Aluminum wheels and anodizing

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

Curiously enough, anodizing is a kind of permanent oxidization of aluminum. 
It is commonly used on aluminum spars for sailboats, mainly to protect 
against corrosion at sea, but also pretty well a uniform treatment for 
fresh water use. It is indeed a hard and chemically inert surface, very 
durable unless physically damaged.

The wheel cleaners often contain strong lye solutions which can harm some 
surfaces. it is important to know what surface treatment is on the alloy 
wheels before attempting to clean them. Paint is by far the most common and 
the same stuff you use to wash your car should be what you use for painted 
wheels.


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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