents brake dust and dirt from sticking to the wheel's surface. When cleaning, the dirt and debris will wash off more quickly and won’t get baked onto the alloy. When dirt and debris get stuck on alloy wheels, it can lead to scratches; wheel sealant helps to prevent this issue. Finally, wheel sealant will make your alloy wheels shine and give them a pop, making your car look fantastic. Always choose a good quality alloy wheel sealant for the best protection.
Wheel covers
When your car is parked, sunlight and dirt can still impact your wheels and alloys. A great way to protect your car against light and dirt when stationary is to purchase wheel covers. These covers fit snugly around each of your car wheels to block out light and dirt. If your car spends a lot of time parked up at home, wheel covers are a good investment. However, if you’re driving several times a day to different locations, it might be unnecessary; you’ll spend a lot of time putting the wheel covers off and on, which can be frustrating and unnecessary. If you live in an area that reaches high temperatures and your car wheels are left in direct sunlight for long periods, then alloy covers are a great way to add protection.
Taking care of your alloy wheels doesn’t require too much hard work. The main points to remember are to make sure you drive carefully to avoid scratches and damage to the wheels, clean them regularly and apply wheel sealant to protect the wheels between cleans. Wheel covers are also beneficial for when vehicles spend extended periods of time parked up, especially if the weather gets hot and the tyres are exposed to UV rays. By remembering these things, you can keep your car alloy wheels looking great and ensure they will last on your car for several years.