Winter Salt and Chemical Protection for Wheels

I am mounting some brand new BMF Novakane's (death metal black) this week. I'd love to keep these mounted all year round, but Pennsylvania loves salt and de-icing chemicals.

Are there any protective waxes or gels that will protect the BMF clear coat from breaking down from the salt/chemicals? Anyone have any experience with this?

Please don't suggest 'use your stock rims' thats obvious.

 

would like to know about this also, i dont have my stock set for winter anymore

 

any wax will protect them. Just don't wash them with harsh "wheel cleaning" chemicals once you do wax them. I would wash them with a car wash that contains wax.

 

not a bad tip... thanks man. got suggestions for any specific waxes?

other people have to have experience with this, come on TW! lol

 

I like and use

$21 Collinite 845 Insulator Wax-Easy to Use Carnauba+Polymer Wax Sealant-High Gloss Shine+Durable Hydrophobic Beading & Long Lasting Paint Protection for Cars/Boats/Trucks/RVs & Motorcycles (16 fl oz)

Collinite 845 Insulator Wax. It's inexpensive, looks good and the protection is fantastic... lasts 3-5 months on my paint and a bit less on my rims.

I would clean wheels thoroughly, including the barrel, then apply 2 light coats of Collinite 845 wax to wheels (again, including the barrel).

Up here in MA, while rotating tires, I do this procedure twice a year. Once in the Spring to clean up after Winter, and once in October, before the nasty weather comes. Then, I'll just try to clean the wheels a few times through the winter.

Remember, your wheels and tires live in an extremely harsh and toxic environment of oil, chemicals, salt, sand, grime, water.
Give them a bit of extra care and they'll look good and last a long time.

Check out the detailing forums over at autopia.org or detailingworld.com.
Both sites have tons of info and helpful members.

 

just ordered some based on your recommendation and online reviews. thanks!

 

I make sure to take my truck to one of those self wash bays each time it snows. Spend a couple of bucks, spray the truck and underside off with high pressure soap and rinse with clean water. Easy way to minimize corrosion, especially when paired with a good waxing.

 

Do you re-wax after that each time? It seems that doing a high pressure soap wash would strip the wax.

 

No. I keep the wand back 18-24" from the paint so it isn't much stronger than a garden hose by the time it hits. Usually the high pressure option is the only one that sends out a soapy solution.

During the year I will wax the truck just before the snow season, possibly again during the winter if it has been an active year with the road chemicals, and then again in the spring to get it through summer. Never had a problem with the wax or paint this way.

 

The most important thing is to wash your wheels frequently during the winter. Wash frequently and keep wax on them and you will be good to go.

 

Awesome, I'll keep all of that in mind, Gotta take care of the new wheels!

 

You'll be good to go w/ 845. It's such a durable wax and versatile! After the initial application I would say that one coat is enough. Two is ok the first time to ensure coverage but I personally wouldn't waste the time/effort after that. You wont gain much by doubling up.

 

I'll probably double up before winter starts because Pittsburgh loves slathering the roads with salt and chemicals. Then I'll go from there, keep a very close eye on them during the winter and see if I need to re-apply.

i was even considering putting wheel wax over the layer of 845, is that a good idea?

 

I hear you on the Pennsylvania roads, My 07 look like this all winter two years ago.

 

ugghhhhh, i might puke if my truck looks like that...

better save up on quarters for the car wash

 

although, theres not much we can do about it, eh? lol

 

No, last year wasnt bad... Two years ago it was a bunch of little nusance storms and we had a lot of ice. They were throwing salt down like crazy. On my 2011, I actually sprayed my frame with undercoating right when new. Not sure if it will help or not, but im trying to keep it from rusting.

 

not a bad idea...how much did that cost you?

2 years ago it was below freezing for like 2 months straight. Then the year before that was snowmageddon...I was driving a chevy cavalier during both of those winters ..

 

I actually painted the frame with black rustoleum paint, then went over it with a quality rustproof spray bomb from advanced auto. It by no means was professional, but I feel like it might help. Just some advice.... don't do it on a windy day. It will get on side of truck.

 

not necessary. The 845 is going to act as your wheel wax. The dedicated wheel sealants/waxes don't offer much else other than a higher temp before they start to break down. Some people will also argue that additional layers of wax will remove subsequent layers due to the chemical makeup of certain waxes.