What Causes Wheel Hub Rust?
2 Answers
Wheel hub rust indicates damage to the car's wheel hub. Here's an introduction to automotive wheel hubs: 1. Overview of Automotive Wheel Hubs: The wheel hub is the central part of the wheel where the axle is installed, commonly referred to as the "rim" or "steel rim". Wheel hubs are prone to accumulating dirt, and if not cleaned for extended periods, they may corrode or deform, posing safety hazards. 2. Classification of Automotive Wheel Hubs: (1) Steel Wheel Hubs: The primary advantages of steel wheel hubs are their simple manufacturing process, relatively low cost, and strong resistance to metal fatigue, colloquially known as being cheap and durable. (2) Alloy Wheel Hubs: The main advantages of alloy wheel hubs are their lighter weight, lower inertial resistance, high manufacturing precision, minimal deformation during high-speed rotation, reduced inertial resistance, which helps improve the vehicle's straight-line driving performance, decreases tire rolling resistance, and consequently reduces fuel consumption.
I recently noticed that the wheel rims are rusting, which is quite common but affects the appearance. The main reasons are exposure to rain, salt from winter roads, or dust, causing oxidation on the metal surface. For ordinary car owners like me, residual salt stains often remain on the rims after winter driving, and delayed cleaning leads to rust. Scratches or minor damages can also accelerate the rusting process. If the rust penetrates deeply, it may weaken the rim's strength, causing vibrations or air leaks, which can compromise driving safety. Therefore, it's recommended to clean the rims once a month using a soft cloth and specialized cleaning agents. Minor rust can be sanded down with sandpaper and sprayed with anti-rust paint. Prevention is better than repair—developing good habits can save money and hassle in overall car maintenance. Choosing aluminum alloy rims reduces the risk of rust, while steel rims require extra protection.