Inner alloy wheel protection?

[andrew a.]

Any suggestions/tips/ideas on how to protect the inner alloy wheels from salt damage? (aside from removing the alloys with winter tires or not using the suv at all during winter!). I know it's still summer season but I think it is a good time to have the alloys protected before winter season starts.....I remember in my previous Honda Odyssey, the inner alloy wheels were so HORRIBLY damaged with salt ...I was too late to apply protection, if there is such....

[armpilot]

I would wax them. Best protection is washing them often.

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by andrew a.

I remember in my previous Honda Odyssey, the inner alloy wheels were so HORRIBLY damaged with salt ...I was too late to apply protection, if there is such....

Isn't the "damage" purely cosmetic in any area you can't see?

I doubt you can buy anything but very short-term protection by applying something and removing the wheels all the time to apply it would be a royal pain. I'd flush the wheel wells in the winter after the big snow episodes, remove and wash the wheels in the spring during tire rotation, and live with what damage is left.

- Mark

[andrew a.]

Originally Posted by whizmo

Isn't the "damage" purely cosmetic in any area you can't see?

I doubt you can buy anything but very short-term protection by applying something and removing the wheels all the time to apply it would be a royal pain. I'd flush the wheel wells in the winter after the big snow episodes, remove and wash the wheels in the spring during tire rotation, and live with what damage is left.

- Mark

I wish it was purely cosmetic. In my Odyssey, the inner portion of the alloy wheels were really starting to pit . Even with regular washings, especially during winter and big snow episodes, it didn't really help. I am just surprised on my 2001 Camry, there is not one spot of corrosion on its alloy wheels, and it is not being taken cared for as much as in my previous Odyssey.

Maybe waxing it or applying silicone may help, but I am also worried that dirt and salt may also adhere to it if I do this. Guess I don't have any other options left, huh?

[humanoid]

Maybe you should get some steelies for winter use and keep your alloys for other times of the year.

[armpilot]

Originally Posted by andrew a.

I wish it was purely cosmetic. In my Odyssey, the inner portion of the alloy wheels were really starting to pit . Even with regular washings, especially during winter and big snow episodes, it didn't really help. I am just surprised on my 2001 Camry, there is not one spot of corrosion on its alloy wheels, and it is not being taken cared for as much as in my previous Odyssey.

Maybe waxing it or applying silicone may help, but I am also worried that dirt and salt may also adhere to it if I do this. Guess I don't have any other options left, huh?

The dirt will adhere to it still , but you will have a layer of wax between the dirt and the wheels. I wouldnt expect the wax to last as long on your wheels as it does the rest of the car cause of heat from braking.

[hondacuraplanet]

There really is no good option there. I had to run the chrome Cobra R wheels in the winter for only 3 months, as my winter vehicle was down. The chrome on the inside is now beginning to peel

[armpilot]

Winter is a cruel mistress.

[armpilot]

..and a Biach!