Do Aluminum Rims Rust?
The short answer is no, aluminum alloy wheels do not rust. But they can become corroded over time if not properly maintained. Let‘s take a detailed look at why aluminum wheels stay shiny versus steel wheels that rust.
Why Aluminum Alloy Wheels Resist Rust
The metals used to make alloy wheels do not contain iron like steel does. Rust forms when iron oxidizes in the presence of oxygen and moisture. Aluminum rims are crafted from aluminum, magnesium, silicon, copper, and zinc – no iron. This combination of metals makes alloy wheels lightweight yet strong.
According to SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association), over 80% of new vehicles today roll off the production line with aluminum wheels rather than steel. Why have aluminum alloys become so popular?
Benefits of Aluminum Alloy Wheels:
- Resist rust and corrosion
- Lightweight – improves acceleration and fuel economy
- Highly conductive to dissipate brake heat
- Strong and dent-resistant
- Stylish shiny finishes
While aluminum does not rust, it can become corroded through oxidation. Next let‘s talk about how to prevent and remove corrosion on those pricey alloy wheels.
Preventing Corrosion on Aluminum Wheels
Aluminum alloy wheels come in bright, shiny finishes like polished, painted, chrome, black, and more. To keep them looking sharp:
- Wash regularly with pH balanced wheel cleaner
- Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners that damage protective coatings
- Wax or seal wheels every few months
- Touch up paint chips and clear coat scratches
- Repair impact marks and curb rash damage
- Replace bent or cracked wheels
Make wheel care part of your regular car maintenance routine. It takes just a few extra minutes when you wash the car to spray down the wheels. This prevents brake dust and grime buildup that causes corrosion over time.
Refinishing Corroded Alloy Wheels
If those aluminum wheels are looking a little dull and whitish, don‘t despair. You can often refinish corroded wheels to look as good as new again. Here are some DIY methods to remove oxidation and restore the shine:
- Polish – Rubbing pastes with mild abrasives can buff out discoloration
- Wet sand – Higher grit sandpaper smooths corrosion and scratches
- Repaint – Applying fresh paint protects from further oxidation
- Replace – Badly damaged wheels may need replacement
Start with the least abrasive method of polishing and only move on to wet sanding if needed. Be sure to use products specifically designed for alloy wheels to avoid further damage. If you don‘t feel up for DIY, many wheel repair shops offer professional refinishing services to restore that factory shine.
Pay Attention to Damage
On alloy and steel wheels alike, be on the lookout for any cracks, warping, or impact damage. Potholes and curbs are the main causes of wheel damage. Even minor cracks allow air leakage and moisture ingress that leads to corrosion under the surface.
Replace bent, cracked, or heavily corroded wheels to maintain safe handling and braking. Don‘t take chances with damaged wheels, as failures can be catastrophic at highway speeds.
Upgrade Your Rims
One advantage of aluminum alloy wheels is you‘re not stuck with the stock rims that came on your car. The aftermarket for alloy wheels is huge – you can upgrade to customizable wheels in sizes, finishes and designs not offered by automakers.
Larger diameter wheels with lower-profile performance tires is a popular modification. But stick with quality brand name alloy wheels that meet specifications for your vehicle. Cheap no-name wheels could be brittle and prone to cracks.
So while aluminum alloy wheels won‘t rust, be sure to care for them properly. With routine cleaning and polishing, they‘ll maintain that eye-catching shine for years to come! Let me know if you have any other wheel care questions.