Care of polished aluminum wheels in winter cimate

CHX · 11-27-2006, 02:42 PM

Am getting some new 17" polished aluminum wheels for GMC Sierra. It's winter in Michigan and I've been warned to expect pitting/damage due to road salts. Short of removing the wheels, what can be done to minimize the damage? Would a good coating of paste wax help? Has anyone tried Dupont's spray cleaner with teflon? There's a high-pressure car wash locally, but washing outdoors at home is a tough. Is weekly washing enough or must the crud be removed sooner? Would appreciate any experiences other "snow birds" might have had.

mrjohnwayne · 11-27-2006, 04:28 PM

everyone i've seen put the stockers back on during the winter

Chevy808 · 11-27-2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHX

Am getting some new 17" polished aluminum wheels for GMC Sierra. It's winter in Michigan and I've been warned to expect pitting/damage due to road salts. Short of removing the wheels, what can be done to minimize the damage? Would a good coating of paste wax help? Has anyone tried Dupont's spray cleaner with teflon? There's a high-pressure car wash locally, but washing outdoors at home is a tough. Is weekly washing enough or must the crud be removed sooner? Would appreciate any experiences other "snow birds" might have had.

Not much you can do to minimize damages.

Those salts hitting your rims is like bead blasting.

They will be pitted badly and since your 17's are new, I'd hunt high and low to purchase used stockers. Try the wrecking yard.

(My happy place.)

BUCKMASTER · 11-27-2006, 07:46 PM

Definitlt put the stock guys back on for the winter the salt and sand will really do a number on polished aluminum

CHX · 11-28-2006, 05:08 PM

THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK. Did further research on the net and found even the manufacturers advise against polished aluminum in this climate. Got deposit back from the tire dealer today---no new wheels for a while. By the way, after writing an order for American Racing wheels at his store, the guy called and said he had found and ordered an equal/better wheel from American Eagle for a little less $$. Wondering---was this "bait and switch" or are the two lines of wheels comparable? Anybody know?

mrjohnwayne · 11-28-2006, 08:02 PM

American racing and american eagle are both good wheels. I've had both. American racing your paying for a name along with quality.

11-27-2006, 02:42 PM	#1
CHX Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	Care of polished aluminum wheels in winter cimate Am getting some new 17" polished aluminum wheels for GMC Sierra. It's winter in Michigan and I've been warned to expect pitting/damage due to road salts. Short of removing the wheels, what can be done to minimize the damage? Would a good coating of paste wax help? Has anyone tried Dupont's spray cleaner with teflon? There's a high-pressure car wash locally, but washing outdoors at home is a tough. Is weekly washing enough or must the crud be removed sooner? Would appreciate any experiences other "snow birds" might have had.

11-27-2006, 04:28 PM	#2
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,789	everyone i've seen put the stockers back on during the winter __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

11-28-2006, 08:02 PM	#6
mrjohnwayne Senior Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 3,789	American racing and american eagle are both good wheels. I've had both. American racing your paying for a name along with quality. __________________ John Wayne 2000 F-350 7.3L Powerstroke 4x4

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11-27-2006, 07:46 PM	#4
BUCKMASTER Full Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 48	Definitlt put the stock guys back on for the winter the salt and sand will really do a number on polished aluminum

11-28-2006, 05:08 PM	#5
CHX Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 4	THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK. Did further research on the net and found even the manufacturers advise against polished aluminum in this climate. Got deposit back from the tire dealer today---no new wheels for a while. By the way, after writing an order for American Racing wheels at his store, the guy called and said he had found and ordered an equal/better wheel from American Eagle for a little less $$. Wondering---was this "bait and switch" or are the two lines of wheels comparable? Anybody know?