Alloy wheels are designed to be more resistant to rust compared to steel wheels, but sadly, they are not entirely immune to corrosion. Over time, exposure to moisture, road salt, and harsh weather conditions may cause some minute rust spots to form on the surface. These rust spots can then cause internal damage to your alloy wheels as well if left untreated.
Aesthetics play a major role in choosing alloy wheels, and visible corrosion can take away from their sleek appearance—something no car enthusiast wants to compromise on.
So, what’s the solution? Remove the rust!
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide that will help you restore your wheels’ shine.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
First of all, make sure you have all your supplies within arm’s reach. This will save you time and effort while you’re cleaning your wheels, as you won’t have to keep running back and forth between your storage, garage, or toolbox.
The following items are required to remove the rust effectively from your alloy wheels:
- Warm Water: It readily dissolves rust dust and wash the wheels.
- Car Shampoo or Mild Detergent: Used to break down dirt and grime without damaging the wheel’s surface.
- Soft-Bristled Brush or Sponge: Best suited for soft cleaning to avoid scratching the alloy coat.
- White Vinegar or Aluminum Wheel Cleaner: Used as a rust remover, white vinegar is a natural option. However, if you want a somewhat professional approach, you can also use aluminum wheel cleaners.
- Fine-grit sandpaper or Wire Brush: To remove stubborn rust spots
- Alloy Wheel Polish: Restores shine and creates a protective coat against future corrosion.
Step 2: Wash the Wheels
Start by washing the wheels with warm water to remove any loose debris. Next, mix some soap or detergent in a tub with warm water. Mix it so the lather can be formed. Afterward, take the solution on a soft-bristled brush or sponge and start wiping your wheels. Make sure to give extra attention to crevices and the inner rim and lug nut areas, as these spots tend to collect the most buildup.
After wiping the wheels, rinse them well to get rid of all the soap residue. Dry them completely using a microfiber cloth. You can also use a leaf blower here to get rid of any water spots.
Step 3: Apply a Rust Remover
Once your alloy wheels are clean and dry, it’s time to remove that ugly rust. You can use either a natural solution like white vinegar or a specialized aluminum wheel cleaner for this step.. If you’re using the former option, then pour the vinegar into a spray bottle and generously coat the rusted areas. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes to break down the rust.
If there’s some stubborn rust along the crevices or inner rim, soak a cloth in vinegar and press it against the affected area. This will allow for better penetration.
Conversely, if you’re using an aluminum wheel cleaner, you can follow the instructions on the solution. These cleaners are formulated to dissolve rust without damaging the wheel’s finish. After letting the solution sit, you’ll notice the rust beginning to loosen.
Step 4: Scrub Away the Rust
Once the rust remover has had time to dissolve the corrosion, it’s scrub time. For minor rust, a soft-bristled brush or a non-abrasive scrubbing pad should be enough. On the other hand, for more stubborn rust, fine-grit sandpaper (about 1000–2000 grit) or a wire brush will do the trick. Be sure to use light pressure and work in circular motions to prevent scratch marks on the wheel’s finish.
Use even greater caution to avoid scrubbing too hard, particularly on glossy or coated alloy wheels, because too much force can lead to permanent damage. If necessary, reapply the rust remover and repeat scrubbing until all rust residue is removed. After that, wipe the wheels clean with a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any excess residue.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
After all the rust has been removed, wash the wheels clean with fresh water to get rid of any excess rust remover, dirt, or debris. Wash every area of the wheel, including the inner rim and lug nut areas, using a hose or bucket of water. The leftover cleaning solution can also cause streaking or corrosion over time, so make sure to rinse it thoroughly with warm water.
Afterward, thoroughly dry your wheels, either with a microfiber cloth or a soft towel. This removes water droplets from the surface of the wheels, which may cause oxidation if left untreated. You can also use a leaf blower or compressed air to remove moisture from hidden areas before polishing and sealing the wheels.
Step 6: Use Wheel Polish
The rust is gone now, and it’s time to bring the shine back to your wheels. Take a generous amount of high-quality wheel polish on a microfiber cloth or polishing pad, and work your way in circles across the surface of the wheels. Focus on areas that might have lost their luster.
Once the polish is evenly applied, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the wheels until they achieve a smooth, reflective finish. Apart from giving your wheels a nice glossy finish, this will also provide a protective layer against dirt, moisture, and oxidation.
To Top It Up:
And voilà—your alloy wheels look like new again! Take your vehicle for a drive and enjoy the attention as heads turn on the street.
Still got questions? Get in touch with our experts at Luxxx Wheels today, and let’s sort out any rust or wheel issues you may have!
