Winter is coming – Time to change your rims
Long gone are the days when you had to switch to practical yet not always attractive steel rims for the winter season. Nowadays, alloy wheels can endure the winter ordeal without lasting damage. This is fully applicable to the premium alloy wheels from AEZ, which offer a true shield against the harsh environmental influences during the winter months with their SRC coating.
This provides an opportunity to give your car an alternative look with a stylish second set of winter wheels. One option is the Alaska dark. By keeping a few things in mind, you can enjoy AEZ light alloy wheels for many winters.
What is SRC?
The secret behind the acronym SRC, which stands for "Salt & Sun Resistant Coating," lies in three special layers that provide the rim surface with a highly durable seal. These layers make AEZ rims practically immune to UV radiation, road salt, or minor scratches.
While aluminium doesn't rust like iron or steel without the innovative SRC coating, oxidation can lead to an unsightly grey layer. To counter this, AEZ uses an ultra-hard powder primer that is electrostatically applied and "baked" at 210 degrees Celsius for 45 minutes.
The actual colour layer, a highly modern wet paint, is then applied, and it's solidified for an additional 40 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. The final stage of resilience involves one to two transparent, ultra-hard clear coats that seal the rim surface, protecting it against environmental influences and minor injuries.
AEZ wheels are tested in independent laboratories according to the ECE-R124 regulation, subjecting SRC-coated AEZ rims to a 300-hour ordeal of stone chips, salt, acetic acid, and copper chloride.
When to switch?
As a general rule: From O to E – October to Easter – you should expect cold temperatures, ice, and snow. It's better not to be caught off guard, as summer tyres with their harder rubber compound offer less grip at low temperatures, leading to longer braking distances and poorer lateral control in corners – a safety risk.
Planning a tyre change ahead of time ensures safety, especially since some countries have a winter tyre requirement. It's also much easier to secure a workshop appointment without stress with some foresight. If you're still searching for the right winter wheels, you can find a plethora of highly attractive wheels in various designs and styles using the AEZ 3D rim configurator.
And where to store the summer wheels?
The easiest solution is your trusted workshop’s tyre hotel where the valuable items can spend the winter safely. Alternatively, you can store them in your garage or (dry!) basement.
The key here is that the wheels are stacked horizontally or hung on a rim stand or sturdy wall hook. Never leave the wheels standing vertically over the winter! Professionals also know that you should increase the air pressure by 0.5 bar during the storage period.
Thoroughly check before storing
Before leaving the summer wheels to hibernate, give them a thorough cleaning and inspection. Are there any damages to the paint? Is the aluminium corroded? Corrosion can lead to dangerous leaks in the wheel's flange area. If you notice any stone impacts or even curb contacts, it's advisable to have a professional inspect the wheels
Next, focus on the tyres: Are they still fresh? It's recommended to change the tyres about every ten years. You can determine the tyre's age from a four-digit number following the "DOT" abbreviation: For instance, 0919 means the tyres were produced in the 9th week of 2019. Checking the tyres for uneven wear, injuries, and the required minimum tread depth will spare you unpleasant surprises.
Riding through winter safely and in style just requires a bit of attention and a set of stylish AEZ rims. If you're looking for examples of which rim harmonizes well with a specific car, you can find plenty of inspiration on Facebook or Instagram. AEZ also welcomes written inquiries for tips or suggestions and responds promptly and professionally.
