So you have fitted magnesium alloy wheels
Now you have to learn to drive and maintain them.
![Car Wheel discs. Car wheel Rim black color matt isolated on whit](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/113/2022/10/car-wheel-discs-car-wheel-rim-black-color-matt-isolated-on-whit-780x470.jpg)
And remember alloys are softer than the standard OEM rims. Forget this and – sooner rather than later, you will know that kerbs and magnesium alloy wheels are not buddies.
To keep the rims as beautiful as new, and extract the value you paid for, requires regular cleaning and maintenance.
And just, as a reminder, do not expect the dealer, when you decide to trade your car for another, to reimburse you for those expansive mags – they will not!
“At a time when everyone’s budget is being squeezed, we have come up with some useful tips to keep alloy wheels in good shape. Getting into a regular cleaning routine and driving with extra care can really help,” says StressFreeCarRental.com
Cleaning
As tempting as it can be to grab the power hose when it comes to cleaning the wheels, the pressure can cause dents and cracks in the wheels. Take a bucket of hot water and throw it over the wheels to get the worst of the muck off, then use a soft sponge to get in between the spokes and remove the stubborn dirt.
Protection
Purchasing a wheel protection wax will protect the alloys and make cleaning easier. When choosing a product, make sure it’s pH neutral. It makes the dirt more likely to slide off instead of clinging to the metal. You can buy alloy protector shields, but these aren’t recommended due to muck potentially getting stuck behind the shield.
Brake pads
Although not part of the alloy wheel, brake pads generate a lot of dust and muck which can be abrasive to the alloy wheels. This can stick to the alloys and begin to corrode the metal. Newer brake pads create less dirt, as well as the added bonus of being much safer.
Dirt
Dirt building up onto your alloys can cause corrosion. This can be anything from mud to road salt. Getting into the habit of once a week cleaning the wheels will ensure that they are always looking their best, as well as being able to spot any changes early and get them sorted before they begin to cost too much.
Kerbs
The most common alloy destroyer is the kerb. Whether it’s through parallel parking or having a higher kerb than you’re used to, kerbs can easily scratch and dent alloys. Unfortunately, there’s no way to stop this from happening, other than being more careful when driving and avoiding going near kerbs.
Scuffs
If you do scrape or scuff your wheels, they can be fixed by sanding down the damaged area and repainting it. There are also several alloy wheel refurbishment specialists who carry out the work and can even customise the colour.
Source: https://www.stressfreecarrental.com/en/south-africa