This is what you need to do
The Rad Carsten tipsAluminium rims can’t just be mounted and driven around like any other wheel. Although, sure you can, but who would? An aluminium rim should be properly maintained, mounted correctly and stored with care. Therefore, here are a few important tips, so that you can enjoy your aluminium wheels as long as possible:
Driving
The most important rule for all owners of aluminium wheels is of course: Never let anyone drive, who doesn’t know how to park. Better said aluminium wheels are allergic to direct contact with kerbsides. Therefore, always park a little farther away from the kerb, than take the risk of scraping along the edge.
Care
Some aluminium wheels have their problems with strong cleansers, depending on the paint job or surface treatment. Of course metal scrub pads or other hard brushes are taboo. Think twice before letting your favourite aunt or someone else do you a favour by having a go at your wheels with wire pads and toilet cleaner.
Mounting
Since aluminium is not only lighter than steel, but also much softer, you should never tighten the mounting bolts as tight as Dad does with his steel wheels. Actually you should always tighten your aluminium wheels with a torque spanner. Then you can be sure that they’re tight enough that you’ll still have four wheels when you come around the corner, but no marks left by the bolts. The required tightening torque can be found in the part certificate or in the ABE.
Storage
Aluminium wheels should be stored hanging up – this way there’s no risk of them corroding due to contact with caustic fluids.
Selling
If you want to sell your aluminium wheels – for whatever reason – make absolutely sure that you have all of the required documents that your received during the initial purchase. Without the TÜV report, even the best aluminium wheels are hard to sell.