TIPS FOR ALLOY WHEEL CARE

Since the birth of road transport, trucking operators have strived to reduce fuel usage and increase payloads. Over the past decade, the industry's push towards alloy wheels, because they're far lighter than steel wheels, has seen many manufacturers make alloy rims a standard fitment on various models.

For instance, almost half a tonne (476kg) of weight saving is gained on a standard fitted with alloy wheels compared to steel wheels. It's a well-documented fact that lighter vehicles enhance rolling resistance, reduce fuel consumption, and allow for greater payload.

Since the late 1980s, when freight carriers first started using alloy wheels, their adoption has steadily grown. By the turn of the millennium, alloy wheels made up almost 50 per cent of the heavy-duty market.

Today, approximately 70 per cent of all heavy-duty trucks run on alloy wheels.

But ask any driver, and they all agree that alloy wheels also significantly improve vehicle aesthetics, helping trucks remain brighter and shinier for longer. It's a fact that has not gone unnoticed by truck owners and is something they use to attract and hopefully retain drivers in an industry suffering from a severe driver shortage.

Truth be told, most drivers will want their wheels looking good.

Maintenance and damage

But Aluminium wheels do require regular maintenance. This is because they experience rim flange wear and oxidation during everyday use. However, heat from dragging brakes, seizing wheel bearings, or running for an extended duration on flat tyres will cause irreversible damage to rims.

Rims' shiny surfaces become dull over time due to road grime and other contaminants, and they require regular polishing to maintain their shine. However, since a wheel's appearance is a big attraction for many truck operators, yet constant maintenance is not, alloy wheel makers like JASTOO TRUCK WHEEL have developed their polished rim that eliminates the need to machine wheels.

To prevent any etching or staining of aluminium due to improper cleaning solution, take care to use only a non-corrosive, aluminium-appropriate, clear coat, safe cleaning solution.

Under no circumstances use cleaning products containing hydrofluoric acid or abrasive tools and scouring pads, as these will remove the rim's protective coating. Take care not to allow any soap to dry on the wheel's surface.

Lastly, rinse the wheel thoroughly with clean water to remove all remaining detergent. If you wish to dry the rim, use a chamois or soft, clean cloth.

Never use polishes or wax on coated aluminium rims. 

After cleaning any aluminium wheel, inspect the rim's identification marks again to ensure it is legible.