Maintaining the factory appearance of your wheels requires regular care. Clean them regularly to prevent corrosion and other damage. Please note that warranty claims on finishes will be voided if improper maintenance or cleaning agents are used.
- Road Dirt and Corrosion: Typical road dirt traps moisture that, over time, can cause corrosion. Brake dust, created by braking friction, is corrosive and can cause pitting of the wheel’s finish.
- Cleaning Agents: Most household cleaning agents are too harsh and must be avoided. Car wash soap and water are all you need to properly clean your wheels.
Cleaning Tips
Care for the finish of your wheels the same way you would care for the finish of your car:
- Abrasive Materials: Do not use abrasive materials to clean wheels as they can damage the finish.
- Bristle Brushes and Scouring Pads: Use caution when cleaning tires with a bristle brush and never use scouring pads.
- Automatic Car Washes: Use caution in automatic car washes because steam cleaners and strong chemicals used can cause permanent staining or corrosion.
- Hot Wheels: Never clean wheels when they are hot. Always allow wheels time to cool before cleaning with soap and water. Never spray cold water on extremely hot wheels.
Specific Finish Care
- Chrome-Plated Aluminum: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth. After cleaning, apply a coat of soft, non-abrasive cream wax or wheel seal to prevent surface corrosion.
- Clear Coated: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth.
- Painted and Clear-Coated: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth.
- Machined and Clear-Coated: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth.
- PVD Coated: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth.
- Polished Aluminum: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth. The appearance of polished wheels (that are not clear coated) will diminish over time unless they receive additional care and maintenance. After cleaning, apply a coat of soft, non-abrasive cream wax or wheel seal. A specially formulated custom wheel polish and wheel seal is recommended to return shine to oxidized wheels. The finish on polished aluminum wheels is not covered under any warranty.
- Chrome-Plated Steel: Clean using mild dish soap and water; dry with a soft cloth. After cleaning, apply a coat of soft, non-abrasive cream wax or wheel seal to prevent surface corrosion. Surface corrosion and rust can be prevented with proper care and is not covered under any warranty.
Inspections and Damage
If you hit a hard object (e.g., curb, pothole) or have an accident, always have your wheels inspected by a professional wheel installation shop. If any damage is found, replace the wheel immediately.
For any further questions or assistance, please contact our customer service team. Thank you for choosing FCKstockWheels.com for your automotive wheel needs.