At Konig Wheels, we value clarity and truth. In this week’s episode of the “Behind The Wheel Podcast”, hosts Scott and Daut dive deep into a topic that often confuses car enthusiasts: the misconception that aluminum wheels can rust.

“Once in a blue moon, we get these weird emails,” Scott mentions. Customers claim their aluminum wheels are rusting. But here’s the fact: aluminum doesn’t rust. Rust is iron oxide, a result of iron reacting with oxygen and moisture. Since aluminum contains no iron, it can’t form rust. It can oxidize, but that’s a different process that doesn’t produce the flaky red residue we associate with rust.

So why do some wheels appear rusty? The culprit is usually brake dust and road contaminants. Brake pads shed tiny metallic particles that settle on your wheels. Over time, especially without regular cleaning, these particles oxidize and give the illusion of rust on your aluminum wheels.

Daut recalls thinking his center cap screws were rusting. Scott simply wiped them clean, revealing it was just dirt and brake dust. The screws are stainless steel, resistant to rust, and the wheels are aluminum. Both materials, when properly maintained, remain rust-free.

Contaminants can bake into the clear coat of your wheels, especially under the sun or after high-performance driving. This not only affects the aesthetic but can also degrade the protective layers of your wheels.

Scott emphasizes the need to clean your wheels frequently to prevent brake dust from sitting on them for long periods. This is crucial for racers or anyone who drives aggressively, as brake dust accumulation is significantly higher.

Overusing products like tire shine can cause more harm than good. Daut admits that excessive tire shine bothers him because it flings up on the side of the car. Use such products sparingly and ensure any excess is wiped off to prevent attracting more dirt and grime.

As winter approaches, it’s essential to give your wheels some extra attention:

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