How to Remove Rust From the Rims on a Vehicle
Rust can build up on your vehicle's chrome wheel rims, especially if you store it for a long time without driving it. The rust is most likely to develop in the crevices between the spokes and the outer rim itself. Even a little rust will make the car look bad, and excessive rust can damage the rims. The faster you take care of the rust, the easier it can be to remove.
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Things You'll Need
- Garden hose with nozzle
- Scrubbing pad
- Shop towels or other soft rags
- Naval jelly
- Rubber gloves
- All-purpose cleaner
- Steel wool
- Chrome polish
Instructions
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Wash away everything other than rust that has built up on the rims. Depending on where you've stored the vehicle, this can include dust, dirt and pollen. A garden hose with a spray nozzle will work best for cleaning the wheels; wash off the whitewalls as well.
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Start with a simple scrubbing pad for light rust that has just begun building up. You may only need to apply warm water to the rims, but WD-40 can help as well. As long as the scrubbing pad is not abrasive, put as much physical effort into scrubbing as you can.
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Switch to a substance called "naval jelly" for rust that won't come off easily. This comes in a bottle, and you need to place it on a rag or other applicator--while wearing rubber gloves--and then rub it onto the rusty area. Let it sit on the rims for five to 10 minutes before washing it off with water.
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Try an all-purpose cleaner on rust that is excessive. Look for a cleaner that has the highest acidic solution you can find, which will work on excessively tough stains. This type of cleaner can damage the chrome if left on for too long, so start wiping it off with the cloth after about 30 seconds or so.
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Use a steel wool pad or other harsh abrasive on rust that is especially stubborn, applying the cleaning solution or chrome polish to the steel wool. Rub the steel wool in circular motions, using as little force as possible; using several motions instead of extreme pressure will protect the chrome.
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Rinse away all remaining loose rust as well as any small particles from the steel wool that may have collected in the crevices. Apply chrome polish to the rims to help protect them from rust in the future, applying the polish to a rag and buffing the chrome.
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