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Your car’s rims take a lot of abuse. They are constantly exposed to the elements and are regularly in contact with harsh chemicals and brake dust. As a result, car rims become dull, scratched, and discolored over time.
While some wear and tear are inevitable, there are several things you can do to prolong the life of your black and red rims and keep them looking good for years to come. This blog post will share some tips on rim care and maintenance. Read on to learn more!
Three Tips for Rim Care and Maintenance
Tip #1: Clean Your Rims Regularly
Ideally, it would help if you cleaned your rims every time you washed your car. If that’s not possible, aim to clean them at least once weekly. This will help remove built-up brake dust and other contaminants that can damage your rims over time.
Avoid using harsh chemicals like petroleum-based solvents or bleach-based cleaners when cleaning your rims. These can strip away the protective coating on your rims, leaving them vulnerable to corrosion. Instead, opt for a mild soap or dedicated wheel cleaner. Please ensure to use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surface of your rims.
Tip #2: Protect Your Rims from the Elements
Exposure to the sun and the elements can cause your rims to fade and deteriorate. To protect your rims, we recommend keeping them covered when possible. For example, if you have an indoor garage, park your car inside to shield your rims from direct sunlight whenever possible.
In addition, you should wax your car regularly to create a barrier against moisture and salt, as both can cause corrosion. We recommend waxing your car at least once a month or more often if you live in an area with harsh weather conditions.
Tip #3: Avoid Hitting Curbs
Hitting curbs can cause serious damage to your rims, not to mention flat tires. Always take care when driving over curbs, speed bumps, and potholes to avoid this problem. If you must drive over one of these obstacles, do so slowly and carefully to minimize the risk of damage.
DIY Approach to Rim Cleaning
The easiest way to clean your rims is to use a pressure washer. You can find these at most auto parts stores or online. Attach the washer to a hose and turn it on. Hold the nozzle about six inches from the rim and spray in a circular motion. Start at the top of the rim and work your way down. Move the nozzle around so that you don’t miss any spots.
You can also use a garden hose with a spray nozzle attachment. This will work just fine if you don’t have a pressure washer. Again, start at the top of the rim and work your way down in a circular motion. If you have any stubborn areas of dirt or grime, you can use a soft-bristled brush to loosen them up before spraying them away with water.
Once you’ve finished cleaning the outside of the rim, it’s time to move on to the inside. The best way to do this is to remove the tires and take them to a tire shop where they can be cleaned professionally. Once they’re clean, re-install them on your rims and admire your handiwork!
Conclusion
Following these tips, you can keep your rims looking good for years! However, even with regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s inevitable that your rims will eventually show signs of wear and tear. When that happens, we recommend bringing your car into an auto shop for professional rim repair or replacement services. You can contact them to schedule an appointment!
