How to Protect Alloy Wheels in Winter

As you may already know, winter is the most vulnerable season for your car, especially your alloy wheels. Being exposed to cold temperatures, snow and ice as well as paint degradation that can lead to corrosion, there are many ways in which your car can sustain damage externally and, eventually, internally.

However, at LK Performance, we are the UK’s leading experts in handling all things alloy, and have several ways that will give you a much better chance at coming out of winter in good condition. These are the best practices to take for alloy wheel winter protection.

Inflate Your Tyres

The first method of protection for alloy wheels is simply inflating your tyres on a regular basis. Not only do they offer you better traction on slippery surfaces, but they will also protect your rims from the risk of damage. This can be done at petrol stations with an air pump, and be sure to add enough air to match but not exceed your car’s recommended tyre pressure rate (measured commonly in PSI), which is located in your vehicle’s handbook.

Protecting from Corrosion

Protecting alloy wheels in the winter means guarding them against corrosion caused by the raw metal of the wheel being oxidised. All alloy wheels come with an additional coat of paint that protects against scratches and the elements, but after years of use, these layers can wear thin. Though metal is durable, it’s not uncommon to find scratches once the paint wears out, and even the most minor scratches can cause long-term damage when coming in contact with corrosive road chemicals such as grit salt. So, it would be wise to add an extra layer of paint to further prevent the chances of oxidation exposing the raw metal.

Amongst the vast array of car customisation services at LK Performance’s fitting and service centre in Cleckheaton, Bradford, we offer quick alloy wheel painting. Enquire with us today via our ‘Contact Us’ page, and you can leave it to our exceptional fitting team and drive away with wheels as good as new.

After doing this, the next best way to protect your alloy wheels in winter is simply to drive carefully, even in familiar areas. Elements such as snow and debris from ploughs can make curbs thicker than usual, so treat every road like it’s a new one.

Protecting from Unseen Obstacles

During the colder months, unseen obstacles are one of the most treacherous things to protect from not just your alloy wheels but the entire car. Snowfall and fog make the roads less clear, so drivers should be more cautious than normal when watching out for potholes, debris and other obstacles that may turn up on the road. Depending on the force of the impact, nicks and dents on your rims can break the hermetic seal between the tyre and wheel, which puts you and any passengers in greater danger. Be on the lookout every time you drive in winter, and you’ll have the best chance of protecting your alloys, your car and yourself.