Steel wheels in states that use salt question.

[Dan Whitaker]

I am wanting to know if painted or chrome steel wheels still rust bad like they used to in states that use salt in thw winter.

I have polished aluminum wheels now & I'm tired of polishing them all the time

I would like to go with a chrome plated wheel but I know first hand that they used to rust bad in the winters here in Kansas City due to the use of salt on the roads. If they still do this then I will stick with polisihing my current ones or look for a set of sealed aluminum wheels.

 

[Anime]

Of course they still do. Steel and chrome hasn't changed much since you last saw a set rusted, I'm sure. There are chrome steel wheels that came factory on Explorers, though, you might be able to find a set for cheap and make it worth it. They probably won't rust that badly. It's a lot of work, but polished aluminum sure looks nice. Clear coated or painted sure is easier, though, clean it and forget it.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

That's what I figured.

I'm thinking of going with American Racing 15x8 AR23's. They are machined with a clear coat.

I have got to do something as what the wheels I have now are 10" wide and stick out too far. The 15x10's also limit my tire choices as well.

 

[glfredrick]

I recommend a heavy coat of wax.

I used to just paint mine after they started to pit.

 

[JohnnyO]

If they're clear-coated they should be okay. Never had a factory set of wheels rust or corrode. I have a set of American 767 black spokes on my work van, I run 'em year-round in PA and they have rust where the spokes meet the rim. Once or twice a year I hit the rust with Rustoleum and call it good. Still better than the OE white rims and dog dish hubcaps.

 

[UtahX]

This is my first year, so I will see what happens, but I also but a sealant on them, so that should at least help on the outside.

 

[ncc]

Hello from New Hampshire! LOTS of salt used up here....

I have a '97 Eddie Bauer with the 3-spoke (if you can call them spokes) chromed wheels. The steel portions of all four wheels are rusted pretty bad even though the outer chrome portion still shines up nicely.

My left rear has actually rusted right through around the valve-stem hole, so I have a slow leak that will require me to replace the wheel in the very near future.

So, yeah...steel rusts.