Removing corrosion from aluminum wheels typically involves a process of checking for coatings, cleaning, sanding, rinsing, drying, polishing, and applying protective coatings.
Aluminum wheels can develop corrosion, which often appears as white, chalky patches or blistering under the surface. Addressing this promptly can restore their appearance. The process involves several key steps to prepare the wheel, remove the corrosion, and protect the surface afterward.
Here's a breakdown of how to get corrosion off aluminum wheels, based on the provided information:
Steps to Remove Aluminum Wheel Corrosion
Successfully removing corrosion requires a careful, multi-step approach. It's important to follow each stage to ensure effective cleaning and protection.
1. Check for a Coating
This crucial first step is quick but important. Determine if your aluminum wheels have a clear coat or other protective layer. The presence of a coating will affect the methods and products you can use without damaging the wheel. If there is blistering under a clear coat, this layer will likely need to be removed or sanded through to reach the corrosion underneath.
2. Clean the Wheels
Assuming you don't want to remove your wheels to do the work, park your car in a shady location away from dirt or grime. This step involves thoroughly cleaning the wheels to remove surface dirt, brake dust, and road grime. Use an appropriate wheel cleaner and brushes to ensure the surface is free of contaminants before tackling the corrosion itself. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
3. Sand the Rims
This step addresses the actual corrosion. Sanding helps to physically remove the corroded material from the aluminum surface. You will likely need different grits of sandpaper, starting with a coarser grit to remove the bulk of the corrosion and then moving to finer grits to smooth the surface and prepare it for polishing.
4. Rinse & Dry
After sanding, it's essential to rinse the wheels thoroughly to remove all sanding dust and debris. Ensure the wheels are completely dry before moving on to the next steps. Any remaining moisture could hinder the polishing process or lead to new issues.
5. Polish
Once the surface is clean, sanded, and dry, polishing helps restore the shine and smooth finish to the aluminum. Use a metal polish specifically designed for aluminum. Apply the polish and buff the wheel according to the product instructions to achieve the desired luster.
6. Protective Coatings
The final step involves applying a protective coating. This could be a sealant, wax, or a dedicated wheel coating. Applying protection helps to prevent future corrosion by creating a barrier against moisture, salt, brake dust, and other environmental contaminants. This step is vital for maintaining the restored appearance of the wheels.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove corrosion from aluminum wheels and protect them from future damage.
