How to Repair Oxidized Rims?
2 Answers
After the rims are oxidized, they can be repainted or re-plated. Rim oxidation is usually caused by a lack of maintenance during regular use of the car. Below are the reasons for rim oxidation: 1. Applying low-quality tire oil to the rims. As more car owners become aware of tire oil issues, the likelihood of oxidation caused by corrosive tire oil has actually decreased. 2. Rim scratches. For example, some drivers tend to park too close to curbs, frequently causing rim scratches, which can damage the clear coat on the rim surface, exposing the metal directly to the environment and making it prone to corrosion and oxidation. 3. Rim quality issues. Especially for machined rims, the requirements for craftsmanship and materials are relatively high. For instance, if the clear coat protective layer is made of a material that is not heat-resistant, the iron particles from the brakes during high-speed driving may damage the rim's clear coat, exposing the metal to the environment and leading to oxidation.
A few days ago, I noticed rust spots on my wheel rims and decided to handle it myself. First, I bought a can of wheel rim cleaner, sprayed it on, and let it soak for ten minutes. After the oxidation layer softened, I used a soft brush to scrub it off. Then, I sanded the surface with fine sandpaper until smooth, making sure to wear gloves to avoid injuring my hands. After sanding, I thoroughly cleaned the rims and sprayed them with rust-proof paint for protection. Once the paint dried, I rinsed it with clean water to prevent dust from sticking. The whole process took about two hours and cost less than 100 yuan. After the repair, the rims looked as good as new, and my mood improved. As a preventive measure, I’ve learned my lesson—now I always dry the junction between the wheel rims and hubs with a cloth after each car wash to avoid water accumulation and corrosion. Ignoring wheel rim oxidation could lead to rust penetration, compromising the safety structure, which isn’t worth the risk. Paying attention to small details in daily maintenance can save a lot of trouble later.
