Winter and Road Salt: How to Protect Your Rims

Before

After

Ontario winters are tough on cars, and wheels take more abuse than most parts. They sit closest to the road, they're constantly sprayed with salty slush, and they're easy to scrape on snowbanks and icy curbs. A little care goes a long way toward keeping your rims looking good through the season.

How road salt damages rims

The finish on your rims, the colour layer and the clear coat on top, protects the aluminum underneath. As long as that finish is intact, salt and water mostly sit on the surface. The trouble starts when the finish is broken.

Curb rash, chips and scratches expose bare metal. Salt and moisture get in, corrosion starts, and it can creep under the surrounding clear coat. On alloy wheels this sometimes shows up as thin, worm-like lines spreading under the finish, known as filiform corrosion. Once it's under the clear coat, it keeps spreading.

Fix damage before winter

The best time to repair curb rash is before the salt arrives. A proper repair seals the damaged area again with colour-matched paint and clear coat, so salt and moisture can't get to the bare metal underneath. If you notice new damage during the winter, it's worth fixing sooner rather than later.

Keep in mind that paint needs the right conditions to dry, so weather can affect how long a repair takes in the colder months.

Simple ways to protect your rims

• Rinse regularly: wash your wheels through the winter, especially after storms when the roads have been heavily salted. Don't forget the inside of the wheel, where salt and brake dust build up.
• Use a gentle wheel cleaner: a pH-neutral cleaner made for wheels is safer for the finish than harsh, acidic products.
• Consider winter wheels: running a separate set of wheels with your winter tires keeps your factory rims out of the salt altogether, and stored safely until spring.
• Watch the snowbanks: snow hides curbs. Pull up slowly and give yourself extra room when parking.
• Store wheels clean and dry: if you swap wheels for the season, clean them before storing so salt isn't left sitting on the finish for months.

Spring check

When the winter wheels come off, take a close look at your rims. Look for new curb rash, chips, and any spots where the finish is bubbling or lifting. Catching it early makes for an easier repair. (See what curb rash is and how it's fixed.)

Want your rims ready for winter, or fixed after it? Text a photo to 416-800-1757 and we'll provide you with a quote. We come to you anywhere from Niagara to Barrie.