Many new cars come with Diamond cut wheels. Everything from Lexus to BMW have adopted this style of manufacturing process to add a special effect to wheels. However, looking after them requires special care because they are prone to rusting.
To properly understand why they rust and how to keep them clean, lets first dive into how they’re made.
Diamond cut wheels are made using a specialised process called diamond cutting. This process involves using a diamond-tipped tool to carefully cut and shape the surface of the wheel.
- To start, a wheel blank, or a round piece of metal, is mounted onto a lathe. The diamond-tipped tool is then used to cut grooves into the surface of the wheel blank. The depth, width, and spacing of these grooves are carefully controlled to achieve the desired finish on the wheel.
- Next, the wheel blank is polished to remove any rough or uneven areas and to create a smooth, shiny finish. This step may involve using a series of progressively finer grits of abrasive materials to achieve the desired level of smoothness.
- Finally, the wheel is inspected for quality and any necessary touch-ups are performed before it is shipped to the customer.
Overall, the process of manufacturing diamond cut wheels is a highly skilled and precise task that requires a great deal of expertise and attention to detail. The reason diamond cut wheels start to rust is because the surface is exposed then covered in protective lacquer. However, overtime this lacquer can become damaged due to wheel kerbing and mounting/unmounting. This results in the oxidation occurring which overtime will cause the surface to display cloudiness.
To properly clean diamond cut wheels, you will need to follow these steps:
- Wash the wheels with a mild soap and water solution to remove any surface dirt and grime. Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the wheels, paying extra attention to areas with brake dust or road grime.
- Dry the wheels thoroughly using a clean, dry cloth or chamois.
- If the wheels have heavy brake dust or grime buildup, you may need to use a specialised wheel cleaner. Follow the instructions on the product packaging, and be sure to wear gloves and eye protection when using these products.
- Use a soft, clean cloth or a microfiber towel to wipe away the cleaner and any dirt or grime.
- If your diamond cut wheels have any scratches or imperfections, you may want to use a polishing compound to restore their shine. Follow the instructions on the product packaging, and be sure to use a soft, clean cloth to apply the compound.
- Once the wheels are clean and polished, apply a tire shine or wheel wax to protect the finish and help prevent dirt and grime from sticking to the wheels.
Remember to always be careful when cleaning your wheels, as they can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals or rough scrubbing. Also, be sure to let the wheels cool completely before cleaning them, as hot wheels can be damaged by cold water.
Get your wheels clean and shiny while looking after them by shopping on our Detailing Section.