Polished alloys are one of the quickest ways to make a truck stand out, but aluminium starts oxidising again as soon as it’s exposed to the elements. How often you need a polish depends on how you run your truck.
What makes rims go dull
Oxidation is a natural reaction between aluminium and air and moisture. Brake dust, road grime, salt and acidic or alkaline truck-wash chemicals speed it up. Trucks that run coastal routes or sit outside all week will dull faster than garaged trucks on short runs.
A realistic schedule
- Show trucks and owner-operators who want a perfect finish: a maintenance polish every 4–6 weeks.
- Working trucks doing regular metro runs: a full polish every 2–3 months.
- Linehaul and heavy-mileage fleets: a rotation every 6–8 weeks keeps oxidation from building up.
Keep the shine longer
- Wash with a pH-neutral wash, not harsh acid wheel cleaners.
- Dry the wheels after washing to avoid water spots.
- Ask for a sealant after each polish to slow down re-oxidation.
- Don’t let it go too long. Light oxidation is quicker (and cheaper) to remove than heavy build-up.
If your rims have already gone grey and chalky, a staged cut and polish will bring them back. Send us a photo and we’ll tell you what’s involved.
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