As we saw on the M25 recently, when a large swathe of the road was closed for several hours thanks to foot-deep craters in the tarmac, potholes are a serious problem. Even the smaller ones you encounter on everyday journeys can cause damage to your wheels and tyres – and with the cold weather approaching these potholes are only going to increase in number. It’s not just potholes that can be problematic, however, even speedbumps can have the same effect!

These road features are a particular problem because they can cause dents and cracks. This is of especial concern to those with large alloys, as these require tyres with lower-profile sidewalls, which are more likely to sustain crack damage because there is less surface area and less flexibility to absorb impacts. Even the most careful drivers can be subject to the odd knock or bump, and so it’s important to constantly check your wheels and tyres.

The easiest way to check for cracks is to regularly check your tyre pressure. If the air in a tyre goes down faster than usual, this is usually a reliable indicator that you have a small crack or dent – even if you can’t see it with the naked eye. It’s obviously unwise to continue driving on this wheel, particularly because in these wet conditions a large amount of water could be seeping in through the crack, getting underneath the alloy’s protective layer and corroding what’s underneath.

The good news, however, is that you don’t need to buy new alloys if this problem occurs. Diamond Alloys have a high quality welding service that will have your alloys looking as good as new, not to mention performing like they did when you first got them. Our experts examine every inch of your alloys and wheels before repairing and balancing them, giving you a thorough alloy wheel service that usually takes less than 24 hours.

Want to know how the repair service works? We start by grinding out both sides of the crack to remove any contamination, then weld either side to ensure that the repair has maximum strength. Once this is completed, we grind down the weld so it’s flush with the rest of the alloy, ensuring that it doesn’t damage the inside of the tyre. If you’re concerned about aesthetics, we can also refurbish the entire alloy to have it sparkling like new.

If you’d like a quotation for repairing cracks you’ve spotted, or think there’s a problem and would like our experts to take a look, get in touch today.

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We’re constantly bringing you handy hints and tips about best practice in cleaning your wheels and alloys. We do know, however, how easy it is to cut corners when following advice – we’ve all done it – so we thought we’d bring you a guide to things you absolutely shouldn’t do! If you have any questions about our tips below, or want us to give your alloys a top-quality service before you commence your own cleaning regime, get in touch.

Cool your wheels before cleaning
Never clean your wheels when they’re warm. Not only will this hurt you, but you may end up damaging the wheels and alloys. Remember that brake pads take a lot of time to cool, so make sure you leave enough time between your drive and clean.

Avoid inappropriate substances
Never use household products to clean your wheels, as substances like washing up liquid can damage their surface. The same goes for acid-based cleaners and tyre shine products. If these are all you have available to you, don’t use them – it may save you time in the short term but you’ll spend more money and time in the long run repairing the damage they cause.

Refrain from steam cleaning
Steam cleaning can remove the protective coating in your alloys, and damage the surface of your wheels. If in doubt, don’t do it!

Every wheel deserves care
Don’t try to wash all your wheels at once – if you’re moving round all of them simulataneously you’re likely to leave a cleaning product on them for too long whilst you deal with the others, leading to damage and corrosion. Always wash the wheels one by one!

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As soon as November appeared the weather has turned, and we’re now besieged by cold and rain as well as those early dark nights! Not only does this mean you’ll do much more driving with the lights on, but it’s also a sign that your wheels are now much more exposed to damage. There are, however, easy ways to minimise potential problems and care for your alloys and tyres. As it’s a busy time of year, we’ve put our top types in an easy-to-remember list.

Clear away brake dust.  Brake dust is hugely corrosive, and will do significant damage to your rims if left alone. Created by the friction between brake discs and brake pads, this dust will cling stubbornly to your alloys unless you regularly clear it away. A regular cleaning regime is the best possible prevention of damage from brake dust – see our previous blogs for a step-by-step guide.

Liberally apply cleaning fluid. Cleaning fluid, even top-quality fluid, is many times cheaper than new alloys. Don’t be shy about using lots of cleaning fluid – your investment will save you money later on.

Every tool should be appropriate to the job.  It’s tempting to use an old towel or similar when you’re cleaning, but it’s worth investing in the proper tools for your cleaning regime. They’re not expensive, and having things like a microfibre wash mitt and proper cleaning fluid will make the task easier and more enjoyable.

Apply wax. Wheel wax will seal in the shine of your alloys – keeping them looking sharp all through the winter! It also means you can use a less intensive cleaning regime after application, saving you time and effort throughout the cold weather when you’d rather be inside.

Never be afraid to get expert help. We have a huge range of cleaning tips on our blog, alongside a high-quality repair and maintenance service that will have battered or unloved alloys looking as good as new.

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