Is It Normal for New Car Wheels to Rust?

[AmaraLee]

Rust on new car wheels is a normal phenomenon. If the rust is only on the surface of the wheel, it will not affect future use. However, if the wheel is severely rusted or corroded, or if the aluminum alloy material is damaged, the wheel will gradually deteriorate. Causes of rust on new car wheels: prolonged exposure to humid environments, scratches on the wheels during driving, and the use of strong acid or alkaline cleaning agents during car washing, which can cause the clear coat protective layer to peel off, exposing the metal to direct contact with air. This leads to oxidation and corrosion of the wheel, resulting in rust. Methods to deal with rust on wheels: If the rust is not severe, you can first use very fine sandpaper dipped in water to sand away the rust spots. After completely cleaning the area, apply a layer of primer to prevent the rust from spreading or worsening. For new scratches, clean the area and apply primer directly. Most vehicles come with a small can of original paint. If you want the wheels to look aesthetically pleasing, you can opt for wheel repair or refurbishment, which not only removes dirt from the wheel surface but also restores the oxidized surface.